4.7. SR 09-20-2021
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.7
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent September 20, 2021 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Position Description and Hiring of Crime Ron Nierenhausen, Police Chief
Prevention Specialist
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the Crime Prevention Specialist position description.
Approve, by motion, filling this position in 2021.
Background/Discussion
The Crime Prevention Specialist position was previously a non-sworn officer position. During the 2022 budget
discussions, the City Council agreed to change this to a licensed patrol officer position.
At the September 7, 2021, work session, Council agreed that this position could be filled in 2021. We will be
holding an internal recruitment for this four-year assignment and backfilling with an external recruitment.
Financial Impact
The non-union Crime Prevention Specialist position is in the 2021 budget and has been vacant all year. Those
funds will be used for the 2021 costs and the change will be reflected in budgets for future years.
Mission/Policy/Goal
“…community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.”
Attachments
Updated Crime Prevention Specialist Position Description
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020
City of Elk River
Crime Prevention Specialist
Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Police Special Services Sergeant
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated:
Union LELS 231 Non-Exempt 9/2021
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.
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 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.
K. Offers plan review recommendations to City’s Community Development
Department.
L. Recommends changes and improvements to current programs and best practices.
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2. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Conducts tours of the police department
B. Regular and timely work attendance.
C. Follows all safety procedures.
D. Participates in safety training.
E. Responds to walk-in reports in police department when available.
F. Compiles reports and statistical law enforcement data.
G. Manages speed reduction program.
3. Performs limited patrol duties and provides support to police officers as needed/directed.
Examples include traffic control and transportation.
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 and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software applications & programs.
Skill to communicate effectively with a variety of groups such as youth, business community,
and seniors.
Ability to maintain 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 and correspondence with city attorney.
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
Must have completed probation with the Elk River Police Department.
Valid full-time POST license.
Emergency Medical Responder certification.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Must meet all state-mandates requirements and local policies.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or a related
field.
Knowledge of current crime prevention techniques and practices.
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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