Public Safety Officer

At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members of Team Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym, SERVE (Stewardship Engaged Respectful Visionary Excellence).
Job Details

Summary of Duties : Under basic supervision, the Public Safety Officer is responsible for performing non-emergency public contact functions within the Police Department's Patrol Unit or Crime Prevention Unit.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Patrols assigned areas; may be assigned to provide building security to Police and Courthouse premises.
• Maintains Police Department equipment.
• Present crime prevention information to the public.
• Receives calls for service; enforces parking regulations and write citations as appropriate.
• Takes reports both over the phone and in person; enters data into proper computer system.
• Assists Officers at traffic accident scenes.
• Participates in crowd control at special events and incidents.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

When assigned to Crime Prevention Unit, also:

• Assists Crime Prevention Officers with programs and presentations.
• Evaluates, researches, develops, implements and administers crime prevention programs.
• Responds to requests for crime prevention information from officers, the public and other police agencies.
• Develops brochures, pamphlets and other crime prevention literature.
• Operates varied city vehicles, to include patrol vehicles, large vans and trucks and associated equipment such as police radios, sirens, video systems, etc.
• Works closely with civic, religious, educational and community groups.

When assigned to Traffic Unit, also:

• Receives and responds to traffic related complaints.
• Deployment Speed Trailers/Dollies;
  Radar Data Collectors
• Maintain Traffic Enforcement Database
• D.O.T. Inspection assistance
• Assist with mail, equipment and supply retrieval
• Large equipment maintenance
• Heavy lifting required for maintenance and deployment of equipment
• Traffic complaint Hotline and general traffic related complaints
• Assist Traffic Administrative Secretary with data entry and QC into various databases
• Assist with monthly and annual State and City reports

Marginal Duties :

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions : The incumbent prioritizes work to meet the demands of the position and determines which reports are required for each incident. The incumbent decides when to take a report and when to refer to an officer for investigation.

When assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit, the incumbent will primarily assist with community outreach programs centered on education of the public.

Minimum Qualifications :

Knowledge of: Laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to crowd control; emergency procedures related to traffic accident scenes; basic police report formats and requirements; radio systems and computer aided dispatch systems.

Skill in: Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; interacting with defendants/citizens, including some that are hostile and argumentative; operating computers including Windows, databases, spreadsheets, and record management systems; making decisions quickly; maintaining detailed information and documents; applying discretionary judgment; working independently.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience: Two (2) years of customer service-related experience required. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above

Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver's license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law). Must obtain State of Texas and national TCIC/NCIC certification and OC Spray certification within six (6) months of date of entry into position.

When assigned to Crime Prevention Unit, must also become certified as Crime Prevention Specialist (CPTED) within one year of date of entry into the position.

Conditions of Employment : Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Must possess mobility to work in and around City buildings and facilities, to operate a motor vehicle and drive on surface streets; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to operation job related tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.

Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter,…