Seaside California Hiring for Police Services Specialist Full Time

Application Process:
Human Resources staff will review all applications. Applicants who submit a complete application and clearly meet the needs of the City in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics, will be invited to participate in the hiring selection process. This process will include an evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application, responses to the Supplemental Questions, and a completed Personal History Statement Form to determine which candidates progress to the next phase. Those who submit and pass the Personal History Statement Form will be invited to a panel interview. The successful candidate will progress to a final selection interview and background. At the City’s discretion, the closing deadline may be extended.

Description:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical support activities associated with the tracking, handling, and safekeeping of evidence and found property for the Police Department, including maintaining the physical integrity and control of evidentiary items in the City’s custody, data input, material cataloging, processing and disposal, and maintaining the chain of evidence; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Support Services Supervisor. Exercises no supervision of staff. May provide training, guidance, and technical and functional direction to new staff and volunteers.

Class Characteristics

This is a non-sworn journey-level class responsible for a variety of technical duties related to the provision of evidence handling and preservation. Incumbents with well-developed technical and support skills are expected to learn specialized rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and activities related to the property and evidence function and to apply them independently. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of Police Department functions and activities and the ability to interact with a variety of individuals and groups. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from other clerical and technical support classifications in that incumbents perform specialized duties related to the processing of criminal filings.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Receives property and evidence, documents the receipt, maintains the physical integrity and control and the chain of custody, and physically stores property and evidence in the designated property and evidence room.
• Prepares evidence for submittal to outside agencies or labs for analysis, including packaging, securing, and preserving evidence items, preparing required forms, and submitting forms with evidence to labs.
• Coordinates with crime laboratories; determines and justifies which evidence to refer; prepares and transports evidence including weapons, narcotics, and biological specimens for analysis and processing by others.
• Releases and purges property and evidence following appropriate Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; prepares evidence and property for auction and/or disposal upon completion of court proceedings.
• Initiates, organizes, updates, maintains, and controls access to complex filing systems and records, including highly sensitive case files.
• Acts as liaison to the court and other offices requiring the transmission of property and evidence; prepares evidence for officers and investigators for court proceedings; maintains records and tracks such actions.
• May serve as backup in processing subpoenas for Department employees.
• Releases property to the public; prepares the proper paperwork and prepares evidence for pick-up; completes the necessary s and documentation of the release.
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, requests for information and service in person and by phone, and coordinating work with other City departments.
• Performs difficult, complex, technical and/or specialized office support work that requires the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, and a detailed knowledge of the activities and procedures specific to the Police Department.
• Researches and assembles information from a variety of sources for the preparation of periodic and special s and the completion of forms; uses spreadsheets and makes arithmetic and statistical calculations.
• Prepares correspondence, s, forms, receipts, and specialized documents such as property claim letters to citizens, and other correspondence.
• Maintains and monitors supplies and equipment; orders and repairs supplies and equipment as necessary; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine s related to equipment and vehicle maintenance; performs weekly payment of invoices.
• Processes asset forfeiture seizures for both the Seaside Police Department and the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Task Force (PRVNT).
• Receives and balances cash receipts; allocates funds to proper accounts; prepares bank deposits and related s; routes receipts and files; returns monies for rejected cases.
• Performs general oversight of the Department’s equipment and supply function, to include issuing and receiving equipment and other supplies to Department personnel, making equipment and supply purchases, and maintaining inventory records for those items. Also assists with the oversight and inventory of other department assets as needed.
• Tracks equipment and service schedules and arranges for replacement, service or repair as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in criminology, police property room, police evidence management, or a related field and two (2) years experience in a clerical or paraprofessional position in a law enforcement agency, preferably related to the property and evidence function.

Must be able to pass a law enforcement background investigation. Must be willing to work extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of types of narcotics and Physicians Desk Reference books.
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requirements for handling and disposing of evidence with blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, and other related body fluid contamination.
• Identifying and proper handling of firearms.
• Proper handling of drugs.
• Proper inventory procedures.
• Police department supply and acquisition procedures.
• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Police terminology and law enforcement codes.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for records management and evidence processing, including records disbursement and chain of evidence procedures.
• Methods used in the collection, tabulation, review, analysis, and distribution of evidence and property, forms, s, and documents.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including police records management systems, data tracking, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible law enforcement support work.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Organize, research, and maintain technical and administrative files.
• Enter data into a computer system and prepare written materials with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical calculations.
• Prepare clear and effective s, correspondence, and other written materials.
• File and maintain automated and hardcopy records with speed and accuracy.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read written materials, a computer screen, and examine evidence; color vision to distinguish between evidence and property characteristics; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and/or radio. This is primarily a sedentary office classification that requires extended periods of time of sitting; standing and walking between work areas may also be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 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 up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. The principal duties of this class are performed in a police station environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to pass a law enforcement background investigation. Must be willing to work extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

APPLICATION PROCESS: A completed City application form is required for this position. Applications must be complete and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. Copies of all required certificates must be attached. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Division reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Division.

TESTING PROCESS: The testing process for this recruitment will/may include a written examination, an interview panel, a Chief’s Interview, physical agility test, a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph, psychological, physical examination, and drug testing.

LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath and affirmation prior to actual employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All City employees are required to serve a one year probationary period.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, covered medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran’s status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment actions, decisions, policies or practices. Reasonable accommodation in the application, testing and selection process will be made upon request of disabled applicants.

IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT 1986: In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in satisfactory health and free from disabling defect which would preclude satisfactory performance in the job for which applied.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Human Resources Division will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) and Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990. To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.

EMPLOYEE SALARY & BENEFITS:

The City of Seaside offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

Special Pay:

1. Longevity Pay Program: A 2.5% salary increase will be provided after 10 years of service with the City of Seaside.

2. Bilingual Pay Program: Employees can earn up to a 5% salary adjustment for using Spanish and/or Vietnamese in the course of their work (written and/or oral communication).

Health and Welfare Benefits:

1. Blue Shield Medical Plan offered through Municipalities Colleges Schools Insurance Group (MCSIG):

• Three plans available to choose from.
• Flexible coverage options and generous City contribution for employees & dependents

2. Guardian Dental Insurance:

• Calendar Year Deductible (waived for preventive services): $50 per person;
• Co-Payment for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services using Plan Provider: 20%;
• Co-Payment for Orthodontic using Plan Provider: 50%;
• Annual Limit for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services: $1,500;
• Lifetime Limit for Orthodontic Services: $1,500

3. Vision Service Plan:

• Co-Payment for Annual Exams (with Plan Provider): $10
• Co-Payment for Bi-Annual Lenses & Frames: $25
• Maximum Benefit for lenses, frames, and contact lenses: $130

4. Long Term Disability Plan: After 90 day elimination period, plan pays 67% of salary to a maximum of $9,000 per month. City and employee split premium 50/50.

5. Life Insurance: $50,000 term life insurance policy (City paid).

Retirement Benefits: Civilian Personnel

California Public Employees’ Retirement System: The plan you are enrolled in is based on the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and the City’s contract with CalPERS. In order to determine which plan you will be placed into, you need to know if CalPERS considers you to be a “new” or “classic” member.

As defined by PEPRA, a “new member” includes:

• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.
• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California public retirement system
• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time after January 1, 2013, and who is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system.

All members that don’t fall into the above definitions are considered to be “classic members.”

1. “Classic” PERS Members – Tier 1 (hired prior to January 1, 2011):

• Plan: 2% @ 55
• Employee Contribution Rate: 12% (Pre-Tax)
• Retirement based on single highest year

2. “New” PERS Members – Tier 2 (hired on or after January 1, 2013):

• Plan: 2% @ 62
• Employee Contribution: 14.5% (may be adjusted annually – required to be 50% of Normal Cost as determined by CalPERS)

4. Deferred Compensation Matching Program (IRS 457 Plan): The City of Seaside will match employee’s contribution up to $50 per month.

Paid Time Off:

1. Vacation Time: Employees earnup to 21 days of vacation annually depending on years of service.

2. Sick Leave: Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.

3. Holidays: The City recognizes 12 paid holidays annually.

Continuing Education:

1. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $500 per fiscal year for Certificate Program and AA plan, $3,000 per fiscal year for BA and MA.

2. Educational Incentive Pay: Up to 7% for qualifying degree programs.