Community Service Officer

Position Title: Community Service Officer

Department: Police

Position Classification(s):

Work Status/Schedule(s): Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Community Service Officers (CSO’s) work in a team environment with a focus on public service, education and code compliance. CSO’s perform a variety of field and administrative duties in support of the non-law enforcement public service and safety functions or duties of the department. CSO’s are responsible for enforcement of Municipal Codes related to parking, animal control, trash, junk/abandoned vehicles, and other town operations such as community development and finance.

CSO’s perform a variety of project-based and support functions as required by management to meet the needs of the department and the community.

The Community Service Officer works under the general supervision of a police sergeant, or any other department employee assigned supervisory responsibility.

The following Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

are required for employees in the Community Service Officer position:

• Knowledge of applicable contemporary law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment and criminal law, codes, and legal procedures as they apply to this non-sworn position.
• Considerable knowledge of Community Oriented Policing, its philosophy and components.
• Skill in the safe operation of vehicles, specific non-lethal weapons, police radio, cellular telephone, computers and software for report writing, office equipment, pagers, automated parking summons equipment, a variety of animal control/trapping devices, and other equipment related to non-sworn law enforcement duties.
• Ability to learn and interpret materials as needed, including applicable laws, codes and department policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn animal behavior and techniques used in safely controlling and trapping a variety of animals; understand humane treatment of animals and the necessity for strict enforcement of animal control laws.
• Ability to respond quickly, calmly, and effectively in various situations; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; handle confidential information; work well under stressful conditions; perform work requiring good physical condition; and understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and interact with individuals and groups including individuals from diverse socio‑economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, lifestyles, ages and both genders in a fair and impartial manner.
• Ability to apply professional law enforcement methods, crime prevention techniques and problem‑solving methods to reduce crime and promote a safe environment in the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive relationship between the community and the department to address crime problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in dealing with the public, including the ability to communicate facts in legal proceedings.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, civilian employees, and supervisors.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and town expectations regarding safety in the workplace; able to recognize unsafe work practices or other safety risks and report them to a supervisor. Takes proper safety precautions; anticipates unsafe circumstances; acts accordingly to prevent accidents; responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment; uses all required safety equipment.

Distinguishing characteristics of highly skilled incumbents in the position may include, yet are not limited to the following:

• Safety‑Focused: Possessed of a strong and keen focus on safety. Demonstrates consistent technical competence commensurate with the requirements of a safety‑sensitive, service and leadership based organization.
• Critical Thinker: Uses knowledge and training to resolve routine issues and situations that may occur in the course of work; and, assess the “big picture” and detail elements of a problem or…