Police Service Specialist bei City of Watsonville, CA

About the Department

This particular Police Service Specialist (PSS) position consists of temporary full-time employment as part of the pilot program that is focused on Homeless Outreach work within the City of Watsonville.  Currently, the pilot program only has funding through June 30, 2026.  This PSS position serves as the police department's liaison to our homeless community, and homeless service providers in our region.  This position requires the PSS to proactively initiate daily face-to-face contacts in the field, which includes large homeless encampments in and around our waterways, with people experiencing homelessness.  This PSS is normally partnered with a Homeless Services Navigator from Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County.

JOB SUMMARY: The Police Service Specialist is either assigned to field duties, vehicle abatement or the support services division and may receive cross training in all fields.  Depending on area of assignment, the Police Service Specialist assists law enforcement officers in responsible public contact work; conducts traffic control; performs crime scene investigative duties; takes non-emergency reports; issues citations; handles hazardous substances; maintains accurate records and logs related to assigned duties.

Position Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:

• Performs responsible, technical, police services assistance duties in assigned area(s)
• Reviews and responds to various citizen inquiries and requests; provides general assistance, direction, or referral as appropriate
• Takes and completes required Police reports in non-emergency incidents where Police Department action is requested
• Conducts traffic control in a variety of situations; natural disasters, accidents, fires, funerals, etc.
• Testifies in court as necessary
• Performs crime scene investigative duties 
• Conducts vehicle abatement duties
• Tows vehicles and fills required CHP forms
• Follow-up on missing person cases via telephone or with assistance from sworn staff if in person
• Searches for, identifies, collects, preserves and processes evidence ranging from microscopic to large, heavy items  
• Performs searches and/or pat-downs on suspected persons
• Collects urine samples from suspected persons when requested
• Be available for 24-hour on call status when requested
• Photographs and sketches crime scenes
• Assists the Investigation Bureau in crime analysis and other duties as assigned
• Works in the Support Services division with the Investigation Bureau
• Works in the Property and Evidence division and performs the basic functions of a property and evidence technician occasionally or as needed for cross-training or to fill in a temporary void in the division   
• Issues citations for Municipal and vehicle code violations
• Handles hazardous substances including but not limited to , contaminated blood, urine, and semen
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• functions, procedures and policies of a municipal police department
• basic knowledge of laws of arrest, search, and seizure
• police radio procedures
• computers and various software        
• proper English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation

Ability to: 

• learn, appropriately apply, and clearly explain regulations, codes, and ordinances
• properly operate mobile and hand-held police radio
• understand and follow oral and written instructions in an independent manner
• effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• deal courteously and effectively with members of the general public
• compile, complete, and maintain accurate records
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

• speak English/Spanish highly desirable

Minimum Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is:

High school graduation or GED and two years of experience as a Police Officer, Municipal Court Clerk, Police Records Clerk, or in a related job.

Licenses/Certificates:

Other Qualifications

Successful completion of a background investigation, which may include a polygraph, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references

The candidate will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list which normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 bargaining group.

Prior to appointment to the position of Police Service Specialist, successful completion of a background investigation, and a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.