Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term)

You must have taken and passed the Community Service Officer I examination for further consideration. To take the examination, click here.

Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position

This position requires attendance in the City of Sacramento Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO) Academy. The CSO Academy is typically held in the Winter (late December/early January start) or Summer (late June/early July start). Appointment to the Community Service Officer I position will not be effective until the start of the CSO Academy.  

The Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) performs non-sworn, duties in support of a variety of police operations. In addition, attends and participates in the Sacramento Police Academy or Community Service Officer Academy in order to receive basic law enforcement training in various laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and acquires physical and emotional skills.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The classification of Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) is a recruiting and training level class used for qualified candidates to learn the duties of a Police Officer or Community Service Officer III in the Sacramento Police Department. Incumbents of this class undergo a formal, comprehensive training program in a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Police Academy or Community Service Officer academy administered by the Sacramento Police Department to prepare for performing duties in support of police operations. Incumbents are expected to attend accredited college level courses in order to satisfy the minimum qualification requirements of the Police Officer classification within their limited-term appointment. 

Additionally, incumbents are expected to demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in the required physical agility testing component prior to and during the academy. On-going physical training will be a required skill set for any successful incumbent.  

Upon successful completion from a POST certified Basic Academy or Community Service Officer Academy, a Community Service Officer I (Limited Term) shall either be (1) advanced to Community Service Officer II or (2) advanced to the career classification of Community Service Officer III, or (3) advanced to the career classification of Police Officer. Employees shall not be classified as Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) for more than one year from the date of hire unless the employee was unsuccessful in an Academy and the employee is invited to participate in an additional academy. Advancement to Police Officer or Community Service Officer II or III is dependent upon satisfactory job performance. Failure to successfully complete a POST certified Police Academy or Community Service Academy, and/or failure to meet satisfactory progress within the prescribed training period will be cause for termination.

The Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) class is distinguished from the Community Service Officer II in that the former is the non-career, recruiting and training-level classification for employees who are enrolled in or awaiting the commencement of an approved academy or are currently attending an approved academy and the latter is the non-career, recruiting and training-level classification for employees who have completed an approved academy.  

The Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) is distinguished from the Police  Officer Recruit classification in that the latter attends and participates in the Sacramento Police Academy while the former may attend the Sacramento Police Academy or a Community Service Officer Academy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Close supervision is provided by higher-level sworn or civilian personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: PRIOR TO TRAINING

Prior to attending the Sacramento Police Academy or Community Service Officer Academy, the following duties are typical for this classification.  Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform related duties as required.

• Acquire working knowledge of department practices, procedures, equipment, and organizational systems.
• Perform a wide variety of routine clerical duties including filing, checking, and recording needed information.
• Operate standard office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and other office machines.
• Sort and file documents and records.
• Provide basic assistance in research projects, special reports, and other division problems.
• Perform related duties as assigned

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: IN TRAINING

While attending the Sacramento Police Academy or Community Service Officer Academy, a Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) receives instructions in:

• The Sacramento Police Department's organization, chain of command, and rules and regulations.
• Identification and utilization of principles and techniques that promote community service, crime prevention, and appropriate behavior.
• Proficient application of the rules of evidence.
• Effective and professional communications through written, oral, and mechanical media.
• The Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) which includes skid training, high speed pursuit, defensive driving, and emergency driving.
• Effectively dealing with common vehicle violations by learning to recognize the violations, locating the violations in the Vehicle Code, and safely and professionally contacting the violator.
• Basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, including the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence, courtroom testimony, and witness interrogation.
• Physical fitness and defense techniques programs.
• First-aid, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques (CPR).
• Enforcement and procedural aspects of criminal law and the legal obligations inherent in enforcement of those laws.
• Firearm training in order to learn good judgment and competency in the use of deadly force, ancillary police weaponry, and weaponless defense.
• Safely and effectively accomplishing the patrol function consisting of patrolling a designated area of the City on foot, on a motorcycle, or in a patrol car in order to preserve law and order, and to prevent and discover the commission of crimes.
• Processing, confining, and caring for adult and juvenile prisoners in such a manner as to protect the prisoner's rights and welfare.

Ability to:

• Acquire, through training, knowledge of contemporary and approved principles, practices, and procedures of police work, state laws, City ordinances, and first-aid.
• Acquire, through training, knowledge of the geography and demographics of the City and common law enforcement problems.
• Write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly, and with correct English grammatical construction and spelling.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents in English.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Observe, assimilate, remember, record, and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Read maps and mapped information.
• Apply selected knowledge (i.e., laws, statutes, court decisions, department policies, criminal investigation theories, etc.) in collecting, organizing, and analyzing a variety of information in order to decide on an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
• Analyze problems and rationally take effective action in emergency and stressful situations.
• Plan and effectively present material orally to diverse groups.
• Interact courteously but firmly with the general public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, sworn personnel, other City employees, community and neighborhood organizations, and the public.
• Learn and support community organization and mobilization efforts which facilitate achievement of the department's mission, goals, and objectives.
• Operate a police radio, mobile data computer, and office computer equipment.
• Develop skill in the use of a less lethal personal protection such as oleoresin capsicum "OC".

In addition to the abilities listed above, a Community Service Officer I (Limited-Term) in the Police Academy requires the ability to:

• Develop skill in the use of firearms.
• Undergo strenuous physical conditioning.

Knowledge of:

• English usage, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience: 

No experience required.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Age:

Must be at least 18 years of age by the time of appointment.

Felony Convictions:

Free of felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.

Background:

Must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and drug use history.

Medical/Drug Test/Psychological:

Must pass a medical examination, a drug test, and psychological test.

Continue Education:

Eligible to enroll in an accredited college or university.

Driver License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Loss of the license is cause for discipline.

Respiratory Protective Equipment:

Work in this class requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are typically required of an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires sitting, standing, walking, running, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and crouching in the performance of daily activities.  The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in the preparation of reports and using a computer keyboard; hearing and speaking are required for interacting with the public and others and to hear sirens.  Additionally, the position requires depth perception, near, far, night, peripheral, and color vision in viewing crime scenes or evidence.  May be required to walk on uneven and slippery surfaces.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Conditions:

Incumbents work outdoors in all weather conditions, around loud siren noise, moving vehicles, and around animals; exposed to controlled temperature conditions in an office environment and unpredictable work conditions, including but not limited to, physical threats, verbal abuse, and stressful situations when in the field.  This position may require working around chemicals, blood, and other potential toxic exposures.

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted. 

• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified: 

• If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on 40 hours per week (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). 

• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section. 

• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. 

• Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are highly preferred and recommended at the time of application submission. Documents should be submitted to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as attachment(s) via online with the employment application or emailed to employment@cityofsacramento.org please include your name on your documents. 

• Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply. Proof of education, certification, and/or license will be required at time of appointment. 

• Optional - send a valid and legible copy of your previous result letter to the City of Sacramento Human Resources (refer to Test Exemption section below). 

• If you are currently on an active Eligible (PASS) List for the Community Service Officer I position, it is unnecessary to reapply and/or retake the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam for this position. Each Eligible (PASS) List is active for one (1) year from the date it is established. 

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as part of the application process;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted. 

• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed. 

• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire. 

3. Online Exam: (Pass/Fail)- Candidates must have taken and passed the online examination with a score of 70% for further consideration. Only applicants who have successfully passed the City of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination will be referred to the department after the final filing deadline. The online examination will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the knowledge and abilities as outlined above. Candidates can access the examination at any time by visiting the City of Sacramento's Examination's website: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

4. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the online examination will be placed on the eligible list. Candidate's eligibility expires two years from the date of notification of a passing score for the City of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination. Candidates can take the examination at any time to maintain eligibility. 

• If you are currently on an active eligible list for the Police Officer Recruit or the Community Service Officer I classification, it is unnecessary to retake the examination. 

• The eligible list is effective two years from the date of passing the examination for the Police Officer Recruit or the Community Service Officer I. 

TEST EXEMPTION- If you have previously taken one of the following exams within two years of the final filing date and earned a passing score as listed below, you may be considered exempt from the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam. To receive consideration for exemption, you must have: 

• Earned a T-Score of 45 or higher on the P.O.S.T. Certified Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam  

• Received a passing score on the City of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam  

• Have selected yes to the Online Examination, Proof of Examination, and Test Exemption from the City Of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination supplemental questions included in this job posting.  

To receive consideration for exemption using the P.O.S.T PELLETB exam, submit your result to the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department by the final filing date using one of the following methods: 

• Attach your valid result letter to your online application; 

• Email it to employment@cityofsacramento.org and include Community Service Officer I 002037-24-PD-LT-7 in the Subject Line. 

To receive consideration for exemption using the City of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam, applicants will have needed to select yes to the Online Examination, Proof of Examination, and Test Exemption from the City Of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination supplemental questions included in this job posting. The City of Sacramento's Human Resources Department will verify applicant's eligibility at the time of the final filing deadline of this job posting. Applicants who request consideration for the exemption and are not in a reachable rank, will be notified by Human Resources.  

Per City of Sacramento Human Resources Department requirements to receive consideration for test exemption: 

• For P.O.S.T. PELLETB: 

• The result letter must be issued on agency letter head OR by email with the agency logo 

• The test date must be clearly visible on the result letter 

• The applicant's first and last name must be listed 

• The result letter must be a legible, clear copy 

• PELLETB results must list the reading, writing and total T-scores 

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Community Service Officer I Exam and Test Exemption, please visit: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

5. Oral Interview: (100%) - The oral interview will consist of job-related questions. The Oral Interview is administered by the Sacramento Police Department.

6. Physical Agility Test: (Pass/Fail)- Applicants who pass the oral interview test will be required to pass the physical agility test. The Physical Agility Test is administered by the Sacramento Police Department.

7. Background Process: If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

QUESTIONS

If you have specific questions regarding the Community Service Officer I position, hiring process, Police Academy, etc.: 

• Go to the Sacramento Police Department website at http://www.sacpd.org/

• Send an email to police_recruiting@pd.cityofsacramento.org 

• Call the Police Recruiting Office at (916) 808-0880. 

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process: 

• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment.  

• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org 

• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726.