Community Service Officer

Overview

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill one (1) vacancy in the Police Department. This position is to perform and assist with a variety of less hazardous law enforcement and police support duties; to collect and process evidence at crime scenes; and to assist sworn patrol officers with traffic control and public education functions.

• Receive, record, and investigate citizens’ complaints and self-initiated, observed violations.
• Respond to and take reports of nonhazardous situations such as burglary, missing persons, petty theft, public accidents, City ordinance violations, and other miscellaneous criminal reports; collect and package evidence; assist with gathering, transportation and booking of property and conduct interviews at scene.
• Assist patrol officers with traffic control at traffic accidents, chemical spills, traffic light malfunctions, and related incidents.
• Appear in court as required.
• Sign off on correctable citations issued by officers; perform Livescan fingerprinting.
• Conduct follow up on all missing person cases; prepare reports and enter data into appropriate law enforcement databases.
• Perform field work in the enforcement of parking regulations and ordinances, issue citations for parking violations.
• Perform assigned rotating ancillary duties to include assisting Evidence Technicians, Traffic Enforcement Unit, Records Clerks and Communications Dispatchers.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Policies and procedures of the police department.
• Pertinent laws, regulations, and civil and criminal statutes of the City, State and appropriate federal agencies, including relevant provisions of the California Penal Code and California Vehicle Code.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Procedures, methods and techniques of evidence collection and processing latent fingerprints.

• Perform less hazardous law enforcement duties in support of sworn police officers.
• Intermittently, review and evaluate documents related to department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve issues for the public and with staff.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk or in vehicle or stand for long periods of time intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Prepare neat and accurate reports.
• Follow prescribed procedures quickly and accurately, using sound judgment in crisis situations.
• Learn and apply police procedures, policies, and applicable laws.
• Deal effectively with victims of crime.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience
  :
  One year of responsible public safety related work experience, involving public contact.
• Education
  :
  Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current and valid California driver’s license.

The application screening will involve a competitive evaluation of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to identify the most qualified candidates.
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee applicants an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final
. Candidates deemed eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City’s Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process leading up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.