Community Service Officer

Job Summary

This non‑sworn position provides essential support to the police department by handling a wide range of non‑emergency public safety, administrative, and community service functions. The role includes patrolling assigned areas, responding to non‑criminal calls, enforcing municipal codes, assisting with traffic control, serving the public at the front desk, and performing various clerical duties. Work is performed under the supervision of a Police Supervisor and is reviewed through reports and observed results.

• Act as the primary point of contact for the police station, greeting visitors courteously and answering non‑emergency calls professionally.
• Assist the public with filing complaints, explaining forms, and directing complex issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Collect fees, process payments, issue permits, handle currency, conduct daily cash audits, and make deposits.
• Prepare departmental correspondence (letters, notices, forms), provide police and crash reports, process tow releases, and assist with FOIA submissions.
• Coordinate return of lost, found, and recovered property with the Records Division.
• Support patrol supervisors with data entry, report processing, and record maintenance.
• Register and maintain offender files for Illinois sex offenders, violent offenders against youth, and arsonists; update LEADS entries.
• Collaborate with the Sex Offender Compliance Officer to investigate violations, establish return dates, and coordinate with parole officers or DHS agents.
• Ensure compliance with FOID and CCL laws, accept invalid cards, complete required reporting, and notify residents.
• Assist with public fingerprinting using electronic or inkless techniques.
• Meet with the public regarding non‑emergency incidents, generate comprehensive reports, conduct interviews, photograph injuries, and collect evidence.
• Act as mandated reporter for suspected neglect or abuse and refer community members to appropriate social services agencies.
• Report criminal activity, emergencies, and suspicious behavior to dispatch and sworn officers.
• Respond to subpoenas and provide testimony at court hearings as required.
• Provide assistance to non‑English‑speaking, hearing, and speech‑impaired individuals.
• Identify, log, and register all vendors and visitors entering the facility and secure appropriate passes.
• Patrol assigned areas by foot or vehicle to enforce parking ordinances; mark tires, issue citations, place warning tags, and arrange towing of abandoned vehicles.
• Maintain records of enforcement activities, contested violations, and surveillance of long‑term parking violations.
• Assist in traffic control at accident scenes, public events, and school crossings.
• Identify and report safety concerns such as road hazards, vandalized signs, and abandoned vehicles.
• Answer public questions about parking laws, municipal facilities, and community resources; provide directions and respond professionally to violators, notifying supervisors of hostile interactions.
• Maintain records of enforcement activities, citation issuance, and public interactions; use computer systems for reporting and communication.

• Strong communication, problem‑solving, de‑escalation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Proficient typist with accelerated typing speed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with database entry and report management systems.
• Familiarity with municipal codes, parking regulations, public safety procedures, and online code repositories.
• Knowledge of city streets and traffic laws.
• Experience with computer data entry and report management.
• Capacity to handle sensitive information with discretion and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Independent work ethic and resilience in challenging interactions.
• Multi‑tasking ability in a fast‑paced environment.
• Map reading skills.
• Capability to operate a city vehicle safely and observe traffic laws.
• LEADS certification or ability to obtain it.
• Professionalism and efficiency.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Evidence collection skills.
• Di…