Probation Surveillance Officer I - Veterans Court

Surveillance Officer

Surveillance officers provide surveillance and supportive casework services to probationers at the direction of the Superior Court under the provisions of evidence-based practices and consistent with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. The duties of a surveillance officer include monitoring the assigned probationers, and meeting with probationers in their homes or at their places of school/work. Surveillance officers may perform searches and make arrests. Because probationers under Court supervision may include convicted felons, felony adjudicated delinquents, and/or persons with domestic violence convictions/adjudications, these job duties expose the surveillance officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. As a result, the surveillance officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA 6-106(A) and ACJA 6-107(A). All surveillance officers must "demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy." ACJA 6-107(G)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs closely structured surveillance and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and parents/guardians and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, schools, community restitution or detention) as a member of a team.
• Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps and files a complete identification record concerning the person on probation, including contact notes regarding compliance with terms of probation and case plan to prepare written reports for the probation officer.
• Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day, and evening home contacts.
• Directs and/or refers probationers to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation.
• Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in level of supervision is warranted.
• Performs searches, breathalyzers/urinalysis collection, and makes a documented effort to locate absconders.
• Serves warrants, makes arrests, and brings persons before the court who are on probation including defaulting probationers facing revocation. Surveillance officers have the authority of peace officers in the performance of his or her duties.
• Appears and testifies in court.
• Monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensures victims' notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements.
• In confrontational situations with probationers or others, appropriately and effectively responds and uses defensive tactics and techniques, as learned at the Defensive Tactics Safety Training Academy, when necessary.
• Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following, or their comparable alternatives: 1) Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown), 2) Perform minor aerobic activity, 3) Stand for up to 2 hours at a time, 4) Engage in balanced movements, 5) Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes), 6) Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces), 7) Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks), 8) Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery), 9) Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed, 10) Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, 11) Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground, 12) Be able to bend knees lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing techniques), 13) Be able to bend knees to a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor and other equipment depending on case assignments.
• Must possess:
  • Independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend and sit for prolonged periods of time and/ or drive a vehicle.
  • The manual dexterity necessary to reach, grasp, handwrite, and use a computer.
  • Vision sufficient to see and read.
  • Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the phone.
  • The ability to withstand varying weather temperatures.
  • The ability to lift, drag, push and carry items of various weight.
• Must have skills in the areas of:
  • Self-control, patience, initiative, courtesy, tact and diplomacy in order to maintain effective relationships with a diverse population.
  • Interviewing, motivating and interpersonal relationships.
  • Time management and organization with the ability to apply principles and methods of correctional casework.
  • Critical analysis of individuals and situations in order to problem solve and make sound decisions.
  • Effective oral and written communication.

• Possess knowledge and understanding of:
  • The criminal justice system and community resources.
  • Diversion, Standard and Juvenile and/or Adult Intensive Probation and community supervision.
  • Social and community corrections casework.
  • Principles of adolescent and general human behavior; and evidence-based practices in community corrections.
  • Associates Degree in the behavioral sciences or a related field from an accredited college.