Police Community Service Officer

Police Community Service Officer

Police Community Service Officer monthly salary : $4,852 - $5,898 plus a competitive benefits package.

This recruitment is to fill one full-time vacancy for the Vernon Police Department and to establish an eligibility list to be used for future vacancies.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative duties in a non-sworn capacity in support of Police Department operations, services, and functions including but not limited to the areas of patrol, traffic control, parking enforcement, community policing, records, investigations, works closely with and provides support to sworn police officers to relieve sworn police officers of technical police related duties in the field and office; performs a variety of other duties based on the needs of the department including those related to special assignments.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Prepares basic criminal reports; uses a computer terminal or personal computer to enter and retrieve data.
• Maintains and submits daily officers log on both paper and electronic media.
• Testifies in court proceedings as required; prepares exhibits for the District Attorney and court as assigned.
• Provides a full range of information to citizens and other interested parties; interprets, applies and explains ordinances, rules, codes, and regulations; enforces codes; assists citizens needing medical attention until paramedics arrive; provides basic first aid.
• Attends and participates in local and regional training and professional group meetings; keeps informed of new trends and innovations.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Investigations : Assists Police Officers and Detectives in crime investigation and reporting, or investigates assigned cases including auto theft and embezzled vehicle cases, and related cases, traffic collisions / traffic hazards.

Patrol / Community Policing / Traffic Functions : Responds to and assists at non-injury, minor injury, and major injury traffic collisions; provides first aid at the scene; provides traffic control at accident scenes and assists in directing other responders / units and emergency medical personnel into the scene; requests tow trucks as necessary; impounds vehicles as necessary; coordinates with appropriate agencies and / or staff to ensure collision debris / hazardous materials are removed from scene.

Records Functions : Provides customer service to citizens at the Police Department front-desk; answers telephones, provides information and routes calls to appropriate personnel; greets visitors, provides information, and logs in visitors; prepares agency releases for stored or impounded vehicles.

Education, training and experience guidelines : High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND one year of work experience involving public contact and performance of basic office support duties. Experience in a law enforcement or related work environment is desirable.

Knowledge of : City and VPD policies and procedures. Basic law enforcement organization, activities, terminology, practices, and regulations. Basic bookkeeping and clerical accounting principles, practices and terminology. Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers. Computer applications such as word processing. Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work including safe driving principles and practices. Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas. Effective communication skills and techniques required for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information. Principles and practices of customer service. Effective English usage, to include proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in : Learning methods and techniques related to basic police functions. Understanding, interpreting, and applying pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including vehicle codes, penal codes, and municipal codes. Understanding, interpreting, and applying general and specific administrative and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. Preparing clear, concise, factual, and thorough reports and statements. Preparing, maintaining, filing, and indexing a variety of reports, records, and other written materials. Identifying and responding to community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. Organizing and prioritizing timelines and projecting schedules in an effective and timely manner. Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals. Establishing and maintaining various data collection, record keeping, tracking, filing, and reporting systems. Operating assigned vehicle in a safe manner. Using and operating assigned tools and equipment including portable radio, camera, and evidence / fingerprint kit. Exercising tact and judgment in responding to inquiries and resolving complaints and problems. Working under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person. Demonstrating an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establishing and maintaining effective and courteous relationships with the public and co-workers and contributing to a successful team effort. Operating and using various office equipment including a computer and various software packages.

License and certification requirements : A valid California State Drivers License is required. Completion of PC 832 course, or the ability to complete the course within the designated timeframe. Possession of or ability to obtain within designated timeframe, OC certification. Possession of or ability to obtain within designated timeframe, CPR / First Aid certification. Must successfully pass a Police Department background check. Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment.

Physical demands and working environment : Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in the field to lead investigations and tactical situations; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet VPD standards.

Selection process : Completed application packets will be reviewed and only the applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. The selection process may include a written in-person multiple choice exam and an external virtual panel interview. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be submitted online.