Community Service Officer

The Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) is looking for motivated, community-minded professionals to join our team as a Community Service Officer (CSO)!

As a Community Service Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact in the community every day. This is a public-facing position where you’ll interact with community members, support our sworn officers, and play an important role in providing the professional, responsive, and friendly service our communities expect.

Interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement? A CSO position can provide a valuable path to gaining hands-on experience and insight into the law enforcement profession for those who aspire to become a sworn police officer. Working alongside sworn personnel offers an opportunity to learn more about the profession and gain experience within a police agency while exploring your future career goals.

If you’re ready to serve our communities, gain valuable experience, and take the next step toward your career goals, we encourage you to apply!

DEFINITION:

The fundamental reason for the existence of this classification is to perform non-sworn law enforcement duties in the field.   Under general supervision, to work independently; exercise judgement and initiative; and to do related work as required. This position is fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit and receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise receives only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the journey-level classification in the professional police series.  It does not require sworn peace officer status. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

General supervision is provided by a Police Corporal or Sergeant. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level police personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are considered essential for this job classification:

• Enforces parking rules and regulations by issuing citations
• Patrols local parks, including enforcing quality of life issues and local park regulations such as: unauthorized animal usage; proper use of athletic fields and facilities; and proper use of designated picnic/event areas
• Tow vehicles and abate abandoned vehicles
• Prepare reports as necessary
• Observe, monitor, direct, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions
• Maintain contact with the public regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public
• Operate electronic and emergency communication devices and equipment in the field or in the office
• Gives information and directions to the public 
• Performs work as a Designated Disaster Service Worker in compliance with California Government Code 3100-3109, as needed, during natural and manmade disasters and emergencies
• Enforces local, State and Federal laws
• Performs other related work as assigned
• Duties may be expanded in the future to include:
  • Crime scene investigation
  • Evidence collection and processing
  • Traffic collision investigation
  • Belated crime reports
  • Miscellaneous quality of life calls for service

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to: Read and understand departmental policies, instructions, laws and regulations; ability to analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action; ability to prepare clear and accurate reports; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to learn the use of care of automobiles; ability to speak and write effectively; observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations; learn, understand, and interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policies; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; understand and carry out oral and written directions; attend court and/or administrative hearings as needed; be punctual, dependable, and manage time well; uphold the department’s Organizational Values at all times.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Education: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience - Any full or part-time employment experience of a length to demonstrate good work habits. 

Education - High school diploma or equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade (GED).

Age and physical standards - Minimum age 18 years. 

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION: This classification requires the use of a department vehicle while on-duty and conducting law enforcement business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely and must possess an appropriate valid California motor vehicle operator's license upon hire and maintained thereafter for the duration of employment.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbents in this classification are required to work rotating shifts and assignments and may be assigned to work overtime with little or no notice. Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of police work, incumbents may also be required to perform the following:  Measure distances using calibrated instruments such as when investigating traffic accidents or processing crime scenes; direct traffic which requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand movements; coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously such as when using a hand radio while driving a vehicle, flashlight on and opening and closing doors; bend or stoop repeatedly and continuously over time such as getting in and out of a car or gathering evidence at crime scenes; a community service officer typically spends 7 - 8 hours per day driving a vehicle which requires the continuous support of lower back muscles; patrolling parks may require walking over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky surfaces including fields, parks, hillsides and creeks;  work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements; tolerate very hot and very cold temperatures; sit for extended periods of time and may or may not be able to change positions such as when sitting in a vehicle; foot beat and search activities require walking for extended periods of time, unable to stop, sit or rest at will; traffic control duties require standing for extended periods of time, unable to sit or rest at will.