Public Safety Aide PT

General Statement Of The Job & Essential Functions

Under general supervision, this non-sworn, unarmed civilian position performs a variety of non-emergency public safety and administrative support duties for the Portsmouth Police Department. The Public Safety Aide assists sworn personnel by conducting preliminary non-violent investigations, directing traffic, processing minor crime scenes, staffing the front desk, and performing other non-enforcement activities to enhance departmental efficiency. This position has no arrest powers and does not engage in direct contact with criminal suspects. Reports to the Patrol Division Commander or designee. This is a part time position with a maximum of 29 hours per week. Essential job functions include conducting traffic control in accordance with applicable laws and departmental procedures; directing and controlling traffic at accident scenes, school crossings, special events, and other locations assigned; remaining aware of conditions and behaviors that may affect the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Responds to non-emergency and non-in-progress calls for service in person or by telephone; interacts with the public to obtain and provide information; monitors police radio traffic and communicates clearly with dispatchers and field units. Conducts preliminary investigations for non-violent, non-in-progress crimes; interviews victims and witnesses; collects sworn statements or affidavits; prepares case reports; processes minor crime scenes and collects, preserves, and submits evidence as directed. Investigates abandoned vehicles; assists disabled motorists; inspects vehicles cited for equipment violations; issues parking citations and other applicable notices. Assists with front desk operations, including greeting visitors, answering inquiries, receiving reports, and providing information or referrals to other city, county, or state agencies. Provides emergency medical assistance in non-crime situations as trained; participates in First Aid, CPR, and VCIN certification training. Transports police department vehicles to and from Fleet Maintenance and other locations; delivers supplies to field personnel; retrieves and delivers items to departmental vendors. Prepares written reports, forms, logs, and other documents; performs routine office tasks such as typing, filing, faxing, telephoning, and photocopying. Participates in structured developmental activities, including ride-alongs, observational assignments, court observation, selected academy classroom sessions, physical training, and scenario-based training. Promotes crime prevention by initiating contact with businesses and residents, explaining applicable laws, encouraging cooperation in crime reporting, and fostering positive community relationships. Operates department vehicles safely in accordance with state traffic laws and departmental policies. Testifies in court as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Performance indicators include knowledge of public safety practices and departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; social and economic factors within the community; basic investigative methods, evidence handling procedures, and traffic control techniques. Ability to use common office machines and computer systems; prepare clear and concise reports and accurately document information obtained from victims, witnesses, and the public; exercise initiative and independent judgment in applying established standards to routine situations; explain rules, regulations, and departmental procedures to the general public in a clear and courteous manner; exercise tact, courtesy, and discretion when interacting with the public, sworn personnel, and other employees; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Quality of work includes maintaining high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities; exercising immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility; maintaining high quality communication, interacting within departments/divisions along with co-workers and the general public. Quantity of work includes maintaining effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions." Dependability includes assuming responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Attendance includes attending work regularly and adhering to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Initiative and enthusiasm include maintaining an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Judgment includes exercising analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Cooperation includes accepting supervisory instruction and direction and striving to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Relationships with others include sharing information with supervisors and coworkers to support effective communication and overall departmental operations. Coordination of work includes planning and organizing daily work routine. Safety and housekeeping include adhering to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Education and experience requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age. One year of volunteer or customer service experience is preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would clearly indicate the ability to perform the duties of the position would substitute for the recruitment requirements of this position. Special requirements include an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check, along with a sex offender registry check. Requires successful completion of a comprehensive police background investigation and polygraph examination. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Applicants must upload a current DMV transcript. Ability to obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification. Ability to pass required physical screening; must be willing to participate in physical training. Current CPR certification is preferred. In the event of a declared emergency in the City of Portsmouth, individuals in this position may be required to work extended hours in support of public safety operations. Individuals in this position may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Physical Demands

Minimum qualifications or standards required to perform essential job functions include physical requirements such as exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires standing or sitting for sustained periods; walking between work sites; manual dexterity for handling equipment and office tasks; the ability to hear and speak clearly; and close visual acuity. May require balancing, crouching, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, and work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to dust, dirt, and dynamic environments requiring adaptability to changing priorities. Data conception includes the ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people, or things. Interpersonal communications include the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving instructions and responding to inquiries. Language ability includes the ability to read and prepare reports, forms, and correspondence using proper grammar and style; requires the ability to speak before groups with poise and confidence. Intelligence includes the ability to apply logical thinking to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions. Verbal aptitude includes the ability to record and deliver information and follow oral and written instructions. Numerical aptitude includes the ability to utilize mathematical formulas and perform basic arithmetic. Motor coordination includes the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately while using equipment. Interpersonal temperament includes the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions; must be adaptable to performing under stress when interacting with the public. Physical communication includes the ability to talk and/or hear.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the city to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list all the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. This class description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.