Community Service Officer

Introduction

The Racine Police Department serves the City of Racine in southeastern Wisconsin, a community of 77,816 residents. The department follows a Community Oriented Policing philosophy and is recognized as a leader in this area. Its mission is to protect life and property, promote community partnerships, build trust, and serve with honor.

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Community Service Officer (CSO) Supervisor, the CSO is responsible for enforcing motor vehicle parking regulations and animal control laws. Duties include handling animals for investigations of mistreatment or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals, as well as writing parking citations for all violations.

Essential Duties

• Enforce motor vehicle parking regulations and animal control statutes, county, and city ordinances.
• Handle animals for investigations of mistreatment, abandonment, danger, or neglect.
• Issue parking citations for parking violations.
• Respond to citizen complaints and complete reports for incidents that do not require a sworn officer (e.g., animal bites, barking dogs, animals at large, cruelty, trap requests).
• Prepare evidence and provide testimony in court as needed.
• Investigate reports of animal attacks or cruelty, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and write reports.
• Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, abused, nuisance, or wild animals using nets, nooses, or other provided equipment.
• Educate the public about animal welfare and related laws and regulations.
• Issue warnings or citations for animal‑related offenses.
• Check complaints of abandoned vehicles, determine need for tow or follow‑up, and initiate towing to the impound lot when appropriate.
• Meet vehicle owners at the impound lot, assist with release, and ensure proper paperwork is completed and filed.
• Coordinate with other city departments on removal of vehicles from private property.
• Work with patrol shifts on abandoned vehicle issues.
• Control and supervise citizen access to vehicles and secured storage areas at the impound lot.
• Complete impound lot control forms and enter data into the Phoenix system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

Duties may involve personal danger from animal bites, diseased animals, adverse weather conditions, and irregular work hours and shifts.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull at least 50 lb.
• Normal visual acuity and ability to hear ordinary conversation.
• Clear oral communication.
• Good manual dexterity of hands and fingers.

Equipment Used

• Humane traps and other animal‑control tools.
• Mobile radios and cellular phones.
• City utility pick‑up truck.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in public‑contact work.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wisconsin Humane Officer Certification or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate clearly.
• Ability to maintain records and write legible, concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to remain calm in confrontational situations.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage.
• Pension program.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Generous time off.
• City residents receive a 4 % differential on top of the hourly pay range.