Community Service Officer (CSO)

Lake Forest•Lake Forest, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lake Forest is seeking a dedicated and community-minded Community Service Officer to support its Police Department. As a uniformed, unarmed civilian, you will work directly alongside sworn police officers, gaining a deep understanding of police procedures, tactics, and operations. This position provides an environment that actively encourages the development of problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills, setting a strong foundation for a career in law enforcement.

Requirements

High School Graduate or GED equivalent.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak clearly.
Ability to work well under pressure and function at a high level under hectic, fast-paced conditions.
Working knowledge of standard productivity software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and the adaptability to learn proprietary police Records Management Systems (RMS) and electronic ticketing software.
Must successfully pass a Police Department pre-employment screening process.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the public to handle, de-escalate, and resolve non-criminal complaints.
Provide traffic control at vehicle accidents, active construction zones, and designated school crossing details.
Assist with equipment set-up, crowd control, and traffic routing for city-sponsored and community events.
Conduct routine visibility patrols in commercial districts and high-violation parking zones.
Write comprehensive, accurate incident reports for minor crimes, property damage, and non-injury traffic accidents.
Manage walk-in citizen requests, process station reports, and answer non-emergency telephone inquiries.
Apply and interpret local municipal codes to deliver accurate information to residents, visitors, and department staff.
Issue citations for violations of local regulations, including parking restrictions, animal control laws, and city vehicle compliance.
Investigate animal control complaints, handle reported animal bites, and process required quarantine paperwork.
Safely capture, restrain, and transport stray, injured, or lost domestic pets and local wildlife to designated shelters.
Transport department vehicles and specialized equipment to and from municipal garages or repair facilities.
Retrieve and deliver documents, evidence, and specialized gear as authorized by department supervisors.
Support sworn personnel with data entry, evidence logging, and general administrative tasks as assigned.