Community Service Officer-Animal Control

Position Overview:
This is a civilian position responsible for responding to low-priority service calls, completing stolen vehicle reports, animal control duties, assigning and reviewing the work of volunteers engaged in community support activities, promoting crime prevention programs. All duties assigned to this position require the responsibility to recognize the social importance of the police function in preventing crimes and the conscientious and efficient performance of duties without immediate supervision.  Varied hours, weekends and holidays may be required as part of this position.  

The CSO Animal Control position is a limited duration position as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Longview Police Support Guild.
Longview Police Support Guild 2025-2027

Candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list based on cumulative interview scores. Those deemed most qualified for the position will be referred to the Police Department for final consideration and selection. The eligibility list will be valid for 12 months from the date of certification by the Civil Service Commission.

The final candidate for this position will be subject to an extensive background investigation completed by the Longview Police Department.

Community Services Officer – Patrol 

• Responds to police calls for service, completes police reports and conducts follow-up on those reports.
• Enters a variety of information and data into databases, spreadsheets, and/or other applicable systems; retrieves a variety of data and information from the respective system, including driver's license information, warrants, criminal histories, and/or other application information in order to assist officers in the field.
• Provides information by phone or in person to the public regarding a variety of issues, which may include police reports, crime prevention activities and/or other related items.
• Performs a variety of desk activities, which may include: filing and reporting parking citations; following-up on towed vehicles, monitoring volunteer work; reporting and filing various reports; submitting and tracking reports and evidence and/or, performing other related activities.
• Receives, reviews, and/or documents a variety of paperwork and information checking for accuracy and completeness of information; notifies appropriate individuals of pertinent information.
• Performs other duties as required.

 
Community Services Officer – Animal Control 

• Responding to police calls for service related to animal control
• Enters a variety of information and data into databases, spreadsheets, and/or other applicable systems
• Provides information by phone or in person to the public regarding a variety of issues, which may include animal control activities and/or other related items.
• Investigating animal complaints received from the public and/or other agencies regarding animal welfare, dog bites/attacks, leash law violations, nuisance animals, vicious animals, livestock at large and unlicensed dogs and/or cats.
• Capture and impound stray, injured and abused animals.
• Conduct animal welfare checks associated with active cases. 
• Seize and secure animal(s) for law enforcement officers as required.
• Educates animal owners about responsible pet ownership and county and state animal laws.
• Issues civil violation notices and/or citations and refers criminal investigations to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for charging decisions.
• Extracts animals from environments in which they are abandoned or kept in cruel and inhumane conditions.
• Provides testimony in court and/or in administrative hearings.
• Receives, reviews, and/or documents a variety of paperwork and information checking for accuracy and completeness of information; notifies appropriate individuals of pertinent information.
• Performs other duties as required.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One year of specialized or technical training beyond high school AND one year of experience related to area of assignment OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.   
• Previous experience as an animal control officer, code enforcement, or law enforcement preferred.  
• Must meet all Civil Service requirements (e.g. must be 21 years of age at time of application and a US citizen).
• Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted Driver’s License, except for corrected vision.
• First Aid/CPR Certification or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.  

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Customer service principles;
• Filing principles and practices;
• Data entry techniques and maintaining databases
• Basic bookkeeping principles and practices.
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Using modern office equipment;
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Maintaining accurate records and logs;
• Police department organization and structure, rules and regulations of the Police Department and police equipment.  
• Functions and objectives of Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, and pertinent Federal and State laws, City ordinances, and judicial processes, office procedures and organizational skills.
• Understand, compose, and execute difficult oral and written directives, reports, and studies, and communicate effectively in both in writing and verbally.  
• Function calmly in emergencies and analyze complex police and human services problems.   
• Operate electronic and photographic equipment and able to note and record significant and important details of a crime scene, etc.  
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing in English.   Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Initiative to take action and be self-motivated.   Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
• Develop and maintain a general understanding of information that relates to the functions and services of the departments.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.