About the Department
Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, incumbent is responsible for public education and community mobilization efforts in the areas of crime prevention and special community outreach projects. Incumbent supports the mission of the Lakewood Police Department and assists in enhancing crime prevention, resolving minor traffic concerns and mobilizing community effort to improve safety and neighborhood quality of life. Work involves providing information to the public in order to assist them in problem resolution and to direct them to the appropriate police unit and/or other resources. An employee in this classification carries a limited police commission to allow for such activities as hulk and litter removal, disabled parking and other parking enforcement activity.
Position Duties
Organize, coordinate and implement crime prevention programs and the offender accountability program, and community mobilization activities for the police department; respond to the public's requests for service and information; resolve minor traffic concerns, coordinate neighborhood activities designed to promote safety and improve neighborhood quality of life.
Represent the department and answer questions from the general public related to crime prevention or offender accountability programs; direct people to the appropriate police units or services and facilities outside the department; recommend resources for, and solutions to crime prevention problems.
Create and distribute a public information newsletter addressing crime prevention and offender accountability.
Plan, organize and speak at various community outreach events to display and disseminate information on crime prevention or offender accountability programs.
Develop and maintain records of adult and juvenile offenders in assigned police districts.
Develop and conduct various crime prevention surveys; collect, analyze and distribute data for crime prevention and offender accountability purposes.
Perform front desk/public contact duties such as directing the public to the proper person or section, responding to inquiries, interviewing victims of minor offenses, receiving police service requests, taking statements and writing reports.
Maintain a presence at the front desk to answer incoming calls, properly direct them to the correct resources, take information about concerns from walk in clients and in person inquiries.
Carry a limited commission to accomplish hulk removal, and enforcement of disabled parking and general parking violations by writing citations.
Operate personal computers, copiers, and basic office equipment.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Requires high school graduation or equivalent. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required. Education, training or experience related to law enforcement is preferred.
LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must successfully pass a stringent personal background investigation including polygraph examination and drug test. Must be at least nineteen years of age; possess a valid Washington driver's license by hire date and have a satisfactory driving record.
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The recruitment and selection process includes the following:
- City of Lakewood online application with supplemental questionnaire. The applicants scoring highest on the supplemental questionnaire will proceed to an oral board interview.
- A minimum score of 70% on the oral board interview is required to proceed.
- Candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list based on their oral board scores.
- Candidates may proceed to interview with police command staff members and the Rule of Five shall be used for final selection.
- Successful completion of a background investigation, including polygraph.
- Any offer of employment is conditioned on passing a background investigation, polygraph, medical exam and drug test.
- The average length of time from background investigation to hire is three months.
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Other Qualifications
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Basic principles of public relations.
Principles, practices and associated terminology of the criminal justice system.
City ordinances and applicable state laws governing crime prevention and parking enforcement.
Community resources and appropriate methods of assessing them.
Current crime prevention and offender accountability techniques.
Police department policies and procedures.
ABILITY TO:
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Plan and organize workload to meet schedules and time lines.
Maintain records and prepare administrative reports.
Educate individuals and community groups regarding crime, crime prevention and the functions of the police department.
Keyboard and use computer automated systems to process associated paperwork.
Oversee, coordinate and implement diversified crime prevention and offender accountability programs and activities within the community.
Work as part of a team effort.
Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.
Physically perform the duties of the job.
Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively in English with co-workers, superiors and the general public, both orally and in writing.
Interact effectively with individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions and beliefs.
Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
Effectively deal with violations of rules, policies, and procedures on an impartial basis.
Maintain standards of physical fitness.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work includes indoor and outdoor environment, subject to adverse weather conditions and possible verbal abuse; employees may be assigned to work evening and weekend hours, and are subject to call out.