Public Service Officer

Summary

Assists callers and visitors requesting non-emergency police services. Greets the public entering the lobby and provides them with information or gives them directions as needed.

Essential Functions

• Answer non-emergency telephone lines and assist visitors. May answer emergency calls as required. Must be able to accurately enter various types of information into the department's computer system;
• Keeps records of activities and prepares reports concerning crimes, complaints, accidents, and investigations.
• Determine the nature of the request and take appropriate action. Refer request for service to appropriate division or agency as necessary;
• Interview callers or visitors to obtain necessary information. Must have knowledge of various Federal, State, and Municipal laws to determine the appropriate response. Must have the ability to talk on the phone or in person and record information directly into a computer system;
• Maintain records on activities, reports, requests for service, etc...Perform certain functions required by the Municipal Court.
• Perform various duties at the Police public desk and in the records section as assigned;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent with an additional one year responsible experience involving public contact; or any combination of relevant education and experience which provides the following:

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Various basic laws.

Ability to:

• Determine the nature of service required;
• Speak clearly;
• Write clearly, concisely and legibly;
• Interview callers or visitors to obtain necessary information;
• Learn police department procedures;
• Read and understand various laws; apply basic laws to actual situations;
• Adapt to various situations which include dealing and communicating with people under stress;
• Process information from several sources and work under stress;
• Operate standard office equipment including computers;
• Pass an extensive background investigation to receive security clearance;
• Wear a distinctive uniform identifying you as a Police department employee;
• Work flexible hours

Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk and stand
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward, partial flexing of knees
• Frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds
• Frequently push and pull objects
• Frequently rotate upper the trunk to the right or left while sitting or standing
• Frequently reach above, at, or below shoulder height
• Continuously talk, see, and hear