Community Service Officer en City of Elgin, IL

About the Department

The duties, responsibilities and tasks of a community service officer varies according to area of assignment as this position serves in many different capacities requiring one to work closely with the public, detainees in custody, officers and supervisory personnel.

Position Duties

• Respond to and make reports on calls of a minor nature that do not demand an extensive investigation, but requires the recording of facts, such as thefts under $300.00, lost articles, minor vandalism, criminal damage to vehicles, and found items, where on-scene processing or the collection of physical evidence is unnecessary.
• Assist the public with information and provide a presence in the lobby at the information desk.
• Complete existing reports in person or via telephone.
• Initiate police reports when appropriate.
• Assist patrol personnel with traffic control at accident and fire scenes, as well other types of emergency situations.
• Handle and complete all assigned property damage for non-injury accidents, excluding reckless driving, DUI or drug related incidents.
• Respond to abandoned auto and parking complaints and attempt to locate vehicle owners, when appropriate.
• When assigned to the Holding Facility complete the following functions:
  •  Maintain a continuous physical presence in the Holding Facility; ensures the safety, security and the well being of detainees; ensures the security of the Holding Facility is not compromised; perform checks on detainees at the prescribed time intervals.
  • Ensure the Holding Facility remains in a state of readiness; notify the lead jailer of needed supplies or equipment; and, provide recommendations regarding the improvement of Holding Facility operations.
  • Maintain and prepare timely records on Holding Facility inspections, detainee checks, detainee visitors, maintenance inspections, detainee feeding, medication distribution, and other reports as assigned.
  • Maintain and prepare required reports of all extraordinary or unusual occurrences in the Holding Facility which involves department personnel or detainees.
  • Provide assistance during the booking process, complete fingerprints/photographs of detainees, this includes civil service and police applicants, immigration subjects or any other processing as authorized by supervisory personnel.
  • Release detainees on bond and release property and possessions.
  • Regardless of assignment, perform such other duties as may be required by state law, city ordinance, department rules and regulations, or as may be assigned by a supervisor.
• The list of functions is not meant to be construed as being all inclusive. Duties may occasionally be deleted or additional duties may be assigned permanently or temporarily in order to accomplish departmental and city objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to effectively deal with people in both emergency and non-emergency situations
• Respond appropriately and use good judgment under extremely busy and stressful conditions
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, required
• Bilingual a plus
• Flexibility and multi-tasking skills are essential
• Extensive and demonstrative knowledge of the use and application of MS Office Suite and electronic mail systems
• High school diploma or GED is required
• Valid Illinois Driver's License required.

Other Qualifications

Hours vary, will include nights and weekends