Police Support Specialist

Position Summary

Police Support Specialist Recruitment Flyer

This position is responsible for performing cross-functional, complex clerical and office support related to a variety of law enforcement functions within the police department. Duties involve the performance of manual and clerical work which includes recordkeeping, documentation, filing, maintaining and releasing records related to criminal justice activities; receipt, storage and release of found, stolen and confiscated property and evidence impounded by the police department.

Essential Duties

• Provides technical and policy information to both internal and external customers by phone and in person; resolves discrepancies, complaints and other issues requiring interpretation of unique, detailed and complex procedures and applicable government rules and regulations.
• Performs record keeping, storage, security and destruction of records and materials submitted by police department personnel according to departmental policy and procedure, established retention schedules and other applicable regulations.
• Organizes body worn camera digital evidence files; performs quality checks; prepares and disseminates digital evidence.
• Processes public disclosure requests for body worn camera footage; redacts audio and video footage and disseminates records in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act.
• Prepares correspondence, forms and reports; proofreads documents for typing and format errors; composes documents and business correspondence.
• Receives and screens telephone calls and visitors; answers questions using considerable knowledge of department operations.
• Keeps the supervisor and departmental staff informed of significant and important matters requiring review or action.
• Fingerprints applicants for various licenses, criminal checks and/or employment.
• Processes Concealed Pistol Licenses, Firearms Dealer Licenses and pistol transfers in accordance with State and departmental guidelines.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks through Washington State Patrol ACCESS; submits various transactions to WACIC/NCIC using a data terminal.
• Catalogues crimes and verifies crime codes in accordance with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
• Prepares, maintains and disseminates reports, records and files and comply with public disclosure laws.
• Assembles and summarizes data for department administration, preparing various reports when required.
• Communicates with officers and processes requests for information according to established guidelines and laws.
• Orders, stocks and maintains miscellaneous department supplies as directed.
• Strictly maintains confidentiality requirements of the police department.
• Accepts, records, stores and locates all property and evidence taken into custody by police department personnel in accordance with State laws and departmental policies and procedures while maintaining accurate records.
• Maintains and documents the continuous chain-of-custody for all items in evidence; ensures property and evidence is purged, returned to rightful owner(s) or disposed of appropriately in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with laws, policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with packaging, documentation and tracking of evidence including evidence sent to outside agencies and laboratories; educates and advises department members on proper handling and packaging of property and evidence.
• Packages and arranges for transportation of evidence to appropriate laboratories for analysis.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the property and evidence storage rooms.
• Retrieves property and evidence as required for prosecutors or for court.
• Maintains the availability of the medication drop box; stores and arranges for proper disposal of medications.
• Assists with department vehicle maintenance, including transporting vehicles requiring repairs and conducting quarterly vehicle inspections.
• May assist investigators with crime scene processing.
• Controls and properly disposes of all biohazard waste.
• Testifies accurately in court proceedings.
• Timely and regular attendance.
• Maintain, disclose and destroy public records in accordance with the requirements of the WA Public Records Act and WA State Archives records retention guidelines.
• Follow/adhere to all city policies and procedures, and safety program regulations and requirements.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Modern office methods, practices and procedures, equipment, and business letter writing standards.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures which apply to law enforcement, such as the Washington State Criminal Records Privacy Act and public disclosure laws.
• Law enforcement practices and procedures.
• Principles and practices of records keeping and records retention.
• Principles, methods and practices of investigation, evidence identification and collection.
• Effective practices, methods and techniques for storing and recording criminal evidence and personal property.
• Fundamental principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Have a fundamental understanding of various types of firearms, including safe handling and storage.
• Proper use of English, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Establish and follow priorities, organize files and materials, identify procedural problems, organize and be detailed oriented.
• Compile and maintain accurate and complete documents.
• Interpret and apply legal documents, as well as federal, state and local regulations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Speak, read, and write the English language.
• Work independently on multiple tasks, cope with interruptions and meet deadlines.
• Prioritize and coordinate competing assignments and multiple deadlines.
• Operate software programs and various office equipment, including computers, radios, calculators and data terminals.
• Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers and other City personnel, contractors, and the general public.

Experience, Education and Other Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency
• Two (2) years of clerical experience preferably in a legal or law enforcement setting

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Must pass all police department pre-employment hiring processes, including but not limited to, reference checks, criminal records check, credit check, background investigation, and polygraph.

• Become Level II ACCESS certified within six (6) months.
• Must pass basic evidence room management training.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an indoor office setting with extended periods at a computer, sitting or standing. Physical effort is needed to move, lift and carry office equipment, supplies, and materials. Basic communications skills such as talking, seeing and hearing are needed for frequent person-to-person contacts, computer and telephone usage. Work environment requires attention to proper protocol to limit exposure to chemicals, gas or other potentially harmful substances. Exposure to dust, bodily fluids and noise. Other work performed may include working in an outdoor environment in varying weather conditions.