Community Service Officer (CSO)

This is an entry level civilian position responsible for assisting other staff in the performance of paraprofessional tasks in the Police Department. Work involves directing traffic, writing reports, conducting security checks on parks/City buildings, and impounding stray animals. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the on-duty supervisor or Police Officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Issues warning notices and citations for animal, bicycle or other local ordinance violations.
• Patrols parks to ensure buildings are secured and parks are vacated at closing time.
• Directs traffic and assists with crowd control at accidents, fire scenes, parades, disaster scenes and other times under the direction of a Police Officer.
• Picks up and impounds unattended, stray, sick or improperly cared for animals and takes enforcement actions.
• Assists stranded/stalled motorists.
• Responds to and makes reports on incidents that do not need immediate investigation or follow up.
• Facilitates the exchange of information between parties at non-reportable parking lot accidents.
• Takes initial reports of graffiti including photographing, documenting and ensuring necessary follow-up.
• Screens non-emergency phone calls to determine if an emergency exists and/or if an officer response is needed.
• When circumstances require it, handles emergency situations on the phone.
• Monitors in excess of 60 cameras and 35 duress/door alarms within and around the building. Issues visitor passes according to department security policy. Operates controls for the sally port, booking room doors and secured lobby doors.
• Takes complaints and completes reports not requiring an officer’s response.
• Monitors and performs two-way radio communications.
• Responsible for doing call-ins of staff members or other calls at the direction of a supervisor.
• Approves/denies overnight parking requests.
• Buffers complaints for all departments within the City.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Answers designated personal phone lines and relays messages for officers and other department employees.
• Distributes and explains various city & state forms/permits to the general public (e.g., DOT & DNR registration forms, accident reports, parking permits).
• Operates in-house paging system.
• Performs miscellaneous staff support functions as required in a timely fashion

The purpose of the CSO program is to give students or those considering a law enforcement career an opportunity to explore and learn about the profession. Employees hired to perform CSO work are employed on a limited term basis, generally no longer than 3 years. The granting of an extension shall be the sole discretion and approval of the Police Chief and the Human Resources Director, or designee. This position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely in and around vehicular traffic.
• Ability to read and understand street maps and directions.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with other employees and the public and to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to gather information and complete reports.
• Knowledge of Defensive Driving techniques. 
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle; possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Requirements will include physical fitness testing, panel and chief interviews.