Community Service Officer (CSO)

City of AppletonAppleton, WI
Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level civilian position responsible for assisting other staff in the performance of paraprofessional tasks in the Police Department. Work involves directing traffic, writing reports, conducting security checks on parks/City buildings, and impounding stray animals. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the on-duty supervisor or Police Officer. The purpose of the CSO program is to give students or those considering a law enforcement career an opportunity to explore and learn about the profession. Employees hired to perform CSO work are employed on a limited term basis, generally no longer than 3 years. The granting of an extension shall be the sole discretion and approval of the Police Chief and the Human Resources Director, or designee.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely in and around vehicular traffic.
  • Ability to read and understand street maps and directions.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions.
  • Ability to maintain effective relationships with other employees and the public and to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
  • Ability to gather information and complete reports.
  • Knowledge of Defensive Driving techniques.
  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle; possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
  • Physical fitness testing
  • Panel and chief interviews

Nice To Haves

  • Students or those considering a law enforcement career

Responsibilities

  • Issues warning notices and citations for animal, bicycle or other local ordinance violations.
  • Patrols parks to ensure buildings are secured and parks are vacated at closing time.
  • Directs traffic and assists with crowd control at accidents, fire scenes, parades, disaster scenes and other times under the direction of a Police Officer.
  • Picks up and impounds unattended, stray, sick or improperly cared for animals and takes enforcement actions.
  • Assists stranded/stalled motorists.
  • Responds to and makes reports on incidents that do not need immediate investigation or follow up.
  • Facilitates the exchange of information between parties at non-reportable parking lot accidents.
  • Takes initial reports of graffiti including photographing, documenting and ensuring necessary follow-up.
  • Screens non-emergency phone calls to determine if an emergency exists and/or if an officer response is needed.
  • Handles emergency situations on the phone when circumstances require it.
  • Monitors in excess of 60 cameras and 35 duress/door alarms within and around the building.
  • Issues visitor passes according to department security policy.
  • Operates controls for the sally port, booking room doors and secured lobby doors.
  • Takes complaints and completes reports not requiring an officer’s response.
  • Monitors and performs two-way radio communications.
  • Responsible for doing call-ins of staff members or other calls at the direction of a supervisor.
  • Approves/denies overnight parking requests.
  • Buffers complaints for all departments within the City.
  • Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.
  • Answers designated personal phone lines and relays messages for officers and other department employees.
  • Distributes and explains various city & state forms/permits to the general public (e.g., DOT & DNR registration forms, accident reports, parking permits).
  • Operates in-house paging system.
  • Performs miscellaneous staff support functions as required in a timely fashion.
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