Police Community Relations Liaison

Description

The purpose of this position is to develop, coordinate, and implement a variety of crime prevention, safety, and community relations programs for the Danville Police Department. This is accomplished by assisting in the development and implementation of crime prevention strategies; identifying and organizing various resources to effect crime prevention activities; analyzing crime data and statistics and disseminating information to different citizen groups, media, agencies, and department units; developing educational programs relating to crime prevention; making written and verbal presentations to the public, civic, school, and church groups; producing quality graphics and text for pamphlets, brochures, and other departmental educational literature; and serving as the liaison between Police Department and community groups and markets crime prevention plans. Other duties include providing direct or indirect service to the citizens as assigned.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Develops crime prevention plans and programs to include prioritizing the focus of the campaign, targeting localities, and coordinating with local government organizations. Conducts a variety of research studies and special projects that are designed and intended to prevent or reduce crime and to improve police-community relations and enhance crime prevention activities within the community.
• Applies the principles and methods of crime prevention, communications, public relations, public information dissemination, public education, community organizing, and citizen motivation to interact with citizens effectively. The main objective is to promote the Danville Police Department to the community in a positive manner and to educate the City of Danville citizens as to their importance in assisting the police department. Make professional public presentations (e.g. Neighborhood Watch meetings and community safety programs) throughout the City to citizens, businesses, community leaders, and the media.
• Conducts security surveys for private homes, public facilities, and businesses that have been victimized to recommend methods to improve security and other security evaluations upon request; and prepares written reports with crime prevention suggestions. Distributes materials relating to crime prevention and promote new and existing programs to the media, libraries, business organizations, community groups, and interfacing with local media outlets.
• Grant writing. Gather the documentation and fulfill the requirements of various funding bodies to seek monies on behalf of the Danville Police Department formally. Perform the research into the grant and write the applications. Adhere to the guidelines given by the funding body. Analyze the feasibility of the grant’s budget.
• Public Information Officer. Coordinating the Danville Police Department’s public information response before, during, and after an emergency. Managing the Danville Police Department footprint on all social media platforms.

• Grant Writing duties include – Preparing grant proposals through research and project scope development. The development of the Grant Writer’s project proposal requires a familiarization with and inclusion of the Department’s programs, goals, and financial needs with an eye for potential funding sources. Developed proposals are submitted for review prior to application submission. The Grant writer must also keep careful records to track proposals. Additional information shall be supplied by the grant writer upon requests.
• Public Information Officer – Connecting government to citizens through traditional media, digital media, and social media; engage City employees; and maintain media relations. Communicating critical information effectively to the public. Write press releases and prepare information for distribution by media outlets. Responding to requests for information from media outlets. Maintaining a social media presence may be part of the duties. The position may require you to work long hours on an irregular schedule, especially when publicized situations or incidents affect the Danville Police Department.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree with broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field; and three to five years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is sedentary in nature, requiring occasional light physical exertion. Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.