Police Community Service Officer I

The Position

About the Police Department
The Carlsbad Police Department is a full service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the police department, and the support of City Council members and the community, Carlsbad continues to be a safe community to live, work and play.

• The City of Carlsbad ranks among California's safest cities.
• Carlsbad residents report high satisfaction with police services; recent survey results indicate that over 90% of the residents are satisfied with police service.

The City of Carlsbad embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and recognizes the vital relationship of a culturally diverse, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. A diverse, equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

The Carlsbad Police Department's "Ideal Candidate" exemplifies department values, is a leader, role model, team player and problem solver. Under general direction, this position receives, evaluates and acts upon emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio communications which range from routine to the complex in the support of municipal law enforcement and fire departments.

The Community Service Officer I, under direct supervision, performs a variety of routine community service, paraprofessional and technical duties in support of police functions in assigned divisions of the Police Department; and performs other related work.

The Community Service Officer I normally has little experience involving police work. Community Service Officer I will be exposed to a variety of assignments and cross-trainings. Within one year from date of hire, employee incumbents in the Community Service Officer I class assist in a variety of non-sworn responsibilities supporting law enforcement functions that are limited to duties of a routine nature, such as clerical duties and fieldwork.

The Community Service Officer I focuses on police support and specialized tasks in critical or sensitive functional areas, such as assisting in investigations, maintaining evidence, chain of custody, or crime scene evidence collections, and coordinating special projects and or events.

Application Process:
The Police Community Service Officer I announcement will remain open until 150 applications are received or until May 17, 2024, whichever occurs first.

Recruitment Process and Timeline:
Closing Date: May 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. or until 150 applicants, whichever occurs first.
Written Test: Week of June 3, 2024, exact date TBD
Panel Interview: Week of June 17, 2024, exact date TBD

Selection Process

• Written Test.
• Oral Panel Interview.
• Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
• Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
• Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment within law enforcement profession. This investigation includes a lie detection polygraph screening.
• Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
• Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required.
• Must successfully pass a background for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) prior to appointment.
• The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

Key Responsibilities

Receives and responds to citizen inquiries and requests for police services in person and by telephone.

Interacts with victims, suspects, and witnesses.

Photographs and fingerprints individuals.

Conducts criminal investigations and writes crime reports.

Performs clerical tasks related to assignments.

Conducts traffic collision investigations and writes traffic collision reports.

Conducts research and compiles information to support law enforcement functions.

Performs delivery and pick-up of: materials for court processing, police vehicles and equipment for service or repair, and department supplies as assigned.

Assists in the maintenance and deposition of stolen or lost/found property.

Conducts parking enforcement by educating, issuing citations and warnings.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:
General office practices including operation of standard office equipment including a computer terminal.

Basic record keeping principles and practices.

Basic vehicle maintenance tasks.

Ability to:

Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Write clear and accurate reports.

Perform routine clerical tasks.

Deal tactfully and courteously with employees and the public.

Learn, apply, and explain departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations related to assigned tasks.

Operate computer terminal keyboards to enter and query information.

Experience & Education