Community Services Officer

About the City

San Bernardino is a diverse city in the Southern California Inland Empire with a population of more than 222,000 residents. The city’s rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire its evolving identity.

The Community Services Officer responds to requests for service concerning criminal matters and minor traffic accidents; takes and prepares missing persons, crime, and other reports; and participates in nuisance abatement programs. Most assignments involve regular interaction with citizens by phone and in person. Experience gained from this position offers training for future employment opportunities in law enforcement.

Successfully complete a police background investigation as part of the pre‑employment exams.

• Effectively communicates with members of the public and colleagues, ensuring clear and accurate information exchange.
• Quickly assesses situations and determines appropriate actions, especially in high‑pressure scenarios.
• Works well with other team members to ensure smooth operations and positive outcomes during public interactions.

• Investigating traffic collisions, property crimes, or other non‑emergency incidents.
• Interviewing witnesses, victims, and community members.
• Preparing detailed reports and maintaining case files.
• Organizing and presenting community programs such as Neighborhood Watch and Crime Prevention.
• Conducting home and business security surveys.
• Supporting recruitment efforts and background checks.
• Coordinating with officers, detectives, and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Operating city vehicles and law enforcement databases.

High School diploma or G.E.D.
At least one year of experience in law enforcement, community services, or related peace‑keeping or social services experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

A valid California driver’s license is required.
Typing speed of 30 WPM is required.

Employees work under typical office conditions and may be required to work outdoors in inclement weather. The employee may be required to lift and carry supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Operations, services, activities, and terminology of a police department.
• Department and general law enforcement terminology, codes, procedures, practices, and standards.
• Safety precautions and procedures as applied to traffic situations, crime scenes, station security, and other law enforcement‑related situations.
• Recordkeeping methods and procedures including methods and techniques for receiving, creating, and processing police reports.
• Operational characteristics and legal requirements for accessing law enforcement computerized and telecommunications equipment and programs.
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Use of computers and standard business software.
• Customer service practices and telephone etiquette.
• Use of police records and identification methods and their application.
• Office practices and procedures, including filing.
• Customer service practices and etiquette.

• Gathering, compiling, and interpreting data, evaluating facts and evidence, and drawing sound and valid conclusions.
• Listening to and recording information accurately; observing and accurately recalling names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places; converting observations into written reports and diagrams.
• Reading, understanding, explaining, and applying laws, policies, regulations, rules, directives, and training materials.
• Analyzing situations and adopting effective and responsible course of action, giving due regard to hazards and circumstances of each situation.
• Making logical decisions in the absence of specific instructions.
• Handling office and field situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for others.
• Using tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive matters.
• Writing clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Maintaining accurate records and confidentiality of privileged information.
• Commun…