Police Community Engagement Coordinator

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

About The Position

The Police Community Engagement Coordinator performs a range of professional, civilian duties focused on the proactive prevention of crime through education, analysis, and community-based strategies. This position develops, coordinates, and delivers crime prevention programs for residents, businesses, and schools; analyzes crime trends to inform prevention strategies; and serves as a key liaison between the Police Department and the community to promote safety, awareness, and partnership-based problem solving. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE: Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of crime prevention and community-oriented policing; advanced crime prevention methods and methodologies, including environmental design, public education, and collaborative problem-solving approaches; modern police work principles, procedures, and practices; applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations related to crime prevention and public safety; City and departmental rules, regulations, and policies; data collection methods, basic crime analysis concepts, and interpretation of crime trends; community engagement strategies and effective public outreach practices; and the use of local, state, and national private-sector and governmental promotional resources to support police-sponsored community safety initiatives. SKILL: Planning, coordinating, and delivering crime prevention programs and events; Public speaking, presentation development, and facilitation for varied audiences; Written communication, including reports, outreach, promotional and educational materials, and program documentation to support crime prevention programs and community partnership events; Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools for public information sharing; Social media content creation and public messaging; Use of standard office and data systems to track programs, trends, and outcomes. ABILITY: Build and maintain effective working relationships with community members, schools, businesses, partner agencies, City staff and Police Department personnel; Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing; Analyze information, identify patterns or issues, and develop practical prevention-focused solutions; Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines; Work effectively within a structured organization and chain-of-command environment; Exercise sound judgment and professionalism when interacting with the public and responding to sensitive situations.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Additional training or coursework in crime prevention, criminal justice, public safety, communications, or a related field is preferred.
One (1) to three (3) years of experience in crime prevention, community outreach, law enforcement support, public safety education, or a related field.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation which may include a polygraph assessment, psychological assessment, medical testing and a drug screen.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver's License with a safe driving record.
Ability to obtain relevant crime prevention certifications (such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) as required by the department.
Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for programs and events and is subject to call-back when needed.

Responsibilities

Develops, promotes, coordinates, and maintains community, school, and business-based crime prevention programs, which may include Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), residential and commercial security assessments, identity theft prevention, fraud awareness, shoplifting prevention, youth safety programs, and similar initiatives.
Plans and delivers crime prevention presentations, trainings, and educational outreach to diverse audiences using effective public speaking, instructional, and facilitation techniques.
Coordinates and participates in community engagement events and public safety initiatives, such as National Night Out, safety fairs, youth-oriented programs, and department-sponsored outreach activities.
Collects, reviews, and analyzes crime data, trends, and community feedback to identify emerging issues and recommend proactive prevention strategies; collaborates with sworn and civilian staff to support implementation.
Works collaboratively with Police Department personnel to share crime trend information, prevention practices, and program outcomes that support operational and community safety goals.
Initiates, develops, and manages crime prevention projects and program deliverables, ensuring work is completed accurately, on time, and in alignment with departmental priorities.
Coordinates and supports outreach activities, including the promotion of crime prevention programs, educational initiatives, and community partnership events, consistent with departmental guidelines.
Supports traditional and digital communication efforts, including social media, to inform and engage the community on crime prevention programs, events, and relevant crime trends; prepares content, assists with scheduling posts, and responds to routine inquiries in coordination with department policies and designated communications staff.
Assists with public information and communications related to crime prevention initiatives, events, and community education, in coordination with appropriate department staff.
May assist the department in a civilian capacity during critical incidents or special operations with little or no notice.
May train department personnel and volunteers on crime prevention concepts, best practices, and program delivery.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.