Community Service Officer

City of Odessa•Odessa, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, Community Service Officers are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a variety of community service programs and initiatives. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, identifying and addressing community concerns and needs related to public safety. This role involves assisting patrol officers in non-enforcement activities, responding to non-emergency calls, investigating and documenting citizen complaints, traffic incidents, crimes, and illegal activities. Officers will also respond to citizens' requests for assistance, enforce minor traffic/parking violations, investigate minor criminal offenses, secure evidence, and complete detailed reports. Maintaining departmental vehicles and equipment, upholding the integrity and professionalism of the Odessa Police Department, and assisting law enforcement officers and crime scene unit technicians are key aspects of the role. Additionally, officers will attend community events, engage with residents, perform parking enforcement, distribute public safety materials, explain the criminal justice system, provide information within designated authority, and address community organizations about crime prevention programs. Supporting departmental operations with regular attendance and maintaining courteous and cooperative behavior with the public and staff are also essential. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Satisfactory results on a background investigation and polygraph are required.
A valid State Driver's License is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of geography, roads, and landmarks of the City and surrounding areas.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work as a team member with other law enforcement and city departments.
Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Additional technical training and certifications may be required.

Responsibilities

Developing, implementing, and managing a variety of community service programs and initiatives.
Identifying and addressing community concerns and needs related to public safety.
Assist patrol officers in activities and tasks other than criminal enforcement.
Responds to non-emergency calls for service; investigates, documents, and resolves citizen complaints, traffic incidents, crimes, and illegal activities.
Respond to citizens' requests for assistance and enforce minor traffic/parking violations fairly and consistently.
Investigates minor criminal offenses; secures evidence; completes detailed reports and required paperwork.
Maintains OPD vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Odessa Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
Assists law enforcement officers and crime scene unit technicians with various roles during the response to the needs of citizens.
Attends community events and interacting with residents.
Parking enforcement.
Distributes public safety materials.
Provides case information and explains how the criminal justice system works.
Provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.
Addresses community organizations and citizen groups to explain the OPD crime prevention programs.
Supports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.