Community Service Officer

About the position

The Community Service Officer position within the Palm Springs Police Department involves providing a variety of civilian police services. This role is essential for responding to non-emergency calls, conducting investigations, managing evidence, and assisting with community policing programs. The officer will engage in various tasks that support law enforcement efforts while ensuring public safety and community relations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts/investigates crime and traffic reports which are low risk or are not in progress.
• Identifies, preserves, collects, and analyzes evidence associated with criminal incidents.
• Coordinates documents and organizes investigative information and evidence for subsequent prosecution and laboratory analysis.
• Directs and controls traffic at accidents or special events or as a school crossing guard; may perform non-hazardous crowd control duties.
• Performs vehicle abatement duties, including determining parking violations and issuing the appropriate citations and coordinating the removal of damaged or abandoned vehicles as necessary.
• Assists with community policing programs, including homeless, youth, seniors, and other assigned programs.
• Assists investigations with court filings and document transportation.
• Handles evidence and property as directed; maintains control and inventory of department equipment.
• Conducts booking searches; searches and safeguards property entrusted to their care.
• Transports suspects/prisoners to the County jail, medical facilities, court, or other agencies.
• Receives, books, and releases suspects/prisoners; maintains records and inventory related to suspects/prisoners in custody.
• Completes jail logs; documents and compiles reports; follows up on incidents that warrant further action.
• Attends meetings and events in support of City programs and initiatives.
• Assists and participates in community relations, services, and education.
• Prepares citations for parking or municipal violations.
• Assists with live scanning.
• Testifies in court as necessary.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements

• One year of responsible full-time work experience performing technical services support, administrative duties, and/or providing front-line customer service or security services to the public; or successful service of 6 months or greater in a Police Explorer program; or successful completion of a Police Cadet program with a City, County, or State Government law enforcement agency is required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent education is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Penal Code section 832 - Arrest certificate or a Peace Officer's Reserve training certificate in levels one, two or three is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a law enforcement agency is preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities