Community Service Officer

The position of Community Service Officer/Evidence Technician is a civilian position with the Police Department involving a wide variety of field and office work in direct support of sworn and non-sworn personnel including, but not limited to parking enforcement, traffic control, report taking, animal control, assisting at special events, and transporting & delivering evidence, official documents, and cash; and to provide responsive, courteous and efficient service to City residents and the general public. Additionally, the person in this position will be required to perform as an assistant (back-up) to the Property/Evidence Custodian and to Records personnel. Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 60% of the time annually)
Observe, monitor and control traffic conditions when necessary; assist and advise motorists; enforce parking laws and regulations; issue parking tickets; fingerprinting of individuals.
Monitor and enforce City Ordinances.
Respond to calls-for-service and take reports for general public services, including, but not limited to, private property traffic crashes, parking complaints, animal-related matters, property control, and ordinance violations; testify in court as required.
Deliver inter-departmental reports, warrants and other confidential documents to courts, government offices, financial institutions, other law enforcement agencies, and other City employees.
Delivers or arranges for the delivery and return of evidence to crime laboratories.
Maintain contact with the citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning City and State laws, procedures and activities of the Department.
Perform traffic control for a variety of situations, including crashes, traffic light malfunctions, road hazards, unusual congestion, fires, and perform crowd control at major events in the City.
Perform security checks of City facilities and business locations; check houses of vacationing residents.
Respond to and processes crime scenes when requested.
Perform a variety of clerical duties including data entry and the preparation of forms and reports.

Essential Functions of this Position (Generally up to 30% of the time annually)
If employee is a female, perform a variety of matron duties including searching, fingerprinting, photographing and processing female prisoners.

Other Functions of this Position (Generally up to 10% of the time annually)
Train new Community Service Officers on City and Departmental Policies, procedures and activities.
Perform all other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Essential Functions for this Position When Assigned to Evidence Custodian
Coordinate, manage, organize, and perform as required, all necessary evidence/property control functions in the Evidence/Property Section.
Log, record, enter data, generate, and maintain various reports on evidence/property in Department custody or storage.
Dispense, dispose, and release property in an appropriate and legal manner, in accordance with established guidelines of evidence and property.
Properly store and maintain evidence/property in various facilities utilized by the Department.
Research case files, microfilm, computerized records, reports, and contacts/ interacts with other Department units and agencies to facilitate disposal of evidence.
Conduct local and LEADS/NCIC computer file searches and queries on weapons and other items of evidence for information; perform FOID background checks on firearm owners prior to transfer and release.
Research, analyze and determine the rightful owner of property, evidence, and found items; provide notification to property owners, schedule appointments, release of items, and compose written correspondence, as necessary.
Communicate with crime victims, family members, and suspects regarding property and evidence matters.
Perform audits and inventory on items of evidence/property stored within Department-controlled facilities.
Prepare inventories of property eligible under State Statute for disposal or auction and coordinates with the Investigations Sergeant for disposal of said property.
Properly utilize safe methods in handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Clean and disinfect storage facilities.
Maintain adequate supplies of materials and equipment to facilitate all duties related to the Evidence Section.
Assist in any investigative proceedings relating to evidence and its storage.
Assist and coordinate with evidence technicians and other police officers in any necessary function relating to evidence/property.
Perform all other related duties and responsibilities of the Evidence Custodian as assigned.

Essential Functions for this Position When Assigned to Records
Complete video redactions related to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Scan and attach approved documents to case reports in the Records Management System (RMS).
Assist department personnel and the public in person and by phone in obtaining police-related information; distribute requested reports to outside agencies in accordance with established regulations, provide general information regarding department policies, procedure, and regulations.
Collect citation fines and various fees; post, record, file and issue receipts relating to the collection of fees; maintain and balance a cashiers drawer.
Perform all other related duties and responsibilities of the Records role as assigned.

Essential Safety Responsibilities and Duties of All Employees
Becomes familiar with and adheres to all City and Department safety and security policies/procedures.
Report all potential hazards, accidents and injuries consistent with City policy and procedure.
Immediately reports all unsafe conditions and acts to a supervisor.
Recommends improvements to safety and security practices.
Obeys and adheres to all work safety rules and practices.
Completes assigned safety training. Experience:
No experience is required.

Education:
Requires a high school diploma or GED.

Special Requirements and/or Training:
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Illinois Drivers License. Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate certification required for specialized assignments related to this position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
Basic organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
Federal, state and local laws pertaining to evidence issues, as well as Department policies and procedures.
Rules of evidence.
Principles of evidence processing techniques, photography, typing and filing.
Crime laboratory submission requirements and procedures.
Firearms handling safety.
Traffic laws and regulations, specifically parking enforcement laws.
Standard police radio procedures.
Basic methods of animal control.
Procedures and techniques for communicating with the public tactfully in a firm manner.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:
Maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City departments, City officials, and external organizations in the completion of work duties.
Learn the organization, procedures and operation of a law enforcement agency.
Maintain familiarity with city districts and boundaries, streets, addressing system, landmarks and physical features, and police jurisdictions.
Work variable shifts as assigned.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks.
Work with hazardous materials in a safe manner; Maintain accurate records and files.
Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent Federal and State Statutes, local ordinances, and Department and City rules and policies.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Learn and effectively develop skills in the humane treatment of animals.
Testify in a court of law.Learn other tasks and responsibilities as required for employment.

Equipment and Tools Routinely Used to Perform Essential Duties:
Personal computer and related hardware; mobile devices; VOIP desk phone; copy machine; fax machine; camera and video equipment; appropriate operation of police radio equipment; a variety of crime scene processing tools and equipment; animal control equipment; OC spray, first aid equipment; and any other equipment and tools needed to perform the essential duties of the role.

Software Routinely Used to Perform Essential Duties:
Word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Microsoft Outlook email. Specialized software may include incident and crash reporting, evidence, equipment, and programs that are unique to the Evidence and/or Records Sections.