Police Support Services Specialist

Overview

Full job description. The City of Bellingham is seeking individuals who are customer service oriented with a history of progressive responsibility to serve as a Police Support Services Specialist with the Bellingham Police Department. This position performs in a team environment to accomplish functions associated with the management of the Police Department Business Office, Records and Evidence divisions, with emphasis on customer service, communication and data support to officers, the justice community and the public.

• Responds to requests for information electronically, in person, by telephone, teletype or radio.
• Conducts extensive research; records, compiles and disseminates data and other relevant information within the Department, to other agencies and the public.
• Performs background checks and disclosures for various law enforcement agencies and public entities; updates and verifies paper and computerized files and responds to information requests.
• Processes, cares for, preserves, and disposes of evidence and property; provides fingerprint services to the public.
• Maintains criminal and employee fingerprint files; prepares criminal cards and dispositions for state patrol and related courts.
• Prepares impounded drug items for lab submission and auction items for web vendor.
• Verifies large cash seizures; prepares and maintains digital images, videos and tape recordings for public disclosure, law enforcement agencies, and prosecution of criminal cases.
• Acts as first point of contact for citizens by telephone and in person; provides customer service and referrals to a diverse group of citizens.
• Prioritizes emergent and non-emergent calls and walk-in traffic; issues applications and receipts, collects monies for departmental functions, and processes mail.
• Provides accurate and thorough work to prevent liability issues and ensure officer and public safety.
• Maintains compliance with local, state and federal laws and integrity standards related to national security systems.

• Starting salary at Step 1: $25.96/hour. Annual step increases per the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.
• The full 2023 hourly range for the position is $25.96 - $31.90.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance; life insurance and long-term disability; flexible spending accounts; medical insurance opt-out; employee assistance program.
• Pension plan with Washington State Department of Retirement Systems; optional participation in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement plan.
• 12 paid holidays plus one paid floating holiday; vacation and sick leave accruals outlined by the collective bargaining agreement and state law.
• Leave accruals and vacation accruals increase with years of service; pro-rated for part-time employees.

Work is performed at a computer workstation; environment includes typical office noise and distractions. Staff may be exposed to disturbing materials, weapons, hazardous materials and pathogens. The role involves interacting with a diverse public, including individuals who may be frightened, ill or volatile; duties may involve chaotic and time-sensitive situations. Occasional exposure to stored property that may be soiled may occur.

• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible clerical experience including data entry, word processing and reception; experience in law and justice preferred.
• Technical training or college-level education in criminal justice, paralegal, records management, or business administration may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Ability to type 45 wpm (NET required).

• Criminal convictions check, background investigation, polygraph and fingerprinting; re-check every five years.
• Must obtain Level II ACCESS operator certification within six months of hire.
• Confidentiality statements and waivers regarding national security and database administration duties may be required.
• Overtime and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, may be required; valid WA driver's license may be required with a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
• Background and polygraph processes include review of drug use; past or current drug use may disqualify.

You are encouraged to print this job announcement for reference. Ensure your application is complete with required information. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to Oral Board Interviews; status updates will be sent via email around May 29, 2024. Final candidates may undergo additional examination or testing. This recruitment will create a Civil Service eligibility register for current and future vacancies.

There are currently 2 full-time vacancies. This position is represented by a union. Applicants will receive updates via email.

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. We do not…