Community Services Officer I/II

Job Description:

Community Services Officer I/II

Description

Position Information

The Chico Police Department is seeking individuals to fill multiple openings.

Under immediate (Community Services Officer I) or general (Community Services Officer II) supervision, performs various non-sworn field and special assignment duties in support of Police Department operations.

Community Services Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Community Services Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical duties in support of various law enforcement operations in a civilian capacity. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Community Services Officer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Community Services Officer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Community Services Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Community Services Officer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in the Community Services Officer class series depend on assignment and positions at the Community Services Officer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Community Services Officer I level; progression to the Community Services Officer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Community Services Officer II level.

Job Description

Management may add, modify or change the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations when appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Community Services Officer I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Responds to non-emergency calls for service; takes information from the public regarding thefts, found property, and other incidents which do not require the presence of a law enforcement officer at the scene; completes standard police reports for review by supervisor.
• Performs required follow-up functions on crime reports, such as burglaries and thefts, including evidence work such as gathering fingerprints as needed.
• During the process of taking reports, conducts interviews of witnesses, victims, and complainants; secures statements.
• Prepares and submits reports and related documentation of incidents and investigations.
• May provide direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations and special events
• Provides information, directions, and assistance to the public in a variety of situations and assists the public with complaints.
• Drives a vehicle in the performance of duties and ensures it is in proper operating condition.
• If trained and Temporary Holding Facility (THF) staff are unavailable, may be asked to help processes, book and search suspects when absolutely needed, especially during special events, emergency situations or mass booking situations.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Serve departmental subpoenas
• Performs other Community Service Officer duties as assigned.

SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENT DUTIES

If assigned to a specialty assignment, duties may include a variety of tasks appropriate to the assignment:

• Performs crime prevention duties by patrolling streets to observe potential criminal activities; works with the community on programs which are designed to reduce crime in neighborhoods and business areas.
• Secures crime scenes; collects and processes evidence, ensuring the chain of custody is not compromised.
• Assists with investigations of missing persons, lost children, and runaways, frauds and forgeries.
• Observes traffic situations; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations
• Perform other traffic related duties including, but not limited to parking enforcement and vehicle abatement.
• Temporary Holding Facility (THF) duties and functions associated with that assignment.

**When assignment is the Temporary Holding Facility:

• When in this assignment, the THF is your primary responsibility.
• When all THF duties are complete and there is no one in custody, or imminently so, simple general CSO tasks may be initiated
• Receives, searches, and processes prisoners, books, photographs, fingerprints, and houses inmates.
• Initiates a medical/mental health screening to ensure stability for confinement.
• Assumes responsibility for the welfare and safety of all detainees within the City’s THF; performs security, safety, and health checks of persons and facilities.
• Inventories, books, stores, and releases property appropriately.
• Checks records for warrant, prior criminal history, and confirmation of identity; maintains logs and records related to inmates in custody and related THF activities.
• Prepares and serves food and supplies to inmates.
• Assigns Personal Identification Numbers to inmates and assists with making phone calls using the THF phone system.
• Transports inmates from the City’s THF to and from other detention facilities; may under certain circumstances pick up arrestees from the field.
• Reviews inmate release paperwork for thoroughness and accuracy; releases inmates.
• Prevents and controls THF disturbances; documents incidents or crimes, which occur in the facility by writing police reports; testifies in court when necessary.
• Oversees maintenance and cleanliness of the THF.

Qualifications

Positions at the Community Services Officer I level may exercise knowledge and abilities in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Operations and services of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement agency.
• Basic functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies including crime scene investigations and evidence retention practices and regulations.
• Standard operating procedures for responding to calls.
• Methods and techniques of traffic control.
• Basic functions of the criminal justice system and court processes.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility.
• A variety of local, regional, and national databases used in law enforcement agencies.
• Police radio codes.
• Civil litigation practices and procedures including the discovery process.
• Government agency and community based organizational resources serving the needs of the homeless population.
• Methods and techniques of researching and evaluating data and information.
• Principles and practices of recordkeeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform technical duties in support of assigned programs within the Police Department.
• Interpret and apply operational procedures to resolve field situations.
• Explain department or program operations and services to the general public.
• Ensure all work performed is compliant with established or mandated processes.
• Coordinate or collaborate services with other local government or state agencies.
• Collaborate with members of the business community, civic organizations, and the general public to provide a safe and healthy environment for citizens.
• Collect, interpret, and apply data.
• Learn radio codes and procedures.
• Generate and distribute a variety of program reports and documents.
• Compose detailed incident reports including any obtained evidence and prepare correspondence if appropriate.
• Work effectively under stress and in emergency situations.
• Serve on-call and work various shifts including emergencies, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Learn and apply City and department policies and procedures.
• Maintain an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor by following all uniform and dress code regulations.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Complete Field Training Program
• Attend and complete all required trainings and certifications/recertifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

• Community Services Officer I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade.

Experience:

• Community Services Officer I: Law enforcement and customer service experience is desirable but not required.
• Community Services Officer II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience supporting a law enforcement program which involves contact with the public.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Successful completion of the State of California Correction Officer Core course within 12 months of employment for assignment to THF. (This applies to those hired after January 2022)
• Completion of 832 PC course and First Aid/ CPR if not attending CORE.
• Complete CLETS training.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

Must maintain physical standards, including mobility to work in varied settings and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, via radio and over the telephone. Strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work within a temporary holding facility environment, outdoors and an office setting, and to operate a motor vehicle to transport prisoners, respond to calls and transport property. The THF assignment involves frequent walking through the temporary holding facility. The other assignments may involve walking through residences, businesses or outdoor areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate tools and equipment and during prisoner searches. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work within the temporary holding facility. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects of varying weights.

Environmental Conditions

Employees may work in an office or outside environment with varied noise levels, varied temperature conditions, and possible direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff, public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. May encounter verbally aggressive and combative arrestees within the THF as well as exposure to various health issues and communicable diseases.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$45,364.80 - $67,516.80 Annually