Community Service Officer

The first level of the Patrol/Investigation Series is responsible for responding to citizens’ complaints and assists licensed police officers upon request. Responsibilities may include: animal control; parking control; enforcing city ordinances; and providing security at local schools. This is a non-sworn, non-union uniformed position working up to eight hours per day, maximum 56 hours in a two-week pay period, including evenings, weekends and holidays. All provisions of the Personnel Code shall apply.

This is a developmental program designed to give students in the law enforcement educational program working exposure in a police department environment. Therefore, this employment position is limited to five (5) years in length (time to acquire a 4-year degree and complete skills training). CSO’s will be permitted a maximum of 6 months of employment after the completion of the education and skills components and becomes eligible to be licensed.  A maximum of 6 months of employment as a CSO will be permitted if a student drops out of college or changes their major from an approved law enforcement curriculum. CSO’s will be required to provide proof of enrollment and grade reports showing class completions as conditions of continuing employment. CSO’s must obtain a minimum grade of “C” in each course and maintain an overall cumulative 2.0 GPA.These examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all inclusive. The job description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Patrols an assigned area in an unlicensed capacity; assists officers at crime scenes including directing traffic.
• Provides support, animal control, parking, and related services, which includes: issuing warnings or citations; identifying vehicles to be towed; and assisting with vehicle lockouts.
• Reviews and types related reports; receives and logs requests from the public; maintains records to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
• Communicates with the general public and employees while patrolling the City in an unlicensed capacity.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Examples of specific job duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Transport department vehicles for repair and maintenance.
• Process dog bite reports and follow-up as needed.
• Delivering information, reports, etc., to businesses, schools, or homes as needed by police department.
• Assist with motorist aids and vehicle lock-outs.
• Complete routine, non-emergency reports.
• Conduct tours of the department facilities.
• Parking enforcement.
• Retrieve lost and stolen bicycles and maintain the bicycle holding facility.

• Customer service techniques;
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations;
• Knowledge of Blaine City geography;
• Safety techniques including CPR and first aid procedures;
• Recordkeeping techniques;
• Computers and applicable software applications.
• Providing customer service;
• Preparing and maintaining records, reports, logs, and files;
• Operating computers and applicable software applications;
• Applying communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Minimum Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• No record of conviction and/or adjudication for Gross Misdemeanor and/or Felony crimes.
• Enrollment in an approved law enforcement curriculum.

Desirable Requirements

• One year of experience in police-related work, such as Police Reserve program, Police Explorer program, or Police Cadet program.
• One year of work experience involving public contact or customer service.
• First Responder certification.

Supervision of Others

• N/A

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: climbing, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Incumbents may be exposed to environmental conditions, such as, challenging behaviors, and threatening environments.

Conditions of Employment

• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, physical exam, and drug test.