Placer County

To assist the public, sworn and non-sworn staff, and other personnel, by performing a variety of technical and clerical work related to law enforcement functions; to greet and assist the public in a variety of situations; to make presentations and assist in public relations activities; and to perform other duties not requiring Peace Officer status.

Community Services Officer I
Receives immediate supervision from higher level supervisory or management personnel.  Functional or technical supervision may also be received from higher level technical or supervisory/management staff.

Community Services Officer II
Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory or management personnel within a framework of standard policies and procedures.  Functional or technical supervision may also be received from higher level management staff.
May exercise technical supervision over the Community Services Officer I.

• Assist the public either in person, on the telephone, or in the field; diffuse volatile situations; explain Department procedures and policies to the public as needed.
• Compile data from multiple sources to complete and process forms, documents and reports in accordance with established procedures; research problems and refer them to the appropriate person, unit, department, or agency.
• Advise public of applicable regulations and procedures; sign off on specified citations.
  Deliver subpoenas in non-hazardous situations; write reports not requiring the presence of a sworn officer.
• Conduct meetings and make presentations to community and school groups; write articles and press releases; prepare pamphlets and brochures related to law enforcement and crime prevention activities.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; type statements, letters, petitions, civil and criminal complaints and other material.
• Establish and maintain systems and procedures to coordinate, monitor and report on the program status to which assigned; within established guidelines, interpret various departmental rules, policies and procedures of assigned program; communicate program status to affected parties and educate involved participants as to process and program policies.
• Compile and total law enforcement statistics; conduct comparative statistical analysis of computer generated reports to ensure accuracy of information.
• Process citizen reports, inquiries, and calls for service.
• May provide traffic control.
• May testify in court, as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Community Services Officer I

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of experience interviewing clients, applying regulations and dealing with hostile or irate individuals from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Community Services Officer II

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to the duties of a Community Services Officer I.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Community Services Officer I

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Basic techniques for dealing with diverse people in tense and verbally abusive situations.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of assigned position; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses; identify programmatic changes; interpret and apply internal department rules and regulations; observe while in the field; problem solve situations; and explain law to public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in a vehicle; walk and stand during field activities; bend, twist, squat and kneel during issuance of subpoenas; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; perform simple and power grasping; pushing and pulling; fine manipulation; lift moderate weight.
• Learn the function, organization, purpose, operation, and procedures of law enforcement and/or public safety agencies.
• Learn to inform members of the public of processes and procedures.
• Learn to read, understand, and interpret standard official legal documents.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Community Services Officer II

In addition to the requirements for Community Services Officer I:

Knowledge of:

• The function, organization, purpose, operation, and procedures of a law enforcement agency.
• Advanced techniques to deal with diverse people in tense and verbally abusive situations.
• Principles and practices of report writing for a law enforcement agency.

Ability to:

• Apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Inform members of public of processes and procedures, especially individuals exhibiting stressful or emotional behavior.
• Read, understand, and interpret standard official legal documents.
• Exercise independent judgement and discretion analyzing and resolving problems; work with a minimum of supervision.
• Enforce the laws, regulations and ordinances governing parking in a tactful, firm and impartial manner.
• Locate streets and other geographical points using a map.
• Maintain accurate records and files.