Public Safety Aid

Job Title

This is paraprofessional, non-sworn law enforcement work that handles a variety of specialized and technical non-confrontational, non-emergency criminal incidents and police calls. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for assisting with law enforcement-related complaints and investigations which do not require arrest powers. Work follows prescribed law enforcement procedures and departmental regulations; however, incumbents exercise some independent judgment without immediate supervision in reacting to emergencies. Supervision is received from a superior who establishes work schedules and reviews work through personnel observation and written reports for efficiency and effectiveness. This position is a high-profile service position contributing to the improved efficiency and operation of the Uniform Patrol Division. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Police Sergeant

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responds to calls and complaints involving missing persons, misdemeanors, felonies, and other crimes where no suspect is present. Completes detailed written and computer-generated reports. Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; takes detailed statements from witnesses; testifies as a witness in court proceedings. Responds to traffic crash scenes and incidents; conducts traffic direction; renders first aid Provides traffic assistance and assists with funeral escorts. Investigates animal complaints, abandoned vehicles, parking violations, and violations of City Ordinances. Processes crime scenes to include photographing, processing for latent fingerprints, collecting blood/DNA, and using proper evidence collection procedures. Handles phone-in and walk-in complaints at the Station Duty Desk Greets the public and conducts other administrative duties associated with the Station Duty Officer. Performs various other law enforcement duties of a non-emergency nature as designated by the Shift Commander or Supervisor. May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department. Position is designated as Emergency and Essential. May be assigned to assist in processing major crime scenes. May be given specialized assignments at the direction of the Chief of Police (e.g., special events). Performs related tasks as required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to learn the practices, laws, ordinances, and policies governing law enforcement; city government and departmental operations; and geographic locations within the City. Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the telephone, and on the radio. Ability to deal diplomatically with angry, violent, or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with assigned area of responsibility. Knowledge of City parking enforcement ordinances and State statutes, which govern City traffic functions. Knowledge of City geography. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, supervisors, and staff members and interact courteously with the public. Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English fluently. General knowledge of modern report preparation and record keeping procedures and practices. General knowledge of police forms, terminology and records. Knowledge of departmental programs, policies and procedures. Ability to perform a considerable volume of detailed record work. Ability to maintain files; ability to type and enter data accurately and at a reasonable rate of speed Ability to operate general office and data entry equipment. Ability to follow written and oral direction Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED from an accredited school; 0 to 2 years of experience. Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Class E driver's license and have a good driving record as determined by the City of Bartow. Must maintain a valid telephone number. Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety training program and obtain First Responder First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications. Must be able to complete and pass Protective Action Training and pepper spray certification. Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, and be of good moral character, etc., before being offered employment as a Public Safety Aide. Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Aide Academy and Protective Action annual refresher training programs and recertify First Responder First Aid, CPR, AED, and pepper spray certifications annually. Must be able to complete the FDLE "Traffic Control Officer for Civilians" course and Parking Enforcement classes. Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Note: Preference will be given in the hiring process of those applicants having completed the State of Florida Police Standards. Physical and Mental Demands: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Essential Physical Skills: Work involves routine keyboard operations, walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, operating a vehicle extensively, and may involve assisting in extracting injured victims at emergency scenes. Ability to ambulate independently; to walk, run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods. Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions. Visual ability and the possession of depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night to read and write reports and correspondence. Requires the ability to hear and comprehend police radio traffic. Requires the ability to operate a vehicle in normal and emergency conditions, daytime, night-time, and adverse weather. Requires dexterity and grip strength to operate law enforcement equipment such as radios, crime scene equipment (camera, fingerprint processing equipment, etc.), and personal protective equipment (PPE). Requires the ability to wear and/or operate personal protective equipment as required, including, but not limited to, belts and ballistic resistant vests The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollens, dusts, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals. The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception. Mental Demands: Required to use written and oral communication skills. Read and interpret data, information and documents. Work under deadlines with constant interruptions. Requires the ability to maintain a state of awareness and vigilance commensurate with officer safety responsibilities.

Supplemental Information

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee regularly works outside in various weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, and cold. The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollens, dusts, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs other related duties as assigned. All City of Bartow employees are considered EOC essential in times of emergency. An e-role will be provided to each employee when an emergency is declared. As a City of Bartow employee, you are a public servant of a local entity and are responsible to adhere to the Florida State Statute governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees Florida State Statute Chapter 112. Additionally, all Bartow employees are subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes which governs public records.

Benefits

Benefits are for regular full-time employees Types of Benefits: Insurance: Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance Retirement: Pension, 457(b) deferred compensation plan Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, holiday and personal time Other: Educational assistance program and wellness programs