Public Safety Aide

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is a paraprofessional, non-sworn law enforcement position that handles a variety of specialized, technical, non-confrontational, non-emergency criminal incidents and police calls. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for assisting with law enforcement-related complaints and investigations that do not require arrest powers. Work follows prescribed law enforcement procedures and departmental regulations; however, incumbents exercise some independent judgment without immediate supervision in reacting to emergencies. Supervision is provided by a superior who establishes work schedules and reviews work through personnel observation and written reports to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This position is a high-profile service role contributing to improved efficiency and operations within the Uniform Patrol Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to calls and complaints involving missing persons, misdemeanors, felonies, and other crimes where no suspect is present.
• Completes detailed written and computer-generated reports.
• Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; takes detailed statements from witnesses; testifies as a witness in court proceedings.
• Responds to traffic crash scenes and incidents; conducts traffic direction; renders first aid
• Provides traffic assistance and assists with funeral escorts.
• Investigates animal complaints, abandoned vehicles, parking violations, and violations of City Ordinances.
• Processes crime scenes, including photographing, processing for latent fingerprints, collecting blood/DNA, and following proper evidence collection procedures.
• Handles phone-in and walk-in complaints at the Station Duty Desk.
• Greets the public and conducts other administrative duties associated with the Station Duty Officer.
• Performs various other law enforcement duties of a non-emergency nature as designated by the Shift Commander or Supervisor.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Emergency and Essential

• May be assigned to assist in processing major crime scenes.
• May be given specialized assignments at the direction of the Chief of Police (e.g., special events).

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class E driver’s license and have a good driving record as determined by the City of Lakeland.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Mini Academy training program and obtain First Responder First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
• Must be able to complete and pass Protective Action Training and pepper spray certification.
• Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation, including, but not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, and be of good moral character, etc., before being offered employment as a Public Safety Aide.
• Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Aide Academy and Protective Action annual refresher training programs and recertify First Responder First Aid, CPR, AED, and pepper spray certifications annually.
• Must be able to complete the FDLE “Traffic Control Officer for Civilians” course and Parking Enforcement classes.

Note: Preference will be given in the hiring process to applicants who have completed the State of Florida Police Standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of City parking enforcement ordinances and State statutes, which govern City traffic functions.
• Knowledge of City geography.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with the assigned area of responsibility.

• Sufficient typing skills to operate a laptop computer.

• Ability to learn the practices, laws, ordinances, and policies governing law enforcement; city government and departmental operations; and geographic locations within the City.
• Speaking and hearing abilities sufficient to communicate effectively with others in person, over the telephone, and on the radio.
• Ability to deal diplomatically with angry, violent, or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, supervisors, and staff members, and interact courteously with the public.
• Ability to read, write legibly, and speak English fluently.

• The job involves routine keyboard operations, walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, operating a vehicle extensively, and extracting injured victims at emergency scenes.
• The job requires the ability to ambulate independently; to walk, run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods.
• The job requires the ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• The job requires visual ability and depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night, and to read and write reports and correspondence.
• The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollens, dust, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

• Biographical interview: A biographical interview will be conducted by a member of the G.S.S. staff. The biographical interview will consist of a full comprehensive review of the application submitted to confirm accuracy of the information provided. Applicants that are selected to continue in the process will be given information and instructions for the submission of a Personal History Questionnaire, which will be required to move forward in the process.
• Fingerprints: The G.S.S staff will also take your fingerprints to assist in the background phase of the hiring process.

• Exit from the seated, safety belted driver's position of a parked motor vehicle

• With opposite hands, remove two flags fastened to a belt with Velcro, from your back

• Utilizing the vehicles' keys, retrieve from the car trunk a flashlight to be carried during the following stages:

• 220 yard run (twice)

• Jump over a four (4) foot wall

• Run through a series of cones

• Jump over a series of three (3) hurdles

• A low crawl under three (3) hurdles

• Drag a 150 pound dummy for 100 feet

• Return the flashlight to the vehicle trunk

• Return to the safety belted driver's position of the vehicle