Position responsible for investigating citizen requests for service and/or complaints regarding animals.  The position requires the apprehension and impoundment of animals that are at large or being kept in violation of municipal code.

Provides supervision, training, and assistance for all field personnel. 

Provides for performance evaluations for assigned personnel in coordination with appropriate supervisory staff.

Monitors field officer activity through review of daily paperwork, and coordination with officers, other personnel, and the public. 

Provides supervision and support to all other areas of division as needed to assist fellow supervisors. Initiates discipline as well as commendation as appropriate with the concurrence of the division director or operation manager. 

Provides assistance and recommendations to director and/or operation manager in preparing information, policies and procedures for implementing changes within the division based on knowledge of current and changing needs.

Provides follow-up information as needed to insure a high level of performance and response within the division staff. 

Maintains consistent/continual contact with attorneys, judges, Justices-of-the-Peace, etc. to assure division personnel are following correct legal courses of action and providing all appropriate and necessary information to enhance successful court outcomes. 

Assures all citations and complaints are properly completed, accompanied by written reports and other documents and delivered to appropriate courts or attorneys in a timely fashion. 

Reads all reports from the officer’s, assures that initial and follow-up action is completed. 

Maintains status logs of all reports. 

Ensures all bite cases are followed through and concluded through interaction with field officers and other staff as appropriate. Ensures all bite cases are properly closed and filed immediately upon expiration of quarantine period.  

Ensures appropriate procedures are followed with the State Health Department for testing of rabies suspect specimens. Provides Indianapolis/Marion County Health Department with reports and information according to policy. 

Investigates citizen complaints concerning ordinance violations through field Investigation, animal impound, issuing citation, verbal and written warnings, and initiating court information. 

Maintains applicable forms and logs as determined necessary for record keeping. 

Provides information to the public regarding the animal control ordinance and division policies and procedures. Provides testimony in court when subpoenaed using division records, personal observations, and knowledge of division policies and procedures, appropriate ordinances, and state laws. 

Provides assistance to field officers as necessary to maintain appropriate level of response to citizen complaints. Handles special assignments as required. Investigates complaints concerning animal related facilities within the community which are regulated by animal services pursuant to ordinance. This includes but is limited to kennels, pet stores, groomers, boarding kennels, carriage horse enterprises, etc. 

Ability to effectively address hostile situations involving citizens  Ability to handle all types of animals, including stray animals, animals with aggressive temperaments, and vicious animals.  

Maintains daily records of each animal impounded (e.g., tags, location, description, etc.) to ensure that impounded animals are returned to rightful owner.  Ability to manage an investigation case from start through prosecution, including the oversight of animal control officers. Investigates all assigned animal related incidents/complaints and provides follow-up on reports of animal bites and attacks.   

Maintains confidentiality when necessary regarding animal investigations. Issues citations and court summons regarding violations of local or state law involving animals and provides testimony in court.  Inspects pet shops, kennels, breeders, and special events for licensing and suitable conditions for animals.  Euthanizes animals and when necessary prepares a specimen for the State Board of Health for rabies testing. 

Performs a variety of police-community relation functions. Provides general assistance to the public and works with individuals throughout other Division(s) and/or Department(s), including the Indianapolis Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Court and Criminal Justice System, and the Health Department. Maintains assigned vehicle in a clean and sanitary condition and ensures proper working condition on a daily basis.  

Maintains and is responsible for uniform(s), weapons, tools, and equipment supplies (bolt cutters, tranquilizer, dog/cat stick, dog/cat cage, stretcher, darts, guns, etc) while following all job site safety regulations.  This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Associate’s degree in Criminology or relevant area preferred. Two (2) years of relevant work experience will substitute for each year of college. Prefer applicants with two (2) years of law enforcement experience (i.e., law enforcement, traffic enforcement, security, Business and Neighborhood Services, corrections, and criminal justice) and/or one (1) year of animal-related experience as a Veterinarian Technician, Kennel Attendant, or in a related area. The candidate must successfully complete a pre-employment physical/agility test, drug screen, background check, and a written aptitude/psychological examination. Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Indiana driver’s license with a good driving record, and must be a resident citizen of the United States or have the right to work in the United States. Must be able to drive a 1-ton van.  Must pass driving and physical examination and possess ability and physical strength to handle, control, and load animals in excess of 50 pounds.  Must be qualified to receive and maintain special police powers, including the successful completion of any necessary training.  Must have or be able to attain NACA (National Animal Control Association) certification upon employment.  Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military.  Must obtain and maintain IDACS (Indiana Data and Communication System) certification.  Incumbent must possess the ability to learn and apply applicable criminal and civil laws and evidence processing techniques. Ability to supervise, motivate, and train staff.  Must be knowledgeable in community relations, law enforcement, investigative procedures, and interview techniques.   Must be knowledgeable in law enforcement information systems (IDACS/NCIC, JUSTIS, Tiburon), city geographies, police report writing, police radio procedures, codes, and skill in operation of issued equipment and weapons (e.g., tranquilizer gun, chemical spray, etc.)   Must have keen computer skills in all systems reflected above and including EXCEL, Word, etc.  Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of organizational, planning, and problem solving skills.  Must possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively whether verbal and/or in written form and effectively present court testimony.  Possess the ability to hear, visual acuteness, and mobile use of hands, feet, etc.  

Independent judgment is essential for this position to prioritize assignments and activities.  While actions are dictated in part by established policies and procedures, civil/criminal laws and, Indianapolis Municipal Code – the work is generally performed independently.    Errors in actions or judgment could have a significant impact on the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, other law enforcement agencies, and the citizens of Indianapolis.  A high degree of independent judgment is required as related to the responsible use of assigned equipment.