Police Support Officer/ACO

The Police Support Officer is a uniformed position with the Police Department and may be armed when performing specific duties. The essential job functions require limited law enforcement power and legal authority. The Police Support Officer provides a variety of support services to the Police Department in areas of Community Policing, Crime Prevention, Evidence/Property Custodian, Animal Control, Jail Operations, Prisoner Transport, Parking/Traffic Compliance, responding to calls for assistance of a non-criminal nature, and other activities within the department.

This position requires consistent attention and commitment to the Police Department's mission, vision and values. All duties are expected to be performed effectively, efficiently, and in a manner consistent with the Department's policing philosophy. This position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiation, and the ability and willingness to work without direct supervision. The Police Support Officer must exercise independent judgement in responding to both routine and emergency situations.

Essential Job Functions - Police Support Officer (PSO):

• Enforces State, City, & local municipal ordinance & regulations and assists with other duties such as limited patrol of city parks, issuing non-criminal citations, assisting with public safety contacts or other duties appropriate in a non-commissioned role, as assigned.
• Responds to calls for service of a non-criminal nature.
• Provides community presentations on community concerns, crime prevention, PSO duties
• Assists with organizing various community events and participates in activities which may be associated with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED); recommends resources and solutions to crime prevention problems.
• Assists with abandoned & hulk vehicle removal.
• Provides traffic control, collision scene assistance or other duties on major incidents.
• Assists with walk-in non-criminal reports at the police department.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related records and information in accordance with current procedures, laws, & guidelines.
• Performs clerical and administrative duties in accordance with OHPD procedures and City policy.
• Performs public fingerprinting.
• Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative relations with city employees, representatives of business and community, as well as the public.
• Maintains a level of physical fitness sufficient to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position and meet established physical fitness standards established by OHPD, which are based on the WA Criminal Justice Training Commission Corrections Officers Academy physical ability standards.

• Enforces ordinances and regulations related to animal control, including patrolling the city to detect loose animals, impounding them or issuing citations or warnings to animal owners.
• Responds to and investigates complaints relating to leash law violations, and vicious, lost, stray, injured, abused or deceased animals; transports animals to a holding area, veterinarian, or shelter.
• Capture and impound sick, injured, trapped or vicious domestic and wild animals; assesses risk and need to tranquilize and ability to use appropriate calming and control behaviors; quarantine animals involved in biting incidents.
• Pursue citizen compliance with animal licensing regulations and other control regulations and ordinances.
• Coordinate investigation and enforcement with other members of the department such as patrol and detectives which may include the interpretation and enforcement of laws relating to criminal cases involving animals.

• Complete written reports and keep records.
• Obtain and enter information in state ACCESS computer.
• Transports individuals, animals, or evidence and documents as directed IAW policies & procedures while maintaining proper care, custody, and control.
• Perform physical searches of individuals and transport vehicles for contraband and seizes such as evidence.
• Inspects and cleans transport vehicles and holding facilities as required; observes and assesses behavior of detainees and reports all problems.
• Uses defense tactics and applies physical force if necessary.
• Collaborates with all correctional facilities and law enforcement organizations in all aspects related to inmates in custody resulting from arrests by Oak Harbor Police Officers or court commits who are the responsibility of the City of Oak Harbor.
• Manage the operation of the detention facility; maintain the safety and security of detainees; maintain records; take and process mug shots; process individuals in and out of the facility; maintain supplies and laundry; supervise cleaning of quarters; enforce jail regulations; render first aid.
• Be aware of the health of prisoners, administer prescribed medicines and arrange for medical care as needed.
• Arrange video and in-person court appearances, coordinate and transport prisoners to other jurisdictions and Municipal/District and Superior Court; supervise their conduct while in custody and carry out the Court's orders.

• Stores and maintains equipment and supplies used in the collection and storage of evidence and property.
• Maintain procedures for property and evidence inventory, ownership, destruction, auction, donation or to be returned to rightful owner according to state statutes and departmental policies; interpret court orders pertaining to disposition.
• Coordinate witness destruction of narcotics and unclaimed or surrendered firearms following court orders and statutory procedures.
• Maintain a variety of records, logs, and files related to criminal evidence, fingerprints, and related laboratory and chemical analysis.
• Advise department members on proper handling and packaging of property/evidence.
• Ability to safely lift, package, process and account for evidence and property in an organized manner and without personal injury.
• Assist in the management of all property (evidence or found), receive and release evidence and found property and maintain records and files of such property.

• Assists public in locating information, answering questions, explaining procedures and referrals to agencies.
• Serves on committees and task forces as directed by administration.
• Supports and assists other staff with various activities and support duties as assigned.
• May be required to appear in court and testify in court.
• May be re-assigned to other divisions, units and public information roles as needed.
• Serve as Notary Public as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of departmental regulations and procedures, in support of the general mission of the PD and roles of officer and support personnel.
• Knowledge of techniques of detainee control, defensive tactics, and discipline protocols.
• Skills in operating booking equipment, including cameras and fingerprinting equipment.
• Ability in using and maintaining standard security equipment including a firearm (pistol), two-way radio, Taser, handcuffs and waist chains, special locks and keys, protective body gear, impact baton, and pepper spray.
• Proficient computer operation skills with a variety of software programs including Microsoft products, database, customized and menu-driven programs.
• Oral communication skills and ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively and to maintain confidentiality as appropriate. Must be able to read, write and understand the English language.
• Written skills and ability to compose complex correspondence and reports as well as ability to research, organize and compile data into meaningful reports.
• Ability to safely operate a City vehicle in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to remember details, accurately maintain a variety of records, case files, and complete reports.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with police personnel and the public.
• Ability to deal with the public in a pleasant, positive, professional, and courteous manner using customer service skills (public contact) and problem-solving skills experience.
• Demonstrate physical strength and agility necessary to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to remain calm, maintain composure and self-control under adverse and emergency conditions.
• Ability to remain alert, objective, and flexible in all matters.
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and Local rules, codes, and regulations governing law enforcement activities.

Education and Training Requirements:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience Requirements:
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in public contact situations, preferably in a law enforcement or a detention program position.

Certifications and Other Details:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident and 21 years of age or older (FMC 2.52.310).
• Valid Washington Driver's License and a good driving record at time of employment.
• Must pass background investigation including criminal history screening, medical and polygraph examination for law enforcement personnel, psychological evaluation for aptitude to work in law enforcement and pre-employment drug screening prior to hire.
• Must be able to obtain security clearance for access to the local Navy base, if directed to by the Chief of Police
• Must be willing and able to perform shift work, with occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be willing and able to support the Code of Ethics of the Police Department.

• Successfully complete the Washington State Corrections Officers Academy from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) within the first six (6) months of employment or be a lateral entry graduated from the WSCJTC or equivalent, if directed by the Chief of Police.
• Successfully complete the Washington State Animal Control Academy from WSCJTC within twelve (12) months of employment, if directed by the Chief of Police
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Level II certification for Washington State ACCESS law enforcement computerized data system within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Department of Transportation Certification in flagging, traffic control and safety within six (6) months of employment, if directed by the Chief of Police
• Must successfully maintain annual qualification on department firearms and less lethal devices.