What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Community Service Officer I position at City of Carlsbad, CA?
The Position
About the Police Department
The Carlsbad Police Department is a full service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the police department, and the support of City Council members and the community, Carlsbad continues to be a safe community to live, work and play.
- The City of Carlsbad ranks among California's safest cities.
- Carlsbad residents report high satisfaction with police services; recent survey results indicate that over 90% of the residents are satisfied with police service.
You belong in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.
The PositionThe Carlsbad Police Department's "Ideal Candidate" exemplifies department values, is a leader, role model, team player and problem solver. Under general direction, this position receives, evaluates and acts upon emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio communications which range from routine to the complex in the support of municipal law enforcement and fire departments.
The Community Service Officer I, under direct supervision, performs a variety of routine community service, paraprofessional and technical duties in support of police functions in assigned divisions of the Police Department; and performs other related work.
The Community Service Officer I normally has little experience involving police work. Community Service Officer I will be exposed to a variety of assignments and cross-trainings. Within one year from date of hire, employee incumbents in the Community Service Officer I class assist in a variety of non-sworn responsibilities supporting law enforcement functions that are limited to duties of a routine nature, such as clerical duties and fieldwork.
The Community Service Officer I focuses on police support and specialized tasks in critical or sensitive functional areas, such as assisting in investigations, maintaining evidence, chain of custody, or crime scene evidence collections, and coordinating special projects and or events.
Recruitment Process and Timeline:
Closing Date: November 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Written Test: Week of November 17, 2025 exact date TBD
Panel Interview: Week of December 1, 2025, exact date TBD
Selection Process
- Written Test
- Oral Panel Interview
- Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement
- Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation
- Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment within law enforcement profession. This investigation includes a lie detection polygraph screening
- Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations
- Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required
- Must successfully pass a background for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) prior to appointment
- The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year
Key Responsibilities
Receives and responds to citizen inquiries and requests for police services in person and by telephone.
Interacts with victims, suspects, and witnesses.
Photographs and fingerprints individuals.
Conducts criminal investigations and writes crime reports.
Performs clerical tasks related to assignments.
Conducts traffic collision investigations and writes traffic collision reports.
Conducts research and compiles information to support law enforcement functions.
Performs delivery and pick-up of: materials for court processing, police vehicles and equipment for service or repair, and department supplies as assigned.
Assists in the maintenance and deposition of stolen or lost/found property.
Conducts parking enforcement by educating, issuing citations and warnings.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
General office practices including operation of standard office equipment including a computer terminal.
Basic record keeping principles and practices.
Basic vehicle maintenance tasks.
Ability to:
Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Write clear and accurate reports.
Perform routine clerical tasks.
Deal tactfully and courteously with employees and the public.
Learn, apply, and explain departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations related to assigned tasks.
Operate computer terminal keyboards to enter and query information.
Experience & Education
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbents at all levels must be able to work a flexible schedule requiring rotating shifts including weekend and holiday assignments, as may be expected in working for a department operating on a 24-hour, 7 day per week schedule.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Officers are required to wear a full uniform, duty belt and ballistic vest in the performance of their day to day operations.
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2% @ 62 formula, Classic Members (those who are enrolled in CalPERS at another local agency) have the 2% @ 60 formula
- Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members
- Bilingual Pay
- Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays
- Paid vacation
- Computer purchase loan
- Tuition reimbursement
Salary : $151,549 - $280,000
