Community Service Officer

About the role

Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, incumbent is responsible for public education and community mobilization efforts in the areas of crime prevention and special community outreach projects. Incumbent supports the mission of the Lakewood Police Department and assists in enhancing crime prevention, resolving minor traffic concerns and mobilizing community effort to improve safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Organize, coordinate and implement crime prevention programs and the offender accountability program, and community mobilization activities for the police department;
• Respond to the public's requests for service and information;
• Resolve minor traffic concerns, coordinate neighborhood activities designed to promote safety and improve neighborhood quality of life;
• Represent the department and answer questions from the general public related to crime prevention or offender accountability programs;
• Direct people to the appropriate police units or services and facilities outside the department;
• Recommend resources for, and solutions to crime prevention problems;
• Create and distribute a public information newsletter addressing crime prevention and offender accountability;
• Plan, organize and speak at various community outreach events to display and disseminate information on crime prevention or offender accountability programs;
• Develop and maintain records of adult and juvenile offenders in assigned police districts;
• Develop and conduct various crime prevention surveys; collect, analyze and distribute data for crime prevention and offender accountability purposes;
• Perform front desk/public contact duties such as directing the public to the proper person or section, responding to inquiries, interviewing victims of minor offenses, receiving police service requests, taking statements and writing reports;
• Maintain a presence at the front desk to answer incoming calls, properly direct them to the correct resources, take information about concerns from walk in clients and in person inquiries;
• Carry a limited commission to accomplish hulk removal, and enforcement of disabled parking and general parking violations by writing citations;
• Operate personal computers, copiers, and basic office equipment.

Requirements

Requires high school graduation or equivalent. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required. Education, training or experience related to law enforcement is preferred.

Qualifications

Must successfully pass a stringent personal background investigation including polygraph examination and drug test. Must be at least nineteen years of age; possess a valid Washington driver's license by hire date and have a satisfactory driving record.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Basic principles of public relations. Principles, practices and associated terminology of the criminal justice system. City ordinances and applicable state laws governing crime prevention and parking enforcement. Community resources and appropriate methods of assessing them. Current crime prevention and offender accountability techniques. Police department policies and procedures.

Benefits

Includes a combination leave benefit, major medical leave, military leave, jury duty leave, retirement plan, social security replacement, voluntary flexible spending account, medical insurance plans, and other benefits as detailed in the benefits summary.