Probation Surveillance Officer - Veterans Court

Surveillance officers provide surveillance and supportive casework services to probationers at the direction of the Superior Court under the provisions of evidence‑based practices and consistent with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. The duties of a surveillance officer include monitoring the assigned probationers, and meeting with probationers in their homes or at their places of school/work. Surveillance officers may perform searches and make arrests.

Because probationers under Court supervision may include convicted felons, felony adjudicated delinquents, and/or persons with domestic violence convictions/adjudications, these job duties expose the surveillance officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. As a result, the surveillance officer position is designated as a safety‑sensitive position in accordance with ACJA § 6‑106(A) and ACJA § 6‑107(A).

All surveillance officers must "demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy." ACJA § 6‑107(G)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self‑defense. (Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.

This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Performs closely structured surveillance and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and parents/guardians and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, schools, community restitution or detention) as a member of a team.
• Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps and files a complete identification record concerning the person on probation, including contact notes regarding compliance with terms of probation and case plan to prepare written reports for the probation officer.
• Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day, and evening home contacts.
• Directs and/or refers probationers to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation.
• Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in level of supervision is warranted.
• Performs searches, breathalyzers/urinalysis collection, and makes a documented effort to locate absconders.
• Serves warrants, makes arrests, and brings persons before the court who are on probation including defaulting probationers facing revocation. Surveillance officers have the authority of peace officers in the performance of his or her duties.
• Appears and testifies in court.
• Monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensures victims' notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements.
• In confrontational situations with probationers or others, appropriately and effectively responds and uses defensive tactics and techniques, as learned at the Defensive Tactics Safety Training Academy, when necessary.
• Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following, or their comparable alternatives:
  • Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown)
  • Perform minor aerobic activity
  • Stand for up to 2 hours at a time
  • Engage in balanced movements
  • Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes)
  • Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces)
  • Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks)
  • Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery)
  • Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed
  • Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray
  • Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground
  • Be able…