Community Service Officer

Job Description:

Community Service Officer

Description

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The City of Elk Grove is currently accepting applications for the position of Community Services Officer within the Police Department. The Community Service Officer provides a supporting role to all areas of the services provided by the Police Department and will perform a wide variety of specialized non-sworn law enforcement duties; including responding to calls for service, providing information and assistance to the public, and other administrative functions.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, customer-oriented and committed to delivering world-class public service.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline: (subject to change)

Filing Deadlin e: May 13 , 2026, at 11:59 pm

Written Exam: May 20, 2026 (In Person)
Selection Interviews: June 3 &4, 2026 (In Person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.

Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Learn more here: Elk Grove Jobs .

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 182,842 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of specialized and technical non-sworn law enforcement duties in support of Police Department operations and services in service areas including patrol, traffic, investigations, crime prevention, and professional standards; responds to priority and non-priority calls for service; provides information and assistance to the general public and answers inquiries from members of the public; assists in crime prevention programs and activities for the Police Department; coordinate, facilitate, and participate in community groups and community outreach efforts; investigates missing person cases and property crimes, interviews known associates, and responds to inquiries; performs a variety of other non-sworn law enforcement, clerical, and administrative functions in support of Police Department services and activities not requiring Peace Officer status.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing non-sworn technical duties in support of a variety of services and activities of the Police Department involving community outreach, engagement, and support i n service areas including patrol, traffic, investigations, crime prevention, and professional standards . Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Investigates and provides reports related to "cold" calls including those involving missing persons, burglaries, vandalism, grand/petty theft, financial crimes, stolen/recovered vehicles, fraud, lost/stolen property, found property, vandalism/graffiti; conducts neighborhood canvasses and interviews victims and witnesses; assists in searching for people or items of evidence; conducts non-hazardous follow-up to assist detectives with criminal investigations.
  
• Promotes, implements, and maintains activities in the community including Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch programs, Stranger Danger, Personal Safety, ID/Fraud prevention, Safety for Seniors, and related programs; encourages members of the public to take an active role in the community by attending meetings with the members of the public and business owners to provide information on ways to deter, identify, and report crimes.
  
• Performs a variety of duties to enforce specific sections of the California Vehicle Codes and City of Elk Grove municipal ordinances; responds to reports of abandoned vehicles and neighborhood parking complaints; proactively patrols City to enforce parking codes and regulations; identifies parking violations and issues warnings and citations as applicable; tows vehicles as required; advises the general public on laws and regulations affecting parking.
  

• Performs a variety of related functions in support of the Police Department services and activities; provides training to new personnel related to area of assignment; attends community meetings; deploys and retrieves radar speed trailer to and from various locations; participates in DUI checkpoints to assist with towing impounded vehicles; patrols streets and parking lots in marked patrol vehicle to show a "police presence," issues tow releases; signs-off on "fix-it" citations; issues administrative warnings and citations to violators of municipal codes; assists with special projects as assigned.
  
• Processes crime scenes for potential evidence; identifies, documents, photographs, preserves, collects and books evidence; dusts for, collects, and books latent fingerprints; photographs and takes measurements of traffic collision scenes; responds to scenes with officers for photographing victims or processing evidence when Forensic Technician is unavailable.
  
• Performs a variety of administrative duties related public safety programs/activities including updating and maintaining assigned databases; updates the Police Department community calendar to provide staff with current information regarding upcoming events; attend community engagement in support of gaining community trust.
  
• Provides information and assistance to the general public; answers inquiries from members of the public and responds to complaints and requests for services from other department staff, the general public, other law enforcement agencies, and other agencies; provides information to violators, the general public, businesses, school communities, and other government agencies regarding codes, laws, and ordinances as well as department services, programs, and practices; gives station tours.
  
• Maintains various logs and records; gathers information and prepares routine reports as assigned; enters, inputs, and retrieves a variety of information using a computer terminal.
  
• Communicates with other law enforcement agencies, various municipal departments, community organizations to investigate, gather, provide information, and find potential investigative leads to locate missing persons.
  
• Analyzes and interprets information from outside sources to determine if they are related to current missing person cases; conduct follow ups on any leads received.
  
• Conducts research through various police databases, programs, and public sources to support investigation efforts; interview known associates (family, friends, etc.) of missing persons; gather and review available intelligence.
  
• Coordinates and facilitates neighborhood watch meetings; provides information and resources to members of the public related to the neighborhood; receives information from concerned members of the public and assists in providing a solution.
  
• Educates members of the public of the City about Child Passenger Safety through child passenger safety inspections and instructions.
  
• Provides security surveys for businesses and members of the public to identify potential security issues and encourage proactive safety practices.
  
• Identifies problems in the community; collects information regarding events or recurring problems and works with available resources to resolve the issue; follows up to determine if the plan was successful.
  
• Provides information and presents criminal cases to the District Attorney’s Office in support of the Elk Grove Police Department.
  
• Responds to dispatched calls for injury, non-injury traffic collisions, and road hazards; administers first aid as necessary; conducts investigations including to interview parties and witnesses and complete investigative reports; assigns fault and issues citations to violators.
  
• Review assigned property crimes, missing person cases, associated CAD calls and supplemental reports to understand what type of investigation was done and what further investigation is needed.
  
• Testifies in court regarding citations issued for violations committed leading up to traffic collisions; testifies in juvenile and/or superior court regarding crime reports and crime scene evidence processing; testifies at civil depositions.
  
• Collect and analyze video and/or electronic evidence; collects and records recovered property; collects, packages, and mail DNA samples.
  
• Schedules and coordinates meetings for large and small events; prepares agendas, presentations, set-up meeting rooms, and transcribes meeting minutes for the Community Service Officers.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Automated law enforcement information systems and procedures.
  
• Basic interviewing methods and principles.
  
• Basic law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
  
• Law enforcement record keeping and records management principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
  
• Methods and techniques of safety and security issues and contemporary crime trends and solutions.
  
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and department rules, policies, and procedures.
  
• Principles and techniques of traffic control.
  
• Principles, practices, and safe work methods used in collecting, processing, logging, storing, and safeguarding evidence, property, and materials including hazardous materials.
  
• Methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations.
  
• Methods and techniques of public speaking and instruction.
  
• Geographic features and locations within the area served .
  
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
  
• Crime prevention techniques, principles, practices, and systems.
  
• L ocal community programs and services.
  
• Self-defense principles and practices.
  
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  

• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
  
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
  
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  

Ability to:

• Analyze situations and adopt a course of action.
  
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and law enforcement personnel.
  
• Direct and control traffic during special events or other emergency situations.
  
• Exercise good judgment in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
  
• Maintain, file, and index a variety of reports, records, and other written materials.
  
• Remain calm under emergency situations.
  
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and other City departments.
  
• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including vehicle codes, penal codes, and municipal codes.
  
• Use and operate assigned tools and equipment including two-way radios, cell phones, electronic ticket writer, pepper spray, camera, and evidence/fingerprint kit.
  
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
  

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery and implementing equitable city policies.
  
• Establish, maintain , and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

Education and Experience:

Completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and two (2) years of experience in public engagement, community engagement, or administrative or clerical support in a law enforcement capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate , valid California driver’s license.
  
• Some assignments may require p ossession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, Basic Crime Prevention certificate.
  
• Some assignments may require possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) certificate. Retired Annuitants:
  This is a regular full-time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.
  Employment Sponsorship:
  This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment-based visa sponsorshi p.
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required . Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominantly work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may work occasionally in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees may be expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required .

FLSA Status: Non-exempt.

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.



Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$59,255.00 - $79,421.00 Annually