Police Service Officer (Traffic Division)

Job Description:

Police Service Officer (Traffic Division)

Description

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

Under general supervision, performs responsible public contact and other police functions not requiring sworn authority.

Currently there are multiple vacancies in the Traffic Division of the Police Department.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• At a public counter, via electronic means, over the phone and in the field, receives and responds to citizen inquiries and requests for police service regarding criminal and civil problems or miscellaneous incidents requiring some type of police action.
• Routinely prepares crime, incident and miscellaneous police reports. Performs a variety of duties to enforce specific sections of the California Vehicle Code and the City of Santa Ana Municipal Code; patrols City to enforce parking codes and regulations by issuing warnings or citations as applicable; has vehicles towed as required; advises the general public on laws and regulations affecting parking.
• Provides traffic control including at potentially hazardous situations, traffic accidents, crime scenes, fires, funerals, special events, during power outages and weather related incidents. Responds to traffic accidents, secures area, conducts investigations and writes police reports. Performs vehicle checks to determine if vehicle equipment violations have been corrected.
• Provides liaison with Neighborhood Watch groups on matters related to safety and the prevention of crime. Coordinates both large and small scale law enforcement related community engagement events such as National Night Out and Pedestrian/Bicycle Rodeos.
• Compiles statistical data and writes articles for newsletters and other publications ultimately providing for their distribution. Coordinates and participates in public presentations to community groups. Prepares and maintains various records, statistical summaries and logs.
• Develops and conducts crime prevention educational programs targeting residences, business establishments and schools. Conducts security inspections and recommends security improvements. Reviews construction plans and inspects building sites for compliance with City building security ordinances.
• Assists in and performs investigations. Monitors pawn shop activities by collecting and processing pawn slips. Serves as court liaison for criminal prosecutions. Represents the Police Department in inter and intra agency settings. Trains and assists in guiding the activities of lower-level personnel. Performs other functions as assigned in any division of the Police Department.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of extensive public contact experience requiring tact and discretion in dealing with others and graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. equivalent; or any combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below:

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: the organization and operation of a municipal police department and of the community services provided by other public and private agencies; various criminal and vehicle codes and of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to the classification. Working knowledge of building security devices, strategies and the City's building security ordinance. Understanding of Community Oriented Policing principals and concepts.

Skill in: Personal computer operation; MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook).

Ability to: develop and deliver oral presentations to single individuals as well as large groups; write clear, concise and legible police reports in an appropriate format and to author newsletters, correspondence, and other written/electronic documents; analyze criminal activity data and identify trends, aggravating circumstances, possible suspects, etc.; take charge in crisis situations, such as traffic accidents, and respond appropriately by requesting medical or other assistance, administering first aid and preserving the scene; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other individuals such as City representatives, neighborhood leaders, business owners, District Attorney employees and co-workers. Lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and retention of a valid California Class C Driver's license is a condition of employment. Ability to work all shifts including nights, holidays and weekends. Must pass a police polygraph assessment.

Bilingual fluency in English and one of the following languages is highly desirable: Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Cambodian, Samoan and Hmong.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form and answer the supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Personnel Services Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Written Examination: (Weight 50%) may include questions on reading comprehension, office practices, English usage, interpersonal relations, software, and other job-related subjects. Candidates need a passing score in order to continue in the selection process. In addition to the multiple-choice section, there will be a writing skills exercise. Candidates need a passing score in this examination in order to continue in the selection process.

Oral interview examination: (weight of 50%) will evaluate training, experience, education, and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.
Bilingual oral fluency exam: (if applicable) will evaluate the ability to communicate effectively in both English and a second approved language. Candidates do not need to pass this examination in order to be further considered.

Note: Following the completion of the aforementioned civil service recruitment process, the Police Department will receive the names of candidates eligible for hiring consideration and will contact candidates directly to schedule selection interviews with the Field Operations Bureau Commander or designee.

Prior to selection, a thorough police background investigation will be conducted for outside candidates and non-Police Department City of Santa Ana employees. Contents of the background file and results of the background investigation may also be reviewed by the Police Chief prior to appointment. An updated background investigation may be required for current Police Department employees. Non-City of Santa Ana candidates selected for employment must also successfully complete a medical examination.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under POA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 12/31/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$5,852.00 - $7,112.00 Monthly