Public Service Aide

Summary: This is a paraprofessional position designed to relieve law enforcement personnel from non-police, non-hazardous service calls and duties. Nature of Work: Under general supervision of the Police Department, the objective of the position is to provide support for all components of the Opa-locka Police Department as needed.

Employees in this classification perform non-routine clerical, investigative and minor police-related duties. Position is responsible for preparing police reports, responding to calls for assistance, investigating motor vehicle crashes, areas of the City and facilities as directed, and issuing traffic and parking citations for infractions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Patrols in marked Police Service Aide units; answers and responds to calls for service. Investigates traffic crashes and prepares crash reports to include Hit and Run follow-up investigations. Investigate minor property crimes to include Thefts, Criminal Mischief, Vehicle Burglaries, Frauds, Auto Thefts, and miscellaneous Non-Violent calls.

Prepare incident reports as required. Assists with Traffic Control. Assists with transporting documents and evidence to and from Court, the Lab, and the Police Department. Issues citations for parking and other infractions of the law. Conduct crime prevention awareness programs for public and private groups. Assists at crime scenes and at special activities or events.

Processes minor crime scenes for evidence. Deploys and retrieves department equipment. Attends and testifies at court and/or gives depositions as subpoenaed. Enters and cancels information on Teletype machine. Accepts and processes subpoenas for sworn and non-sworn personnel. Research and provides information to staff and the public.

Prepares periodic reports and logs such as vehicle inspection logs, daily logs, and overtime slips. Attending seminars and classes to maintain or improve technical and professional skills Performs other assignment as required. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Has the ability to deal with the public tactfully, often under stressful situations.
• Has the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the general public, other public agencies, and City Officials
• Has the ability to think clearly and maintain composure under emergency situations.’
• Ability to prepare accurate written reports of activities and investigations.
• Ability to communicate verbally in a clear manner and to communicate effectively with the general public by telephone using good diction skills and a clear speaking voice
• Ability to obtain relevant and complete factual information relative to the situation or call.
• Ability to complete a variety of records and forms rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, city officials, supervisors, fellow employees, vendors, the general public and other outside organizations
• Ability to work independently and to complete various tasks or activities assigned
• The ability to exercise discretion.
• Ability to withstand pressure of competing priorities and varied responsibilities and work efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions.
• Ability to evaluate the impact of alternative courses of action and evaluate circumstances of an innovative, new or unprecedented nature EDUCATION High School or vocational school diploma or GED required. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING One (1) year of public contact experience SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Shifts are subject to change/flexible based on the needs of the public; peak traffic and peak hours* Must have a valid Florida driver's license. SUPERVISION RECEIVED General and specific assignments are received as to beats or details and work is normally performed with latitude for the use of independent judgment in the selection of work methods and procedures, subjects to review through analysis of reports, personal inspection, and discussion PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT On a continuous basis sit at a desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear, and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, use a calculator to compute figures. On occasion it is requested to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment. On occasion it is required to lift or carry weights up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employment At-Will Employees have a work-at-will relationship throughout their employment. This means that employment is for an undefined period. Either the employee or the City OF Opa-Locka, without cause or notice, may terminate it. Equal Employment Opportunity/EEO The City of Opa-Locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-Locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.