Police Volunteer

General Description

The Abilene Police Key City Volunteer program is a dedicated volunteer force that supports and augments the operations of the Abilene Police Department. Members operate under the department’s policies and procedures, as well as those specific to the Key City Volunteer program. This role requires a high level of responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to interact with the public in a courteous, respectful, and service-oriented manner.

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION

This position operates under the general supervision of sworn police personnel and designated civilian supervisors within the Abilene Police Department. Key City Volunteers do not exercise formal supervisory authority over employees. Volunteers are expected to carry out assigned duties independently within established policies, procedures, and training guidelines, while recognizing the authority of sworn officers and supervisors and deferring control of incidents, investigations, or enforcement actions as required.

• Patrol assigned areas of the city, checking parks, buildings, and residential areas for suspicious activity and then reporting such activity by written reports or directly to police dispatch.
• Handles administrative duties (typing, computers, filing, etc.).
• Takes offense reports of minor crimes and talks to or interviews witnesses or victims, searches for and preserves evidence.
• Assists sworn officers with traffic functions involving accidents or other needs.
• Speaks before citizen groups, attends and participates in various in-service training.
• Operates a city vehicle to travel to various locations.

• Compare stolen property reports to pawnshop records.
• Review video surveillance.
• Disaster response to include welfare checks, get supplies to those in need.
• Assist with locating missing people.

• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Chain of command structure.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic grammar and writing skills.

• Speak with the public and ask questions of individuals who may be in a stressful state.
• Drive vehicles both safely and efficiently while under stress. May be required to communicate information on the radio and drive safely at the same time.
• Deal effectively with the public using tact and diplomacy and remain calm in emergencies.
• Read, understand, and interpret ordinances, laws and other operating procedures of the department and the volunteer program.
• Use maps and radio communication to navigate efficiently and assist others with directional support.
• Operate computers and perform office and clerical duties.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Willingness to work with others, follow orders, or allow a superior officer(s) or other trained experts to take charge as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality. Must be honest in dealings with the public and obey all laws.
• Be sensitive and responsive to the needs and feelings of others; sensitive to community values and norms; knowledge or appreciation of special lingo or slang to communicate with the public; sensitive to alternative lifestyles and socioeconomic groups and races.

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

• Previous Military, Law Enforcement, Fire, or EMS experience is preferred.
• High school diploma or GED.
• CPR, EMS, or other professional licenses are preferred.
• A Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of…