Booking Officer

Job Posting

This position is for the Kenner Police Department. It does not fall under Kenner Civil Service. This is responsible work in relation to the intake and booking of prisoners into the Kenner Jail. This position also requires dealing with the public both in the lobby of the Kenner Jail and on the telephone, but will have no physical contact with any prisoners. The position requires the use of varied clerical and secretarial skills involving complex work assignments and situations. The Booking Officer reports to and is under the supervision of the Jail Section Supervisor.

Performance responsibilities/essential functions: (This is a descriptive, neither restrictive nor all-inclusive, list of duties, responsibilities, and functions required of the Booking Officer. Other duties, responsibilities, and functions may be added as required.)

• The primary function of the Booking Officer will be to work inside the Control Room of the Jail Facility performing non-prisoner-related functions in order to relieve the Correctional Peace Officers to handle duties related to the care, control, and custody of individuals arrested, detained, or taken into protective custody by certified law enforcement agents.
• Prepare Intake Forms and Medical Screening Questionnaires.
• The Booking Officer, while remaining inside the Control Room, will take property from prisoners through the Booking Window and will record a list of items received.
• Monitor surveillance cameras from a control panel inside the Control Room; answer telephone lines for calls coming into the Jail; and operate office equipment such as computer terminals, fax machines, and copiers.
• Monitor access to and exit from the Jail Facility as well as to and from cells and other intake and holding areas, will open and close all secured doors remotely and electronically, and will answer questions through a window to the lobby.
• The Booking Officer will maintain for the Jail various types of records to include the following:
• A ledger, to be known as the Arrest Register, containing the name, address, race, sex, date of birth, offense charged, name of the arresting officer, property taken from the arrestee, date and time of booking, and disposition of every arrestee within the City of Kenner.
• A computerized and/or manual alphabetical file containing arrest information for all adult arrestees will be maintained by the Jail.
• A computerized and/or manual alphabetical file containing the names and other identifying information of all individuals for whom arrest warrants and attachments have been issued by a court having jurisdiction within the City of Kenner.
• Specific functions and duties of the Booking Officer include but are not limited to:
• Operate Jail Console Board, surveillance cameras, and single or multiple position phone equipment.
• Must be capable of handling multiple booking assignments in rapid succession.
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing, both with co-workers and the public. Fluent bi-lingual English/Spanish, while not required, may be extremely helpful for situations necessitating a translator.
• Acquire thorough knowledge of the regulations, procedures, and services of the Jail Section and other Divisions of the Kenner Police Department in order to handle routine matters independently.
• Maintain office logs and neatly organized files.
• Copy, sort, bind, and distribute written materials at the direction of a Section Supervisor; type forms, letters, Department reports, and various other materials frequently requiring independent action and discretion on routine matters.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

1. High School diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Minimum 18 years of age.
3. Ability to type 25 WPM.
4. Cheerful personality and manner when answering calls and dealing with the public.
5. Knowledge of business English, spelling, and clerical office procedures.
6. Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word.
7. Requires self-motivation, confidentiality, and the ability to prioritize.
8. Knowledge of appropriate office machine operations, practices and procedures.
9. Must pass an intensive police background investigation.
10. Must pass psychological evaluation.

Desirable qualifications:

1. Bi-lingual English/Spanish
2. Ability to type 40 WPM
3. Previous experience operating a switchboard with multiple, simultaneous in-coming calls
4. Knowledge of other computer applications such as Access and Excel

Supplemental information:

Communication skills: Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing. Must be able communicate successfully with co-workers and the public. Must have the ability to give and receive information accurately via telephone.

Equipment used: Jail Console Board, surveillance cameras, single or multiple position phone equipment, typewriter, personal computer, facsimile machine, calculator, copy machine, and other appropriate office machines.

Work environment/hours worked: The Booking Officer is required to work in an office-type setting in the Control Room of the Jail Facility in a climate-controlled environment. The position of Booking Officer is a full-time or a part-time position. Full-time workdays consist of 8 1/2 hours per day, including a 30-minute lunch period and two 15minute breaks, as approved by the Supervisor. Part-time work status will be determined based on the number of hours worked per week. The Jail Section operates 24-hours per day and 7-days per week. Work assignments are scheduled in shifts around the clock and throughout the typical Saturday/Sunday weekend.

Physical involvement: Sitting is required most of each workday. Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting and moving job related materials/equipment as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Must be able to operate office equipment.

Mental involvement: Must understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from Supervisor. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must have the ability to learn various computer software programs. Must be able to perform work under time constraints set by Supervisor.

Human relations involvement: Must be able to work compatibly in group settings. Must be able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement. Establish and maintain efficient and cordial relations with Department employees and the general public.

Benefits:

Health insurance: Comprehensive medical benefits options are provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full-time employment. Dependent coverage is also available. The City of Kenner also offers voluntary insurance plans: DENTAL, VISION, and SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS (VOLUNTARY LIFE, CANCER, ACCIDENT, CRITICAL ILLNESS, HOSPITAL CONFINEMENT, LONG-TERM DISABILITY and SHORT-TERM DISABILITY).

Life insurance: All full-time employees are insured under a Group Life Insurance policy through Prudential Life Insurance Company. The coverage is one and half times the employee's salary, up to $300,000. The policy also provides a Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. The premium cost is covered by the City of Kenner. Coverage is effective the first of the following month, following full time employment.

Retirement system: The City of Kenner's regular full time employees are enrolled with the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana. Both the City of Kenner and the employee contribute the required percent to the system. The employee's contributions are kept on account and will be refunded, if the employees leaves employment before they are retirement eligible.

Deferred compensation: The City of Kenner currently participates in a 457 Plan with MassMutual. This is a voluntary investment program that the employees are allowed to participate in at a contribution rate of their choice (must be within the designated maximum and minimum limits, as set for by Plan Document). The City of Kenner does not contribute to the 457 Plan.

Holidays: Sixteen paid official holidays are observed, plus any other holidays which may be declared by the Mayor.

Annual and sick leave: Eligible Kenner employees earn annual leave and sick leave. Accrual of hours will increase based on the number of years of service.

Working test period: Upon appointment to a position in the classified service, the employee shall serve a working test period of six (6) months, unless extended.

EAP: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program which provides a professional to help employees and their families to resolve problems. This service is 24 hrs. / 7 days per week, voluntary participation and confidential. Kenner reserves the right to at any time and from time to time to modify or amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the benefit package