Public Service Aid (PSA)

City of Belen•Belen, NM

3d•Onsite

About The Position

A Public Service Aid (PSA) plays a supporting role in law enforcement and public safety for the community. This position assists in various areas, including traffic control, crime scene preservation, photography, crash investigations, non-arrest non-criminal reports, and non-violent prisoner transports. The role aims to reduce crime opportunities through preventive patrol, aid individuals in danger, facilitate traffic movement, identify problem areas, and provide emergency services. PSAs work weekends, holidays, unscheduled overtime, and night shifts. This is a non-supervisory position performed under the general guidance of the Police Chief, Deputy Chief, or Sergeant.

Requirements

Knowledge of police investigative techniques and identification techniques.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to organize and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports.
Skill in the use of police equipment.
Possession of physical ability and endurance.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with juveniles, parents, fellow workers, and the public.
A high school degree or equivalent.
Must be able to complete a certified Public Service Aid Academy from Albuquerque Police or Central New Mexico Community College.
Must be able to pass City drug testing.
No felony convictions or convictions for a crime of moral turpitude.

Responsibilities

Coordinates efforts with other department members to ensure teamwork and achieve departmental objectives.
Communicates pertinent information obtained in the field to superiors and fellow officers.
Responds punctually to all assignments.
Records information concerning events since the last tour of duty.
Records activity during the tour of duty as prescribed by proper authority.
Maintains uniforms, weapons, and equipment in functional and presentable condition.
Assists citizens requesting assistance or information, explaining jurisdictional limitations and suggesting alternative procedures.
Secures, photographs, and properly transports all evidence and property in custody.
Answers public inquiries, counsels juveniles and adults, and refers them to appropriate agencies for further assistance.
Preserves peace at public gatherings and neighborhood functions.
Serves or delivers summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when directed.
Confers with prosecutors and testifies in court.
Performs other general duties as assigned or become necessary.
Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies.
Patrols an assigned area for crime prevention and security, including familiarization with routes, merchants, businesses, roads, and alleyways.
Reports conditions that contribute to crime and notes locations of telephones and emergency services.
Identifies wanted subjects visually and reports them to police officers.
Completes detailed reports on crimes, vehicle crashes, and other incidents requiring police attention.
Writes reports for transports to detention centers or Municipal Court.
Reports recovered property or additional information on previously reported offenses to officers for investigation reports.
Preserves serious crime scenes until a Sergeant or Investigator arrives.
Conducts public assembly checks and building security checks.
Observes and interviews suspicious persons.
Reports fires and non-operational street lights and traffic signals.
Reports street hazards and conditions endangering public safety.
Checks parks, playgrounds, and city/government buildings.
Responds to public emergencies once the scene is cleared by officers.
Conducts investigations of minor non-arrestable offenses and minor traffic crashes.
Collects evidence and records data to aid in identification, apprehension, prosecution, and property recovery.
Takes preventive action on conditions tending to cause crime or indicative of criminal activity and informs superiors.
Responds to situations via radio, renders First Aid when qualified, and assists persons needing police services.
Remains on assigned patrol unless authorized for temporary absence by a Sergeant or senior officer.
Patrols areas with particular attention to parks, city and government buildings, and areas frequented by mischievous behavior.
Reports nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects, or other conditions endangering public safety.
Maintains patrol vehicles mechanically and ensures cleanliness.
Inspects vehicles for defects or missing equipment at the start of the tour of duty and reports them.
Removes keys when the patrol car is left unattended.
Uses only assigned vehicles.
Operates the radio according to FCC regulations and departmental procedures.
Ensures the assigned vehicle's gas tank is full at the beginning of the shift.
Keeps radio equipment operational and is familiar with departmental policy on its use.
Directs and expedites traffic flow at assigned intersections.
Enforces parking ordinances.
Reports traffic safety conditions endangering or inconveniencing the public to the sergeant.
Responds immediately when called from a traffic post to render emergency police service.
Wears prescribed traffic safety clothing (Traffic Vest) and equipment.
Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned.