10.1. SR 04-06-2015
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work SessionApril 6, 2015Ron Nierenhausen, Chief of Police
Item Description Reviewed by
Crime Prevention Specialist Position Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Representative
Action Requested
Receive information, discuss, and provide direction regarding the proposed Crime Prevention Specialist
position.
Background/Discussion
Following the retirement of CSO Edinger, who in addition to her Community Service Officer duties also
performed many of the activities of a Crime Prevention Specialist, command staff has reviewed the
position, resources, and community needs. As a result, the chief proposes for the Council’s
consideration to make one of the CSO positions a dedicated Crime Prevention Specialist.
Police department staff and Human Resources have reviewed Crime Prevention Specialist position
descriptions from other communities and have modified our existing position to account for the changes
in responsibility, expectation, and service level. The updated position description would require a pay
grade change consistent with our compensation plan.
Financial Impact
The full-time CSO position is budgeted for 2015. A second full-time CSO position has been vacant since
January. The overall police personnel budget has had three vacant police officer position vacancies since
the start of the year as well as minor unused allocations for captain, sergeant and drug task force officer.
The pay grade change and hire of a Crime Prevention Specialist will have no net impact to the approved
2015 police department budget. However, the 2016 budget – with all ERPD positions filled, would show
an increase over 2015 with the position change and would be budgeted accordingly.
Attachments
CSO Job Description
Proposed Crime Prevention Specialist Job Description
City of Elk River
Community Service Officer II/Crime
Prevention Specialist
Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Police Administrative Capitan
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
5 Non-Exempt 3/2006
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Community Service Officer II/Crime Prevention Specialist works under the supervision of a
higher-ranking officer. As a Community Service Officer: provides a variety of support services to
police department such as animal control, parking regulation enforcement, equipment maintenance
and administrative support. As a Crime Prevention Specialist: participates in various crime
prevention efforts including public speaking.
Essential Functions
1.Performs patrol duties.
A.Patrols City to enforce parking regulations and enforce animal code.
B.Observes traffic and other law enforcement problems and reports for action by
Police Officers.
C.Responds to non-criminal public calls for service. (i.e. lock-outs, motorist assists,
etc.)
D.Provides other support to police officers as needed/directed. (i.e. traffic control,
transportation, etc.)
2.Performs animal control duties.
A.Picks up stray animals found during routine patrol or in response to complaint.
B.Maintains records of controlled animals and their disposition.
C.Responds to other types of animal complaints.
3.Performs administrative activities.
A.Schedules and maintains service records for all departmental vehicles and equipment.
B.Maintains inventory of replacement parts and supplies office equipment.
C.Delivers agenda packets to council and various commission members.
D.Receives public safety calls and dispatches appropriate units.
E.Conducts annual inventory of department’s fixed asstes.
4.Assists in planning/delivery of community relations programs.
A.Coordinates community volunteers for crime prevention efforts.
B.Informs and instructs public on crime prevention.
C.Participates in various youth safety and juvenile intervention programs.
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5.Performs other essential job duties.
A.Regular and timely work attendance.
B.Follows all safety procedures.
C.Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge and recognized training in the area of crime prevention.
Knowledge and recognized training in Crime Free Multi-housing.
Knowledge of breeds and temperaments of various animals (primarily dogs and cats).
Knowledge of methods and techniques of animal control and apprehension.
Knowledge, skill, and ability to effectively use personal and departmental equipment.
Skill to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as youth, business people, and
seniors.
Ability to comprehend and apply federal, state, county, and city criminal, traffic, and other
civil laws.
Ability to prepare routine reports, case files, and correspondence.
Ability to work under stressful situations involving intense public contact.
Ability to exercise sound judgment to enforce specified ordinances.
Ability to work within the scope of this position’s duties and authority.
Ability to type 50 w.p.m.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
First responder certification.
Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in law enforcement or community service.
Education in law enforcement or community service.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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x10.1 at1 Community Service Officer II - Crime Prevention Specialist
City of Elk River
Crime Prevention Specialist
Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Police Special Services Sergeant
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated:
TBD Non-Exempt April 2015
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Crime Prevention Specialist (CPS) works under the supervision of the Special Services Sergeant,
within the special services unit of the police department. The CPS is responsible for initiating and
encouraging positive police/community relationships, through crime prevention training and events
in both the residential and business communities. The CPS will serve as a liaison for the department
by responding to inquiries from the public for information and training. The CPS will monitor
crime statistics and crime trends, looking for new and innovative ways to improve crime prevention
efforts in the community. The CPS will also be required on occasions to provide support services to
the patrol division in the areas of animal control, ordinance enforcement and administrative support.
Essential Functions
1.Administers crime prevention programs.
A.Plans, coordinates and administers current crime prevention programs which include
Crime Free Multi-Housing, Neighborhood Crime Watch, Night to Unite, Safety
Camp, S.A.L.T. events, etc.
B.Assists with the development and implementation of new initiatives and programs
that address crime problems or concerns in the Elk River community.
C.Represent the department at designated community and city meetings and events.
D.Disseminates relevant crime prevention and safety information to civic
organizations, businesses and residents in a professional manner.
E.Participates in various youth safety programs such as safety camp, bicycle safety
rodeos, fingerprinting, etc.
F.Actively involved with the senior citizen population, providing information on
personal safety. Provides training to the seniors on how to protect themselves from
scams and fraud.
G.Acts as a liaison between patrol division and the community to ensure information
and concerns are being shared.
H.Prepares crime prevention related articles and Public Service Announcements for
police department website, local cable channel, Elk River newsletter, etc.
I.Conducts premise surveys of commercial establishments and residential dwellings as
requested.
J.Provides training and support to neighborhood watch groups. Maintains current
contact information for these groups, so relevant crime alerts can be quickly
disseminated.
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K.Offers plan review recommendations to City’s Economic and Community
Development Department.
L. Recommends changes and improvements to current programs and practices based
on best practices.
2.Performs other essential job duties.
A.Conducts tours of the police department
B.Delivers agenda packets to council and various commission members.
C.Property room duties to include receive property and evidence from the intake point;
properly log in and catalog the item from intake.
D.Regular and timely work attendance.
E.Follows all safety procedures.
F.Participates in safety training.
3.Performs limited patrol and animal control duties
A.Patrols City to enforce parking regulations and enforce animal code.
B.Responds to non-criminal, public calls for service. (i.e. lock-outs, motorist assists,
funeral escorts, etc.)
C.Provides other support to police officers as needed/directed. (i.e. traffic control,
transportation, etc.)
D.Picks up stray animals found during routine patrol or in response to a complaint.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge in the area of crime prevention.
Knowledge in Crime Free Multi-housing.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, codes and regulations that pertain to the position.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of animal control and apprehension.
Skill to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as youth, business people, and
seniors.
Maintains a positive, productive and professional working relationship with other law
enforcement agencies, businesses, community organizations, residents and other city staff.
Ability to determine priorities and work independently with minimal supervision and
direction
Ability to comprehend and apply federal, state, county, and city criminal, traffic, and other
civil laws.
Ability to prepare reports, case files, and correspondence.
Ability to work under stressful situations involving intense public contact.
Ability to exercise sound judgment to enforce specified ordinances.
Ability to work within the scope of this position’s duties and authority.
Ability to comply with data privacy laws and maintain confidential information.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate of Arts degree in law enforcement or a related field.
Two years of experience in a public relations-related position.
Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
Ability to work a flexible work schedule that will include days, evenings and weekends.
Must pass a criminal background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or a related
field.
Two years of experience as a Crime Prevention Specialist.
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Knowledge of current crime prevention techniques and practices.
Possess State of Minnesota Crime Prevention Specialist certification.
Possess Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Concepts certification.
Successfully completed Minnesota Crime Free Multi-Housing program training.
Knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software applications & programs.
Current Emergency Medical Responder certificate.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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