Community Service Officer

City of Whitewater•Whitewater, WI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This part-time, non-sworn, paraprofessional position performs limited law enforcement and code enforcement functions in support of Police Department operations. The Community Services Officer must be highly motivated, organized, and capable of managing priorities independently while demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills. This is a limited-term position with a maximum duration of two (2) years, intended for individuals actively pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. The position is designed to provide practical experience and professional development for individuals with a strong interest in law enforcement and public service. Under the specific supervision of the Administrative Captain, this position will perform limited law enforcement functions and code enforcement duties for the Police Department.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school with a degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field.
Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such code manuals, City ordinances, directories, State statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with City personnel, Department personnel and general public.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with court officials, business persons, public organization representatives, attorneys, other law enforcement personnel and the general public.
Ability to quickly make assessments of emergency situations, determine appropriate responses and act assertively; cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.
Skill in public speaking.
Ability to complete accurate mathematical calculations as may be required of the position.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.
Ability to cope with emergency situations calmly but effectively and to react quickly to secure accurate and precise information on the location, extent and nature of the emergency aid requests.
Ability to quickly make assessments of emergency and non-emergency situations, determine appropriate responses and act assertively; cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully.
Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations, to organize work and set priorities, managing time and resources to meet deadlines and changing demands, perform duties with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
Skill in the operation of departmental equipment, including but not limited to desktop computer; vehicles; animal control devices; radios; speed board, pepper spray, handheld ticket units; pager; 10-key calculator; cameras and video equipment; telephone; copy machine; fax machine.
Working knowledge of basic computer functions and computerized record-keeping systems.
Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment as shown in applicant's criminal history, background, and motor vehicle record.
Must possess, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
Ability to work in and maintain an environment that deals with sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to deal with the public, other law enforcement officers, outside agency representatives, etc. in an effective, fair and professional manner.
Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance and supervision.
Ability to both work cooperatively with others and work independently of direct supervision in an effective and efficient manner.
Ability to remember and recall details.
Must possess good observational powers.
Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports on investigations, offenses, and other activities.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and tenacity in order to actively influence events, rather than passively accepting results of the actions of others.
Employee must have ability to hear and understand radio transmissions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements.
Physical demands include walking and sitting for extended periods of time and at times, run, jump, crawl, kneel, climb, bend, reach, stoop and carry and/or push heavy objects and any other physical movement in the performance of public safety duties.
The employee must, at times, exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, occasionally involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, crouching, crawling, kneeling, stooping and or moving up to 50 pounds.
The work sometimes requires above average physical agility and conditioning.
Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities and differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
Ability to meet the Departments physical standards and maintain good health and fitness.
Necessary strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination to perform duties.
Work under supervision of the Administrative Captain.
Has limited prior related work experience, but is broadening knowledge base while gaining full understanding of associated policies and procedures.
Employees prioritize their own work, manage their time effectively and respond to some questions independently.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in second language preferred.
Skill in First Aid and CPR, certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Issue warning notices, tickets and fines for ordinance violations documenting with photographs or video
Complete necessary reports and investigations on enforcement action taken, including follow-ups.
Engage in animal control activities.
Process lost and found property as reported.
Assist in traffic and crowd control at accidents and/or fire scenes, parades, and special events.
Assist stalled vehicles and stranded motorists, performs limited traffic control functions.
Perform routine errands and assist in special projects.
Patrol City parks and beach for building and equipment security and park closing compliance (summer months).
Fill in for Crossing Guards.
Inspect private property within the City for code compliance, i.e. trash / junk / quality of life issues.
Take proactive and reactive enforcement action on property maintenance, sidewalk snow removal, tall grass, sanitation and lawn parking violations.
Answer code compliance questions.