Police Service Aide

General Purpose

Employees in this class perform a variety of para-professional duties in support of sworn police officers and supervisors including preliminary investigations, investigation of automobile crashes, and a variety of community contact work. Duties will include: preparation of various reports, utilization of police communications equipment, operating a motor vehicle, and processing crime scenes for latent fingerprints and other physical evidence. PSA's are unarmed civilian employees with no arrest or enforcement powers, with the exception of the issuance of traffic citations in conjunction with accident investigations and parking violations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Supervision is received from a field training officer or other immediate supervisor who reviews work for satisfactory performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. This position is classified as a non-exempt, full-time position with a 40 hour work-week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Conducts preliminary investigations of nonviolent criminal offenses and prepares appropriate police offense/incidents reports; communicates with the public, victims, and witnesses.
• Operates police two-way radio equipment and utilizes a computer terminal for processing information.
• Investigates automobile crashes, prepares State of Florida crash reports, issues traffic summons and testifies in related court proceedings; provides emergency first-aid to the injured if required, and examines accident scenes for signs of physical evidence.
• Process crime scenes for latent fingerprints and other physical evidence; uses powder, tape, and cards to lift latent fingerprints found; and prepares crime scene reports.
• Performs liaison functions between police authorities and the community; makes daily contacts with businesses and residents in assigned work areas; attends community meetings and assists in community programs and special events.
• Operates a motor vehicle on a continual basis in varied traffic conditions; conducts routine patrolling; and keeps vehicle clean and properly equipped.
• Completes a variety of administrative reports, delivers Department mail, uses duplicating equipment, and answers telephones.
• Issues citations and attends court.
• Performs related work as required.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Must possess a valid Florida state drivers license with an acceptable driving record.
• Employees in this class may be required to satisfactorily complete the Police Service Aide Academy. The contents and training include, but is not limited to, constitutional and criminal law, rules of evidence, crash investigation, first responder techniques, traffic direction and control, parking enforcement, report writing, trial procedures and testimony, crime scene investigation, physical training and conditioning and practicum exercises.

• Must be able to work variable hours and shift schedules as needed.
• Must be fluent in the English Language.
• Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of basic legal concepts as they relate to the classification of crimes.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of first aid.
• Knowledge of the various reports and forms utilized in the course of work.
• Knowledge of the traffic laws of the State of Florida.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry concepts related to latent fingerprint processing.
• Ability to use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Ability to use computers for data entry.
• Ability to use computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Ability to exercise judgment in dealing with human interactions.
• Ability to prepare a variety of specialized reports.
• Ability to use mobile or hand-held radio equipment and related communications equipment.
• Ability to render first aid.
• Ability to weigh facts and maintain objectivity in making decisions.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy and courtesy in dealing with a variety of people.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to control situations requiring traffic direction.
• Ability to receive instruction from various superiors on an ever-changing basis.
• Ability to adjust to changes in assignments without undesirable effects upon performance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while driving a motor vehicle maintaining constant vigilance to the surrounding area.
• Ability to sit for extended period of time at computer.
• Ability to move or drag up to 165lbs without assistance; carry up to 50lbs short distances without assistance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in the roadway, in all kinds of weather conditions, while moving hands and arms above shoulders and operating a whistle.
• Ability to participate in rigorous physical exercises including running, sit-ups, squats, climbing, pushing and pulling during the Police Service Aide Academy.