Police Services Technician

NOTE: This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies.Successful candidates must be willing to work a shift schedule, which includes days, nights, weekends and holidays. Shift assignments are determined by seniority. Any prospective candidate will need to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination before being hired by the Salinas Police Department.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All interested applicants must provide a typing certificate of 45 net wpm, valid within the last twelve (12) months. Copies must be submitted at the time of application as a single PDF attachment. Applications will be considered incomplete without a copy of typing certificate.
 

The Police Services Technician performs various general, clerical, administrative, and confidential duties within the Police Department.  Processes reports and documents, maintains records and files, engages and provided customer service, and assists outside agencies, courts, and department staff.
 

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a non-sworn entry level class in the Police Services Technician series of jobs. It is distinguished from higher level positions by its performance of more routine and less complex daily tasks.  Receives immediate supervision when necessary and general supervision as skill grows.

1. Performs a wide range of confidential, administrative, clerical, and technical duties within the Police Services department; sorts, files, copies, and distributes crime reports, traffic reports, citations, petitions, and other materials to appropriate personnel.
2. Processes crime reports, warrants, dispositions, complaints, citation data, and other police records and submitted paperwork; types, proofreads, records, and files documents in a timely and accurate manner.
3. Operates technology, systems, and equipment to effectively record, modify, locate, and retrieve data including information on vehicles, wanted persons, and other lost or stolen property.
4. Manages, processes, and files a wide variety of applications, permits, licenses, court records, reports, spreadsheets, and other documents.
5. Communicates, assists, and supports officers in the field using equipment including two-way radios and other methods of communication; accesses information quickly and provides data and critical details efficiently and confidentially.
6. Performs a wide range of office and administrative duties for the Police Services area of assignment; duties include, processing warrants, court orders, and field interview cards, updating arrest cards and person summaries, preparing file folders, memos, digital communications, and other duties.
7. Assembles, reviews, and distributes prosecution packets and Probation Department information packets to the appropriate parties; performs searches of suspects and obtains evidence samples and other necessary information.
8. Provides excellent customer service and public interaction; assists department personnel, the public, city, county, state, and federal agency representatives in person, via telephone, e-mail, fax, and other methods of communication.
9. Collaborates and works with a wide range of internal departments and external agencies; provides reports, records checks, database inquiries, verification for lost or stolen items including missing persons, and other orders or requests.
10. Performs other duties as assigned

Typical Decisions: The incumbent will make daily decisions regarding the processing and the administrative duties of the department.  Decisions will typically have to be made quickly and effectively.

• Principles, codes, regulations, and laws governing records management.
• Principles of office management and organization; two-way radio communications.
• Research techniques, record keeping, record management, and record retrieval.
• Automated information systems and other databases.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

• Facilitating and supporting the records, commercial, statistical, database, and administrative work of the Police department.
• Interpreting, analyzing, and explaining governmental policy and procedure.
• Prioritizing workload within a police department and amongst clerical staff.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Preparing accurate, concise, and professional reports.
• Utilizing accounting software and standard office software including spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail; typing at a speed of 40 words per minute.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Mandatory stay over required when ordered-in by supervisor/manager to provide staff coverage.

TYPING CERTIFICATE:  A valid typing certificate demonstrating a typing speed of 40 net words per minute must be attached to employment application.  City of Salinas will accept typing certificates from most employment agencies, adult schools, ROP Centers, EDD programs, community and technical colleges.  We will not accept self-exams done on-line.  All certificates or letters of completion must demonstrate the required net words per minute, valid within the last 12 months at time of application and the test administrator's contact information. Attached to your completed application must be a 40 net wpm typing certificate, valid within the last twelve (12) months.
 
VETERAN PREFERENCE: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City's Veteran Preference Application and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Division.
 
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. Applicants will be disqualified if the application is not fully completed. Information on resumes will not be considered in lieu of a completed application.  The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview with a supplemental questionnaire or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.  Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.  Job offer is contingent on applicant passing a full police department background.