Community Service Officer

The South St. Paul Police Department is accepting applications for the position of part-time Community Service Officer. The Community Service Officer (CSO) performs all duties assigned in connection with the operation of the police department (Department). The CSO position is a non-sworn position that assists in carrying out the mission of the Department by providing support services to all divisions of the police department and performing all tasks as apparent or assigned by a superior officer. The CSO is expected to handle calls for service as directed by supervisor, dispatch, and sworn personnel. The CSO has primary responsibility for all animal control calls received during her or his shift as well as responsibility for follow-up on animal control issues. The CSO does parking enforcement; maintains Department equipment and the related documentation; makes deliveries and does other duties as directed. The CSO is expected to be able to maintain good working relationships with colleagues and the general public. The CSO reports to and receives direction from a superior officer but must be able to perform without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment when required.

Major Position Functions

• Responds on or off duty to calls for service and emergencies as directed.
• Primary responsibility for all animal control functions including, without limitation, animal pick up and transport and all documentation required by the Department and the South St. Paul Animal Hospital; response to complaints involving nuisance animals, animal welfare and other issues; conducts any required follow-up and issues summons for violations. Responsible for maintaining adequate supplies of Animal Control equipment, supplies, forms and written materials.
• Primary responsibility for safety and security of City owned parks, including locking and unlocking of shelters, restrooms, and other park facilities as directed and ensuring users of the city owned dog park have the required pass permitting use.
• Ensures that all police fleet vehicles are serviced at proper intervals. Delivers vehicles to the appropriate service facility and maintains any required service documentation.
• Exercises care in the use of Department facilities and equipment. Returns equipment to its designated location after use. Reports damage, loss or improperly operating equipment to an immediate supervisor.
• Responsible for cleaning all police fleet vehicles, exterior and interior.
• Monitors squad supplies (necessary forms, first aid equipment, traffic control equipment, personal protective gear, etc) and replaces as needed. Reports damage to any police fleet vehicles or equipment to her or his supervisor.
• Conducts patrol by squad, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot as assigned while observing and reporting suspicious occurrences, persons and activities. Provides citizen assists. Performs routine non-emergency duties including such things as extra patrol and vacation home checks, positioning and monitoring the "speed trailer", building checks, monitoring crime areas, patrolling parks and schools.
• As directed by the shift supervisor or dispatch, handles minor calls (e.g. thefts, vandalism, etc.) Reports to her or his supervisor any similar situation that the CSO may come upon during the normal course of duty without being dispatched. (The supervisor will assign the call to either the CSO or a sworn officer at the supervisor's discretion.)
• Assists with traffic control and direction only when directed by a superior officer.
• Responsible for parking enforcement and responds to parking complaints received during her or his tour of duty. Conducts follow-up on overtime parking and other pending parking complaints. Special attention is paid to high traffic and the high school area; restricted, timed parking and "resident only" parking zones; and handicap parking areas.
• Responsible for all abandoned or found bike calls occurring during the CSO's tour of duty. Completes any pending bike calls.
• Responsible for vehicle unlocks; checks "fix-it" tickets; handles fingerprinting requests; conducts "Safe Streets" checks; etc.
• May respond to medical calls when directed and no other squad is available. Code 2 response only, a Code 3 response is not authorized.
• May be assigned to property room management and may be responsible to check in and release property if assigned.

• Inspects several areas of the Department at the beginning of each tour of duty and completes the specific tasks associated with each area including but not limited to:

• Jail Area: Retrieves any used blankets and has them cleaned

• Booking Area: Verifies that all necessary jail supplies, fingerprint cards, Intoxilizer mouthpieces, forms, etc. are available and replaced as needed.
• Clerical Area: Completes all communication and other deliveries.
• Garage Area: Keeps squad stalls clear of property.
• Performs necessary clerical duties as directed by a supervisor.
• Maintains excellent public relations through communications with the public and other departments and agencies. Responds courteously to inquiries made in person, by telephone or electronically and makes appropriate referrals. Provides information, directions and prompt assistance within the scope of responsibility and refers calls as appropriate to other parties. Participates in public relation activities, crime prevention activities and awareness programs as directed.
• Issues citations for ordinance violations as directed. Appears and testifies in court as required.
• Only wears the CSO uniform when officially acting in the capacity of a CSO. As appropriate, keeps available and uses all required PPE. Subject to routine Department uniform and equipment inspections.
• Prominently displays the "Community Service Officer" placards on the vehicle assigned to the CSO for the performance of her or his duties. Short term transport of other police vehicles (e.g. for cleaning or repair) does not require the attachment of the "Community Service Officer" placards. Drives with due regard for safety and wear and damage to vehicle.
• Conducts and carries herself and himself in a professional manner. Maintains a neat and well-groomed appearance. Copes with difficult situations in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Keeps superior officers advised of developments and of all unusual or sensitive occurrences. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports and assists the department's traffic mitigation program, including speed trailer deployment, vehicular counts and monitoring.
• Covers front office reception area for support staff when support staff is not available.
• Transports prisoners and others to Dakota County Jail, detox, and other destinations as directed.
• Daily and continuous public contact, requiring a high degree of tact, courtesy and sound judgment.

Required:
Age 18 or older and currently enrolled in, or a graduate of a post-secondary law enforcement program

• Minimum Requirements:

• High School Graduate or equivalent

• Valid MN driver's license with no suspensions or revocations within the past five years
• Ability to pass a background check

Desired Education/Skills

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary two- or four-year law enforcement program
• Conversational ability in a second language, preferably Spanish
• Formal training in crime prevention, evidence processing, security and first aid.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of city ordinances and state and federal laws and rules of evidence within the scope of responsibility.
• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge and skill in the behavior, habits, care and handling of both domestic and non-domestic animals normally encountered in animal control functions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures, set priorities, organize workload, handle multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines and maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to effectively utilize public relations skills and abilities in resolving disputes and problems through verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Ability to work professionally with other employees and to deal with the public in a courteous, tactful manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in the English language and the ability to provide clear explanations and answers.
• Ability to write clear concise reports.
• Ability to evaluate situations, innovate, improvise as necessary, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk or run on slippery surfaces.
• Ability to follow animals on foot over all types of ground conditions and over fences and walls if necessary.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and climb over or crawl under objects.
• Possess the necessary cardiovascular capability for rapid stair climbing and other strenuous activity, in all weather conditions, while wearing body armor and other equipment.
• Ability to administer first aid and assist the Fire Department as necessary
• Ability to have sufficient grip strength to handle equipment and animals normally associated with animal control functions.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle for long periods of time, in congested traffic, day and night, and in all environmental conditions.
• Ability to enter and exit a motor vehicle frequently during the course of a shift.
• Ability to balance self while handling weighted equipment.
• Ability to lift or carry equipment from floor to overhead.
• Ability to push and pull objects using total body movements.
• Ability to walk long distances.
• Ability to move around with a combination of weighted gear and equipment and while carrying the additional weight of an object or leading or carrying an animal.
• Ability to hear within normal hearing range with capability to hear and understand spoken English delivered at a normal conversational level.
• Ability to read road signs, house numbers, license plates, etc. day and night. Possess visual acuity correctible to drive a motor vehicle and read common documents.
• Ability to work under stress and pressure.