Community Service Officer

City of Lacey•Lacey, WA

13d

About The Position

Community Service Officers (CSOs) support professional and commissioned personnel at the Lacey Police Department. They assist police officers in non-emergency situations; transport and guard arrestees; document certain non-emergency misdemeanor violations and lost or found property; help maintain police facilities; and complete special assignments as directed. The role does not require a full commission or carrying a firearm. The Lacey Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency providing law enforcement and social services to the community. CSOs respond to non-emergency calls and conduct and document investigations that have no suspect information or imminent leads. They review citizen reports, provide administrative and investigative support, transport prisoners and evidence, assist with traffic matters, and participate in community events. Other duties include maintaining records, responding to citizen questions, testifying in court, and completing special projects. The position may include seasonal assignment at Hicks Lake. In that assignment, the CSO patrols the lake, issues boating and personal watercraft infractions under a limited commission, educates the public about boating safety and regulations, documents incidents, coordinates with police officers, and operates a watercraft. The assignment requires the ability to swim and a valid Washington State boating license unless an exemption applies; schedules and duties may vary with weather conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Some face-to-face customer service experience working with the public.
Minimum age of 18.
Obtain First Aid/CPR and bloodborne pathogens cards within six months of hire.
Complete self-defense techniques and training within six months of hire.
Obtain Washington State Patrol Law Access Certification II within the first month of hire.
Pass a background investigation, integrity interview, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, Chief's interview, and pre-employment medical testing.
Maintain the physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Read, write, and speak English well enough to communicate verbally and prepare written reports.
Drive safely and defensively, navigate the city, and safely operate vehicles and equipment in routine and emergency situations.
Use sound judgment, analyze situations objectively, recognize threats and potential dangers, and determine an appropriate course of action.
Work independently in the field with minimal direction while following procedures and remaining accountable to team members and supervisors.
Operate computers, word-processing software, spreadsheets, data-entry systems, radios, handcuffs, and other law-enforcement equipment.
Maintain accurate records, confidentiality, and chain of evidence; understand records management and retention practices.
Provide courteous, professional customer service, including in stressful situations and when dealing with distressed citizens.
Establish effective working relationships with coworkers and the public; communicate professionally and work effectively as part of a team.
Manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and schedules, handle interruptions, and proactively support team members.
Complete identity and U.S. work-authorization verification as required by law.

Nice To Haves

Three to six months of customer service experience.
College-level coursework related to law enforcement.
Experience working in a fast-paced, busy work environment.
For a seasonal Hicks Lake assignment, a valid Washington State boating license is required unless an exemption applies; the ability to swim is also required.

Responsibilities

Respond to non-emergency calls, including parking and traffic complaints, collisions requiring traffic control, property matters, and public service requests.
Conduct and document non-emergency criminal and non-criminal investigations using appropriate policies, protocols, and investigative techniques.
Provide administrative support to police department divisions and staff.
Review online citizen reports for investigative follow-up and crime-trend information, and recommend approval, assignment, or disposition to a supervisor.
Assist commissioned staff with investigations, including preparing flyers and bulletins.
Complete prisoner pre-booking as needed and transport misdemeanor and felony prisoners, including between contracted jails and court.
Stand by with prisoners transported to a hospital from the field.
Assist the Evidence Unit with evidence and found-property transport, packaging, destruction, inventory, and audits.
Investigate abandoned vehicles, process them for removal as directed, and complete impound reports.
Assist officers with traffic matters, including collisions and removing disabled vehicles from roadways.
Investigate, document, and process lost and found property; collect information and write reports about property crimes.
Set up speed-monitoring devices at various locations.
Participate in community events and engage with citizens by providing information, education, and promotional materials.
Testify in court as required; assist with fingerprinting when needed; and prepare, maintain, and update files, reports, and records.
Participate in special projects and assignments, respond to citizen questions, and perform other related duties as assigned.
When assigned to the seasonal Hicks Lake rotation, patrol the lake, issue infractions for boating and jet-ski violations under a limited commission, educate the public about boating regulations and safety, document incidents, coordinate with on-duty officers, and load, unload, and operate a watercraft.
Maintain regular, reliable attendance and work varied shifts and schedules.