The Community Service Officer (CSO) is a non-sworn, part-time civilian member of the Police Department and provides a variety of non-emergency services to the community that do not require physical arrest or relate to a crime in progress. The CSO will also perform other public service and administrative duties as assigned. This position requires a strong service-oriented approach to duties at all times and the ability to work under minimal supervision.

POSITION CONTEXT:

• Enforces City parking ordinances by identifying violations, issuing citations, and coordinating vehicle towing as necessary.
• Educates the public on parking regulations to promote compliance and reduce violations.
• Assists with the abandoned vehicle process by responding to reports, investigating potential abandoned vehicles, and coordinating the removal with the owner or through the department’s towing process.
• Assists in the administration of the parking ticket process, including the assignment of late fees, bill payment, and generating of reports when requested.
• Responds to radio dispatched calls for assistance and takes appropriate action and assists law enforcement and fire personnel in emergency situations that do not place the CSO in physical jeopardy due to lack of weapons or training. Renders first aid in emergency situations and provides assistance to citizens as necessary.
• Patrols assigned area on foot and in a vehicle and conducts various premise checks as requested.
• Provides low-risk services, such as traffic control including directing vehicle and pedestrian movement using barriers, flares, and hand signals.
• Assists citizens with non-emergency calls such as abandoned and disabled vehicles, vehicle lock-outs, lost property calls, etc.
• Performs vacation checks of homes as requested by out-of-town residents.
• Performs animal control duties including locating, capturing, and transporting stray domestic animals to their owners or the designated impound facility. Issues ordinance violations related to animal control as appropriate.
• Assists police officers with walk-in cases and private-property accident reports. Helps perform preliminary investigations and writing reports.
• Assists with administrative duties such as departmental purchases and building, vehicle, and property maintenance items.
• Conducts periodic inspection of departmental vehicles. Maintains vehicle equipment supplies and cleans vehicles as needed.
• Transports and disseminates departmental property, supplies, monies, equipment, and interagency correspondence (bond money, case reports, subpoenas, etc.) to the DeKalb County Court House, City Hall, and other various agencies/businesses.
• Oversees the Police Department’s lost and found property including receiving, documenting, storing, and releasing of items according to departmental procedures.
• Assists with fingerprinting for Police, Liquor, Telecommunicator, and Civilian applicants for related background investigation processes.
• Assists the Investigations Division with evidence delivery and administrative duties as needed.
• Assists with community outreach events including NIU Homecoming, National Night Out, Fun Jam, and Corn Fest.
• Conducts station tours for schools and special interest groups as assigned.
• Assists with set-up and security for community special events as requested.

• Appears and testifies in court or administrative hearings as necessary.
• Prepares reports and pertinent documentation as requested.
• Responds to public inquiries over the telephone and in-person. Refers to appropriate staff as needed.
• Maintains required departmental documentation, filing system, and public informational materials.
• Completes special projects, clerical tasks, and other duties as assigned.

• Ability to gain proficiency in current City codes, ordinances, and zoning regulations.
• Ability to interpret and provide information in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, established policies, and departmental procedures.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive matters in a professional manner.
• Ability to comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Extensive knowledge of office terminology, office procedures, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, residents, and general public.
• Ability to maintain professional composure when confronted by stressful situations and take reasonable action when confronted with difficult situations.
• Knowledge of basic first aid/life saving techniques (e.g. CPR & AED).
• Ability to handle or interact with stray, injured, or aggressive animals while using appropriate safety precautions and equipment.
• Ability to gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately complete basic arithmetic computations.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with interruptions and within short time frames.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of or the ability to gain knowledge of street locations and City geography.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle outfitted with emergency equipment in all weather conditions.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Educational coursework in criminal justice or related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• This position will require LEADS certification within 6 months of hire.

• Previous law enforcement experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) strongly desired. Previous experience or the ability to gain experience with departmental systems required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will work routinely between an office and outdoor setting. While working in the office, the person in this position will regularly sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear on the phone and in person.
• This position will regularly work outside and be exposed to weather elements. While working outdoors, the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl, or crouch to reach items. This position will also be required to walk, run, and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain including uneven terrain.
• This position may assist with basic first aid including CPR and AED use.
• This position will frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds with the use of a hand cart or other aid.
• This position requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to perceive and respond to auditory cues such as radio transmissions, verbal commands, and environmental sounds (e.g. sirens, alarms). Clear verbal communication is essential for conveying instructions and responding to emergencies.
• This position will require occasional travel to and from various municipal buildings and other offsite locations throughout the County.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment including personal computers, tablets, laptops, printers, scanners, copiers, and desk and cellular phones.
• Specialized equipment includes two-way radios, motor vehicles, mobile computers, fingerprinting equipment, first aid equipment, binoculars, flashlight, cameras, and traffic-control equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This position will require the ability to work outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends as necessary.

• The selection process includes submission of an application, interview, and a background check. The physical examination and drug screen (including cannabis) are completed upon conditional offer.

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

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