Police Department Internship To perform a wide variety of tasks in support of Police Department operations and personnel including but not limited to handling front counter reports and duties, providing customer service to the public and other agencies, and assisting with records management, courier duties, traffic control, and completing specifically delineated types of reports in the field; serve as a part-time internship position at the discretion of the Police Chief intended to provide an introduction to a variety of law enforcement careers through practical experience; may lead to sponsorship by the Police Department to a police academy; and perform administrative duties related to the assigned area of responsibility. Supervision received from the Police Commander and/or Support Services Supervisor. Essential Function Statements Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following: Provide customer assistance at the front counter and on the telephone with duties including but not limited to completing reports as appropriate, collecting fees, and responding to inquiries and requests for information with appropriate information. Complete specifically delineated types of reports in the field. Provide general administrative and clerical and receptionist assistance as necessary and directed; distribute internal mail and legal documents; transport reports, documents, and evidence as directed between public agencies; perform miscellaneous errands as necessary and directed. Perform Live Scan electronic fingerprinting as scheduled and directed. Recover found property; book found property into Police Department evidence and complete reports as appropriate. Assist with the transportation of police vehicles; ensure police vehicles have appropriate and necessary equipment as directed. Assist with traffic and pedestrian control at special events. Assist with special enforcement events, e.g. DUI checkpoints and deployment of radar trailer, as appropriate and directed. Assist the Detective Unit with processing, storing, tracking/cataloging and transporting property and evidence as directed. Forward information regarding unpaid parking violation citations to the appropriate Department contact to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles and/or a designated parking violation citation administration contract vendor. Participate in training exercises and classes as directed. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by the Police Chief, Police Commander, and/or Police Sergeant to meet the needs of the Police Department and the community. Carry out duties and responsibilities in compliance with appropriate federal, state, county, City laws and ordinances and City personnel rules without bias, favoritism, or prejudice. Responsible for self-compliance with regulations, policies and procedures. Accept responsibility and exercise reasonably appropriate discretion in matters not specifically defined or described in the Police Department regulations, policies, procedures, and job description. Consistently demonstrate exemplary courtesy, initiative, diligence, truthfulness, attention to duty, and observance of proper personal discipline in accordance with Police Department standards. Respond and perform assigned duties in the event of a City declared emergency.
Qualifications: Knowledge of:
- Basic filing and record keeping procedures and practices.
- Basic verbal and written English language and grammar to be able to reasonably communicate information with the public and/or complete relevant written documentation required by job activities.
- Operational characteristics and use of modern office equipment, computers and supporting word processing applications.
- Basic principles and practices of report preparation.
- Ability to:
- Perform a variety of law enforcement work that is reasonably likely to be non-hazardous in nature.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
- Work independently in the absence of direct and immediate supervision, handling a variety of tasks simultaneously incorporating effective time management skills.
- Interact effectively and courteously with the public.
- Work flexible hours including evening and weekends.
- Operate a motor vehicle in a reasonably safe manner.
- Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing and operating assigned equipment.
- Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One (1) year of general work experience involving substantial public contact, record-keeping or work in and/or with a law enforcement agency.
Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, e.g. a high school diploma or a GED. Supplemental college level course work in criminal justice or a job-related field is highly desirable.
License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain valid CPR and 1st Aid certificates.
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions: Office/field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens, noise, dust, inclement weather conditions; work in emergency situations; irregular work hours. Physical Conditions: Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; moderate or light lifting or carrying; kneeling; repeated bending; and operating motorized vehicles.
Benefits:
Our Community Arroyo Grande, incorporated in 1911, is located on the California Central Coast midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Located in San Luis Obispo County, the City is 5.45 square miles with a population of over 18,000 residents. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, beautiful foothills, lakes, and world-class wineries, the City boasts fine homes, excellent schools, and a thriving agricultural and tourism-based economy. Downtown Arroyo Grande, or the "Village" as locals call it, is the quaint heart of the city. The walkable downtown has antique shops in old Victorian buildings, farm-to-table eateries and watering holes, and exhilarating outdoor exploration. In the middle of the village overlooking Arroyo Grande Creek is the historic Swinging Bridge, which is owned and maintained by the City. Constructed in 1875, it spans a total length of 171 feet, is suspended 40 feet above the creek, and is the only one of its kind in California. The City prides itself on its beautiful array of parks, open space, and multiple community facilities. From the many parks to the sports complexes to the wildlife preserve, the City of Arroyo Grande encourages a strengthened community and improved psychological health. Each year, the Harvest Festival and Summer Concerts in the Park Series draw crowds of visitors seeking an old-fashioned good time. Arroyo Grande is one of the cities on the central coast known as the "Five Cities," which includes Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach or Halcyon. Known for its Mediterranean climate, summers are warm and dry with an average temperature of 70 degrees. Meanwhile, winters are mild with an average temperature between 50 and 60 degrees.
Public Agency Retirement System: Employer contributes to retirement benefits through membership in the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) for all part-time employees in lieu of Social Security. Each pay period 6.0% will be deducted from the employee's salary and deposited into the PARS account. The City contributes an additional 1.5% of the employee's salary to the PARS account.
Sick Time: 40 hours of sick leave per year which can be used after 90 days of employment.
