GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is paraprofessional, non-sworn law enforcement work that handles a variety of specialized and technical non-confrontational, non-emergency criminal incidents and police calls. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for assisting with law enforcement-related complaints and investigations which do not require arrest powers. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed law enforcement procedures and departmental regulations; however, incumbents exercise some independent judgement in the absence of immediate supervision in reacting to emergency situations. Supervision is received from a superior who establishes work schedules and reviews work through personnel observation and written reports for efficiency and effectiveness. This position is a high-profile service position contributing to the improved efficiency and operation of the Uniform Patrol Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to calls and complaints involving missing persons, misdemeanors, felonies, and other crimes where no suspect is present.
• Completes detailed written and computer-generated reports.
• Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; takes detailed statements from witnesses; testifies as a witness in court proceedings.
• Responds to traffic crash scenes and incidents; conducts traffic direction; renders first aid
• Provides traffic assistance and assists with funeral escorts.
• Investigates animal complaints, abandoned vehicles, parking violations, and violations of City Ordinances.
• Processes crime scenes to include photographing, processing for latent fingerprints, collecting blood/DNA, and using proper evidence collection procedures.
• Handles phone-in and walk-in complaints at the Station Duty Desk.
• Greets the public and conducts other administrative duties associated with the Station Duty Officer.
• Performs various other law enforcement duties of a non-emergency nature as designated by the Shift Commander and/or Supervisor.
• Ability to ambulate independently; to walk, to run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• Visual ability and the possession of depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night, to read and write reports and correspondence.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as emergency and essential.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May be assigned to assist in processing major crime scenes.
• May be given specialized assignments at the direction of the Chief of Police (e.g., special events).
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE) AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Class E driver’s license and have a good driving record as determined by the City of Lakeland.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Mini Academy training program and obtain First Responder First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
• Must be able to complete and pass Protective Action Training and pepper spray certification.
• Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, and be of good moral character, etc., prior to being offered employment as a Public Safety Aide.
• Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Aide Academy and Protective Action annual refresher training programs and recertify First Responder First Aid, CPR, AED and pepper spray certifications annually.
• Must be able to complete the FDLE “Traffic Control Officer for Civilians” course and Parking Enforcement classes.

Note: Preference will be given in the hiring process of those applicants having completed the State of Florida Police Standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to learn the practices, laws, ordinances and policies governing law enforcement; city government and departmental operations; and geographic locations within the City.
• Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the telephone and over the radio.
• Ability to deal diplomatically with irate, violent or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to read and write legibly and have typing skills sufficient to operate a lap-top computer.
• Knowledge of City parking enforcement ordinances and State statutes, which govern City traffic functions.
• Knowledge of City geography.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, supervisors, staff members and interact courteously with the public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work involves routine keyboard operations, walking, standing for extensive periods of time, running, climbing stairs, operating a vehicle for extensive periods of time and extracting injured victims at emergency scenes.
• Ability to ambulate independently; to walk, to run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• Visual ability and the possession of depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night, to read and write reports and correspondence.
• The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollens, dusts, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

Required Documents:

1. Copy of DD214 – Military Discharge (if applicable).

Applicants for the position of Public Safety Aide are required to submit a copy of ALL required documents with the employment application. Applicants will not be eligible for employment until ALL required documents have been submitted to CIVIL SERVICE or uploaded with the application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing of the job posting.

Elements of the selection process:
Our system allows you to work on your application and save the application without submitting it. This is done to allow you to save your work and come back to finish the application without having to start over. Your application is not considered “complete” until it is thoroughly filled out, without missing information, and ALL required documents are received by Civil Service. If you submit your application and do not “complete” it before 4 p.m. on the posted close date (listed on the job opportunities page), your application will be rejected from the system and you will have to start the application process over. The application WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed until it is “complete”.

After submission of the completed application (including ALL required documents) the application will be accepted. Once the application is accepted, your application will be evaluated to determine if you will continue in the process. Applicants with the most desirable applications will move to the next phase of the process. Applicants will be contacted within 60 days of the “accepted” date.

If selected to move forward you will be invited to complete the following:

• Biographical interview: A biographical interview will be conducted by a member of the G.S.S. staff. The biographical interview will consist of a full comprehensive review of the application submitted to confirm accuracy of the information provided. Applicants that are selected to continue in the process will be given information and instructions for the submission of a Personal History Questionnaire, which will be required to move forward in the process.
  
• Fingerprints: The G.S.S staff will also take your fingerprints to assist in the background phase of the hiring process.

If selected to move to the next phase, the applicant will attend an interview conducted by a panel. The panel will consist of a minimum of three police department members.

Candidates who have been deemed qualified to continue in the selection process by the interview panel will be scheduled for a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and a polygraph examination.

A thorough background Investigation will be completed on all candidates prior to employment.

Those applicants that are selected for employment will be given a conditional offer of employment. The job offer is contingent upon the successful completion and approval of a psychological fitness examination, medical examination, drug screen testing and completed background investigation.

Once a decision has been reached to offer the applicant employment OR that the applicant will not be offered employment, applicants will be notified within 30 days. The intent of the Lakeland Police Department’s General Services Section is that the selection process, from the date of the biographical interview until the applicant is advised of a decision regarding employment, will not extend beyond 180 days.

When the applicant is selected for employment and all elements of the selection process have been passed, the applicant will begin the in house “Mini-Academy”. The Mini-Academy is a seven-week long training program that provides recruits with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin the Field Training program. Once the recruit successfully passes the Mini-Academy they will begin the 10-week Field Training Program. The recruit will be on probationary status until their one-year probationary period is successfully completed.

Reapplication:
Reapplication, retesting, and re-evaluation of applicants not hired is permitted after six months as long as nothing in the application history indicates an unfitness for employment. Conditions that qualify as unfitness for employment include revelations of unacceptable drug use, criminal records, or other factors discovered during the selection process.

Psychological Fitness Examination:
An emotional stability and psychological fitness examination of each candidate for Public Safety Aide I is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status.

Background Investigation:
A background investigation, of each candidate for all positions, is conducted prior to appointment to probationary status. The background investigation may include, but is not limited to:
a. verification of qualifying credentials
b. a review of any criminal record
c. a review of applicants driving record
d. fingerprint check
e. warrants check
f. records check
g. verification of at least three personal references
h. a review of prior employment/military history
i. a review of applicant’s employment and academy files
j. review of social site/internet information

Physical Ability Test:
This test consists of a standardized obstacle course which was created and recommended by the FDLE Criminal Justice and Standards Training Commission. It simulates activities that may be encountered while working in this position at the Lakeland Police Department. Applicants should wear proper clothing and shoes for the test. Test is administered on a pass/fail basis.

The course consists of the following tasks (not necessarily in the order you may experience them). The time limit for this test is 6 minutes and 4 seconds:

• Exit from the seated, safety belted driver's position of a parked motor vehicle
• With opposite hands, remove two flags fastened to a belt with Velcro, from your back
• Utilizing the vehicles' keys, retrieve from the car trunk a flashlight to be carried during the following stages:
• 220 yard run (twice)
• Jump over a four (4) foot wall
• Run through a series of cones
• Jump over a series of three (3) hurdles
• A low crawl under three (3) hurdles
• Drag a 150 pound dummy for 100 feet
• Return the flashlight to the vehicle trunk
• Return to the safety belted driver's position of the vehicle

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.