Surveillance Officer

Probation Surveillance Officer

The purpose of this position is to provide surveillance and supportive casework services to probationers at the direction of the Superior Court under the provisions of evidence-based practices and consistent with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. This position performs monitoring of assigned probationers and meeting with probationers in their home or at their places of school / work. Surveillance Officers may perform searches and make arrests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Performs closely structured surveillance and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and parents / guardians when working with juveniles and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, schools, community restitution or jail / detention) as a member of a team. Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day, and evening home contacts. Directs and / or refers probationers to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation. Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in level of supervision is warranted.

Performs searches, breathalyzers / urinalysis collection, and makes a documented effort to locate absconders. Serves warrants, makes arrests and brings persons before the court who are on probation including defaulting probationers facing revocation. Surveillance Officers have the authority of Peace Officers in the performance of his or her duties. Appears and testifies in court.

In confrontational situations with probationers or others, appropriately and effectively responds and uses defensive tactics and techniques, as learned at the Defensive Tactics Safety Training Academy, when necessary. Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following, or their comparable alternatives : 1) Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown). 2) Perform minor aerobic activity, 3) Stand for up to 2 hours at a time, 4) Engage in balanced movements, 5) Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes), 6) Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces), 7) Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks), 8) Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery), 9) Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed, 10) Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, 11) Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground, 12) Be able to bend knees lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing techniques ), 13) Be able to bend knees at a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education / Directly Related Experience Required

High School Diploma or GED. Associates Degree in the behavioral sciences or a related field from an accredited college is preferred.

Three (3) years experience; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Successfully complete the Intensive Probation Institute within the first twelve (12) months of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

Public safety and security; law and government; Federal, State, Local laws, regulations, Statutes; law enforcement and case management Probation.

Possess knowledge and understanding or :

• The criminal justice system and community resources.
• Diversion, Adult and Juvenile Standard Probation, Adult and Juvenile Intensive Probation and community supervision.
• Social and community corrections casework.
• Principles of adolescent and general human behavior and evidence-based practices in community corrections.

Active listening; critical thinking; persuading and influencing; problem recognition; problem solving; developing alternative solutions; diversity awareness and time management.

Must have skills in the areas of :

Recognize problems; find directions and current locations; maintain calm demeanor in stressful situations; maintain mental response and quickness; consider options, risks and benefits. Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, telephones, radios, hand cuffs, body armor and other equipment depending on case assignments.

Must possess :

Incumbents in this position perform surveillance duties in the field and in County offices / facilities; involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to hostile situations; non-standard work hours are required; must work with a highly manipulative and psychologically challenging client population; must be able to maintain professional composure and effectiveness; ability to drive in order to make field contacts and travel to other facilities.

Because probationers under Court supervision may include convicted felons, felony adjudicated delinquents, and / or persons with domestic violence convictions / adjudications, these job duties expose the Surveillance Officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. As a result, the Surveillance Officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA 6-106(A) and ACJA 6-107(A).

Incumbents in this position may become exposed to high stress levels and to hostile, confrontational situations with probationers; may become exposed to telephone verbal abuse by citizens or emotional individuals; physical danger such as physical attacks and gun shots, may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, infectious and communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, extreme temperature, and wetness and humidity.

Must be required to work during weekdays, weekends, holidays and on any assigned shift.

Incumbents in this position are required to constantly follow written safety procedures and manuals relevant to the division or department. Required to regularly use safety equipment and protective gear. Required to utilize compliance devices such as restraints, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, and impact weapons. Required to occasionally utilize hearing protection devices and eye protection devices.

Potential errors can have legal ramifications, loss of funding, loss of organization's credibility.

Be a United States citizen or legal resident.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Be a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years.

Complete background / reference checks, interviews, polygraph and / or drug testing, and preemployment psychological examinations.

Must successfully complete 40-hour Defensive Training Academy as soon as practical, but no later than 120 days from the date of employment.

Must demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the Defensive Tactics Training Academy.

Must successfully complete eight (8) hours of defensive tactics refresher training on an annual basis.

Must maintain certificate of successful completion of defensive tactics training.

Must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan.