School Resource Officer

The Position

Under the general supervision of a Sergeant and in cooperation with the community, performs a variety of policing and law enforcement activities. Tasks are primarily service oriented and include investigative and enforcement functions, to generally provide for the safety of the public, and to perform essential functions as required. Duties include an element of personal danger, exposure to adverse weather conditions, apprehending criminals, directing traffic, and transporting prisoners. Incumbents perform duties in accordance with Florida Statues and established departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines. The incumbent must be able to act without close supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgement.

1. Conducts routine preventative patrol of assigned school premises.

a) Patrol school grounds for detection of violators.

b) Initiate contacts with both business operators and residents.

c) Maintain an open-line of communication with the school community.

d) Obtain information and increase knowledge of persons and conditions within an assigned area.

2. Responds to calls for police service; takes action upon observing a circumstance or situation requiring police attention.

a) Respond to public disturbances and other incidents and attempt to resolve through counseling and referral.

b) Settle disputes among neighbors, juveniles, gangs, etc.

c) Handles any and all related complaints from the school community.

3. Provides information and/or assistance to the public.

a) Interact with diverse groups of people.

b) Answer a wide range of non-police related service calls.

c) Inform citizens of available services in the school.

d) Coordinate information and resources among other Department employees, public and private agencies, and citizens.

e) Provide referrals to City, County, State, Federal, and Private Agencies.

4. Maintains the peace and safety of the school community.

a) Quell public disturbances.

b) Maintain civil obedience at school functions.

c) Work with the community to identify crime, quality of life issues and other concerns.

d) Use problem solving skills, creativity, and innovative approaches to design strategies to address these concerns.

e) Anticipate crime trends and develop plans to break negative patterns before they become established.

5. Provides for the safe and convenient flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

a) Investigate traffic accidents.

b) Enforce traffic laws when and where necessary.

c) Promote vehicular and pedestrian safety.

d) Report unsafe road and travel conditions.

6. Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations.

a) Conduct initial investigations into a variety of crimes.

b) Conduct investigations concerning civil disturbances.

c) Conduct follow-up investigations of crimes and other incidents.

d) Conduct surveillance for suspected or potential criminal activity.

7. Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers.

a) Analyze and interpret legal codes and criminal evidence.

b) Enforce laws and arrest lawbreakers.

c) Issue Notices to Appear.

d) Issue traffic citations.

8. Prepares written reports, forms, and other documents as required.

a) Complete standardized departmental forms relating to crimes and occurrences.

b) Prepare narrative reports of incidents (supplemental reports, probable cause affidavits, etc.)

c) Prepare basic and detailed reports pertaining to departmental business on such forms and in such format as may be required.

d) Uses computers for reports, communications, and information retrieval and archiving.

9. Maintains Proficiency and Professionalism.

a) Attend work regularly, reliably, and punctually.

b) Adhere to Department policies, rules, regulations, SOP's, laws and ordinances.

c) Keep Superiors informed.

d) Report orally, or in writing, on matters of concern to public safety, the Department, or the City.

e) Consistently practice ethical behavior.

f) Make recommendations for improvement.

g) Participate in training. Must attend all mandated training required by the Police Department and the City.

10. Testify in legal proceedings as a credible witness regarding official duties (civil, administrative, criminal courts and depositions).

11. Provides support and assistance to other Police Officers, and City, State, County, and Federal employees.

a) Stand-by while other City/County/State agencies perform their duties and functions.

b) Assist in training and developing other employees.

12. Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.

a) Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials and equipment.

b) Use all required safety equipment as trained or dictated by policy.

c) Practices safe driving techniques.

The Requirements

• Knowledge of federal laws, state statues, and local ordinances.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Hollywood Police Department.
• Knowledge of crime prevention techniques.
• Knowledge of First Responder and CPR techniques.
• Skill in the operation of motor vehicles under favorable and adverse conditions.
• Skill in the use of computer hardware and software.
• Ability to Learn and apply new information.
• Ability to exercise discretion.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and member of a group.
• Ability to interact and work with others appropriately and effectively in a work place and community of diverse cultures, ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, in writing, and interpersonally with superiors, subordinates, and the community.
• Ability to assert self appropriately.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.
• Ability to determine proper courses of action within the established framework of law, policies and procedures.
• Ability to solve problems with innovation and creativity, including alternatives which involve taking risks.
• Provide effective and efficient services with courtesy, responsiveness, and competence.
• Ability to maintain composure under emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.
• Ability to accept responsibility, acknowledge mistakes, and share successes.
• Ability to exercise common sense and good judgment.
• Ability to learn and perform self-defense and control techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms, impact weapons, and chemical agents.
• Ability to become keenly familiar with the geography of the City and surrounding areas.
• Ability to work differing school hours, after school hours, and a schedule that meets the needs of the assigned school and the Hollywood Police Department.
• Ability to work during City declared emergencies.
• Ability to learn and adapt to changing technologies and practices.
• Ability to operate required radio equipment.

United States Citizen. Minimum 21 years of age. High School Graduate or G.E.D. equivalency. Must be a currently Certified State of Florida Police Officer with (5) years Law Enforcement experience. Must hold or obtain School Resource Officer certification upon completion of a Department sanctioned course. Pass Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) with score of 79 and/or pass a competitive civil service exam (Law). Pass Swim Test Pass polygraph or computer voice stress analysis examination. Pass psychological screening (Law). Pass an extensive medical evaluation and drug screening. Meet current State training requirements as necessary. Pass an extensive background investigation. Pass drug detection by hair analysis test. Stable work history. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Be of good moral character, have no felony convictions, and committed no incidents of violence. Military discharge must not have been dishonorable. Preferred (2) years School Resource Officer or Juvenile Justice experience, GREAT or DARE certified. Must complete 1 year probationary period.

Compensation/Work Schedule

Work Schedule – Approximately ten months per year (school year plus training) with a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of the positional responsibilities. Overtime/Detail Time – Off duty details will be limited to the school environment, either the school assigned to the officer or other schools within the SRO program. Sick Days / Vacation – 3 days Pension/Retirement Plan – N