Community Services Officer

WRITTEN TEST TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026.

Under general supervision, to assist with law enforcement activities in non-emergency situations; to provide a variety of support for general law enforcement and investigative functions; to develop and maintain police community relations efforts; to perform animal control functions and services; and to do related work as required. Serves as Disaster Service Worker. FLSA Status:
Non-exempt. Bargaining Group:
Atwater Police Officers’ Association (APOA).

This is the entry and working level Community Services Officer classification. Incumbents conduct traffic accident investigations/reconstructions and participate in crime scene responses to collect evidence. In addition, they conduct crime and accident investigations, as well as other special assignments such as registration of arson, narcotics, and sex offenders and animal control functions. It may be necessary to work weekends and unusual shifts.

Police Sergeant, or as assigned

This is not a supervisory class.

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

• Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Assists with inquiries made by telephone and in person regarding department information and police functions.
• Takes non-accident reports regarding issues such as petty thefts, grand thefts, vehicle burglaries, runaways, and annoying or obscene calls.
• Prepares informational and supplemental reports.
• Signs-off traffic citations.
• Assists with scheduling and establishing Neighborhood Watch programs.
• Handles the vehicle abatement program.
• Handles all types of crime reports for incidents not currently in progress including follow-up on additional information requirements.
• Takes non-injury accident reports.
• Issues parking citations.
• Handles animal complaints; picks up animals; issues citations for animal control violations.
• Transports animals to impounding facilities.
• Assists in the records division as needed.
• Assists with the processing of search warrants, check cases, and other related duties
• Serves as the custodian of the evidence.
• Receives, categorizes, stores, and maintains custody of a wide variety of evidence, property, weapons, and other items in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Releases evidence and property to the Crime Lab and to sworn staff for court purposes, rightful owners upon authorization, and to contract vendors for auction purposes.
• Maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property.
• Collects and compiles statistical data; completes police reports regarding criminal, civil, traffic, or other incidents.
• Solicits community participation and support in crime prevention efforts.
• Presents information on City law enforcement and crime prevention efforts to citizen groups, businesses, and homeowners.
• May testify in court regarding evidence and information collected.
• May be assigned to a variety of special projects.
• May transport arrestees to and from the jail and hospital, provided the employee possesses a current Level II Reserve status as assigned by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Basic knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices, and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, search and seizure, and investigations.
• Basic techniques and practices of property and evidence processing, storage, and disposition.
• Principles and practices of workplace safety.
• First aid methods and techniques.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Good public relations techniques.

• Use and care for department equipment and specialized computer diagramming programs.
• Perform a variety of law enforcement and investigative support work.
• Learn to interpret and apply pertinent operating policies, procedures, and functions of the City.
• Read, understand, and interpret laws and regulations regarding evidence.
• Use sound judgment in handling sensitive material.
• Learn to effectively process, handle, store, and dispose of evidence and property.
• Observe incidents and situations, accurately remembering names, faces, numbers, circumstances, and places.
• Gather and organize data and information and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
• Learn to interview and secure information from witnesses and suspects
• Use a computer keyboard and other specialized equipment to evaluate data and information.
• Work various hours, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and be available for call back as needed.
• Perform a variety of office support work.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; climb stairs and ladders; walk on sloped, uneven, and slippery surfaces; stoop, bend over, and kneel; crawl through various areas on hands and knees;…