What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Volunteer position at City of Abilene?
THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER POSITION
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Abilene Police Key City Volunteer program is a dedicated volunteer force that supports and augments the operations of the Abilene Police Department. Members operate under the department’s policies and procedures, as well as those specific to the Key City Volunteer program. This role requires a high level of responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to interact with the public in a courteous, respectful, and service-oriented manner.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position operates under the general supervision of sworn police personnel and designated civilian supervisors within the Abilene Police Department. Key City Volunteers do not exercise formal supervisory authority over employees. Volunteers are expected to carry out assigned duties independently within established policies, procedures, and training guidelines, while recognizing the authority of sworn officers and supervisors and deferring control of incidents, investigations, or enforcement actions as required.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Patrols assigned areas of the city, checking parks, buildings, and residential areas for suspicious activity and then reporting such activity by written reports or directly to police dispatch.
Handles administrative duties (typing, computers, filing, etc.).
Takes offense reports of minor crimes and talks to or interviews witnesses or victims, searches for and preserves evidence.
Assists sworn officers with traffic functions involving accidents or other needs.
Speaks before citizen groups, attends and participates in various in-service training.
Operates a City vehicle to travel to various locations.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Compare stolen property reports to pawnshop records.
Review video surveillance.
Disaster response to include welfare checks, get supplies to those is need.
Assist with locating missing people.
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Chain of command structure.
Basic computer skills.
Basic grammar and writing skills.
Skill to:
Speak with the public and ask questions of individuals who may be in a stressful state.
Drive vehicles both safely and efficiently while under stress. May be required to communicate information on the radio and drive safely at the same time.
Deal effectively with the public using tact and diplomacy and remain calm in emergencies.
Read, understand, and interpret ordinances, laws and other operating procedures of the department and the volunteer program.
Use maps and radio communication to navigate efficiently and assist others with directional support.
Operate computers and perform office and clerical duties.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Willingness to work with others, follow orders, or allow a superior officer(s) or other trained experts to take charge as required.
Maintain strict confidentiality. Must be honest in dealings with the public and obey all laws.
Be sensitive and responsive to the needs and feelings of others; sensitive to community values and norms; knowledge or appreciation of special lingo or slang to communicate with the public; sensitive to alternative lifestyles and socioeconomic groups and races.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
Previous Military, Law Enforcement, Fire, or EMS experience is preferred.
Education/Training:
High school diploma or GED.
License or Certificate:
CPR, EMS, or other professional licenses are preferred.
A Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Getting in and out of a vehicle.
Sitting for periods of time looking at a computer screen.
Moving with weighted belt, flashlight and radio.
Standing for extended periods of time directing motor vehicles.
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_x_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_M__ Standing
_M__ Sitting
_M__ Walking
_I__ Lifting
_I__ Carrying
_I__ Pushing/Pulling
_I__ Overhead Work
_I__ Fine Dexterity
_I__ Kneeling
_I__ Crouching
_I__ Crawling
_I__ Bending
_I__ Twisting
_I__ Climbing
_I__ Balancing
_E__ Vision
_E__ Hearing
_E__ Talking
_E__ Other: _Wearing of duty belt, radio and flashlight weighing approximately 7 to 8 lbs.