Police Services Officer I

Job Description:

Police Services Officer I

Description

Description

This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

THE TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Tustin Police Department is committed to serving the community in meaningful ways and enjoys a reputation for professional excellence. The TPD strives to maintain the highest standard of professional ethics and personal integrity and remains dedicated to achieving excellence in performance throughout the organization and in the community through the quality of its personnel. It continues to be the TPD's mission to have employees who are ethical, dedicated and loyal to the department and the profession. If you desire a career in public service, are a motivated self-starter, and are willing to be apart of a creative problem solving team, apply to join the TPD as a Police Services Officer.


THE POSITION

Police Services Officers provide support to sworn police officers by performing a combination of field and office duties that do not require sworn peace officer authority. Duties are primarily focused on responding to lower risk calls for service, data collection, problem resolution, and serving as a departmental liaison with the community and law enforcement agencies. Incumbents may be tasked with a wide variety of civilian assignments such as Front Desk Officer, Detective Bureau Case Investigator, Court Liaison Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, Background Investigator, Traffic Accident Investigator, Field Report Officer, and Community Resources Officer. Distinctions between classification levels in the Police Services Officer series can be expressed in terms of the required technical expertise, complexity of assigned tasks, and scope of responsibility. Appointment is generally made at the entry level, though placement may be made at any level depending on the City's needs and applicant qualifications.


THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The recruitment process for this position contains a series of components; each component must be passed in order to continue to the next phase. First, application materials will be carefully reviewed to identify candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Those who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in a written examination. Those who pass the written examination, and who are determined to be best qualified, will be invited to a panel interview. Those who pass will earn placement on an eligibility list from which hires may be made. Candidates who are selected to move forward must pass each of the remaining steps: background investigation and polygraph examination, an interview with the Police Chief (or his designee), and a medical examination and drug screen upon conditional offer of employment. The duration of the selection process typically lasts 6-9 months. Applicants will receive written notification of their current status in the selection process via e-mail.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provides technical assistance to the public at the front desk and over the telephone; evaluates and processes disturbance calls, complaints, and requests for police services; gathers information, documents complaints, and prepares routine crime reports; directs callers to other departmental personnel or other agencies as appropriate.

Verifies and signs citation corrections; collects and processes fees; registers sex, narcotic, and arson offenders or registrants.

Assists with field investigations of crime scenes; protects crime scenes from contamination; takes photographs, obtains latent fingerprints, obtains blood samples, and collects other related property and evidence; interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects, with assistance from sworn personnel; examines and processes evidence on scene and at the Police Department.

Conducts or assists with field investigations of traffic collisions, including injury and non-injury accidents and hit-and-run incidents; conducts interviews of accident principals and witnesses; performs traffic control by directing and re-routing traffic due to traffic accidents, signal outages, and special events; administers preferred parking program.

Assists with investigations for cases involving fraud, domestic violence, embezzlement, and other crimes; identifies, locates, and interviews complainants and witnesses to obtain case information and leads; contacts private attorneys, the District Attorney’s office, banking officials, victims, witnesses, and suspects to obtain information.

Develops and implements community relations, public education, and crime prevention programs for neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and civic organizations; prepares and presents public presentations and written informational materials; assists with department tours, exhibits, and special events; serves as a liaison between the Police Department and other city departments, public agencies, and the local community.

Patrols areas of the City to enforce parking regulations and issue citations; reports and resolves observed traffic hazards; initiates impound action on vehicles in violation of codes; provides assistance to stranded motorists.

Provides court liaison services; files cases with the District Attorney’s office for processing; obtains arrest warrants and delivers subpoenas; tracks cases at the District Attorney’s office; notifies police officers of scheduled court appearances.

Receives, searches, fingerprints, books, photographs, supervises, and completes record checks of incoming prisoners; maintains physical control of prisoners using minimal restraint techniques; performs security, safety, and health checks of prisoners in holding facilities; releases prisoners by issuing citations, receiving bail or transporting them to the County jail.

Researches information for citizens and employees, and to assist with the completion of investigations and reports; investigates complaints and issues citations for violations of laws, codes, and ordinances.

Drives a marked department vehicle to and from accidents, crime scenes, meetings, and events.

Prepares and processes a variety of reports, forms, citations, applications, and permits; types, compiles, and tabulates basic statistical and financial data; tracks status of cases and warrants; maintains related files and records.

Testifies and presents evidence in court proceedings and depositions as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. A typical combination includes:

Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from high school, supplemented by college-level course work in criminal justice, public relations, or a closely related field. One (1) year of law enforcement related experience is desirable.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. A valid California Law Enforcement Teletype Systems (CLETS) certificate is required within three (3) months of employment.

Special Requirements:

Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination, and administrative screening. Required to work rotating shifts that are typically ten (10) or twelve and one-half (12 ½) hours per day and which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. May be placed on official standby for emergencies and courtroom testimonies. Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations related to the area of assignment.
  
• Research methods and report writing techniques
  
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting
  
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
  
• Streets, landmarks, and geographic features within the City’s service area
  

Skill to:

• Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer and related word processing, spreadsheet, and database software
  
• Operate a motor vehicle safely under various conditions
  
• Operate specialized equipment used in the area of assignment, including communications, photography, and recording equipment
  

Ability to:

• Obtain, record, and retain complete and accurate information from diverse individuals, including those who are emotionally distraught, angry or difficult to understand
  
• Maintain professionalism, courtesy, and composure at all times, including emergency and high-stress situations
  
• Prepare and maintain accurate and precise written documents such as technical reports, records, and correspondence that may serve as evidence in court
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including making public presentations and composing detailed written reports
  
• Interpret, explain, and apply pertinent laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations
  
• Establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with staff, management, law enforcement officials, the general public, and others encountered in the course of the work
  
• Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
  
• Demonstrate tact, respect, and empathy to gain the cooperation and compliance of individuals and defuse conflicts
  
• Effectively monitor, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks in a high stress, fluid work environment with officer and public safety at stake
  
• Work independently and efficiently with a minimum amount of on-site supervision
  

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Depending on assignment, the employee may work in both field and office conditions. When working outdoors, the employee is exposed to variable weather conditions as well as road traffic. The noise level can occasionally be loud, above85 decibels, when performing traffic control and other duties on public streets. Frequent driving is required for traffic control monitoring and to respond to accident or crime scene sites, and transporting prisoners. When working indoors, the employee works in office conditions with a noise level that is quiet or moderately quiet, at or below 85 decibels.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The City of Tustin offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit program that includes:

FLEXIBLE BENEFIT PLAN
The City provides a specific dollar amount to each employee to use toward the purchase of individual or family health coverage, dental plans, vision coverage, additional life insurance, deferred compensation, and other optional benefits. Currently, the flexible benefit amount forEmployee + 2is $1750per month.

The City contracts through CalPERS medical program (PEMHCA) which offers multiple PPO and HMO options for health insurance providers. Employees also have the choice of Delta Dental PPO or HMO plans.

RETIREMENT
Employees will be enrolled in a defined benefit (pension) plan with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS determines the retirement plan in which a new employee will be enrolled based on the individual's membership status with CalPERS or a reciprocal retirement system on the individual's first day of employment with the City.

Classic CalPERS members will be enrolled in the 2% @ 60 plan, with an employee contribution of 10% (pre-tax). New CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan, with an employee contribution of 6.25% (pre-tax). The City does not participate in Social Security, though participation Medicare is mandatory (1.45% employee contribution).

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees may defer earnings, on a pre-tax basis, into a 457 deferred compensation program. This is an optional program. The City contracts with Nationwide Retirement Services.

GENERAL LEAVE
General Leave may be used for vacation and/or illness. Annual accrual amounts increase from 160 to 248 with years of service.

HOLIDAYS
The City has 13paid holidays per calendar year.

LIFE INSURANCE
Full-Time employees receive a $100,000 life insurance policy.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The Long-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
The City provides a uniform maintenance allowance of $250 per year for those full-time employees required to wear a City uniform.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY
Educational Incentive pay for unit employees as follows:
BA/BS degree - $28.85 per pay period
Masters degree - $38.46 per pay period

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE
Employees in this bargaining unit may be assigned the 9/80, 3/12.5or 4/10 alternative work schedules.

RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees who retire from the City of Tustin with ten (10) years of full-time service and continue enrollment in the City's health plan are eligible for reimbursement of $250 per month toward retiree health insurance costs. Employees first hired into a benefitted position with the City of Tustin prior to July 1, 2011 are eligible for this benefit after five (5) years of service.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
After passing the probationary period, employees may request reimbursement up to a maximum of $4000 per calendar year for tuition and related expenses when attending a community college or four year university.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistance Program that provides a variety of legal and counseling services.

MEDICARE
All newly hired employees contribute a portion of gross salary for Medicare coverage. The employee contribution to Medicare is 1.45%.

SECTION 125 MEDICAL & DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM
The section 125 program is optional for employees and provides a method to pay medical and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

SPECIALTY PAY
The City has specialty pay for designated positions. Examples of specialty pay include Bilingual Pay, Stand-by Pay, Call-Back Pay, Special Assignment and Shift Differential.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$62,504.00 - $86,132.80 Annually