DCPD CSO Program Guideline

PURPOSE

This program is intended to serve as an intermediate between volunteer citizen auxiliary members and sworn police officers, with the addition of full-time, paid CSOs (Community Service Officers). The desired intent of this position is a steppingstone into a sworn DCPD officer.  Having the advantage of starting at 18 years of age, we can reach recruits right out of high school, and hopefully prior to choices resulting in disqualification, as well as preventing the loss of recruits to other employers while they wait to turn age 21.  This gives full-time employment in the field they desire right here in their own community.   Recruits get exposure to the City of Dodge City employment, the police department, the city geography, radio use, report writing and dealing with people.  Much of the extensive training required of our sworn officer is accomplished during this period thereby making the time from hire as a sworn officer to the point of completing Field Training for sworn service much shorter.  

Salary

Hourly entry level $15.51 / $32,260.80 a year + 80 hours of vacation and 80 hours of floating holiday yearly

Job Type

Full-time (40 hr/wkly / 2080 hr/yrly) / Non-Sworn (no arrest powers) / Uniformed & occasional plainclothes depending on assignment / Unarmed / KPERS retirement / FT employee benefits (Medical/Dental) available

Department

Police;            Patrol Bureau

Job title

Community Service Officer [C.S.O.]

Number of Positions:           3  (2021) 

Distinguishing Features of Work

This position is responsible for responding to non-criminal or misdemeanor property crime complaints, traffic control, parking enforcement, traffic accidents and enforcing laws and ordinances. Employees may be assigned to additional duties such as assisting motorists, video monitoring, assisting on DUIs and animal control violations.

Examples of Work Performed

• Basic uniformed / marked patrol beat presence
• Misc Reports
• Noise Disturbance
• Assistance with search warrants and evidence collection
• Ticket sign offs
• Investigating motor vehicle accidents
• Enforcing ordinances related to parking, abandoned vehicles and assisting motorists.
• Vehicle Impounds
• Traffic / crowd control duties.
• Assist with community special events.
• Assists sworn officers with DUIs and a variety of investigations.
• Assists detectives with case tasks
• Appear in court to present evidence and testify as required
• Completion of work assignments will require the operation of a vehicle
• Handle animal control issues.
• Runaway / Missing persons reports
• Found / Lost property reports
• Civil Stand-bys
• City Court Subpoena Service
• Motorist assists
• Prisoner Transports to City Court
• Juvenile / CINC transports 
• Extra patrols
• Welfare checks
• Provides effective and efficient customer service and promotes and maintains community relations.
• These examples are not intended to be all inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed

Minimum Qualifications      

• 18+ years of age (*desired intent of this position is a steppingstone into sworn DCPD officer.)
• Possess the lawful status to work in the U.S. (U.S. Citizenship is not required for the CSO position but is required for the sworn officer position. Must be either a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident actively pursuing U.S. citizenship. *)
• No history of felonies, or misdemeanors involving deception or domestic violence.
• Possess a standard high school diploma (or equivalent GED)
• Must possess a valid Kansas Driver's License.
• Must maintain confidentiality in the performance of their duties.

Hiring Process

• Application
• Criminal History Check
• Written Skills Test
• Oral Board Interview
• Comprehensive Background
• CVSA (Lie detector test)
• Medical/Drug Screen

Required skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret, and record information.
• Ability to deal firmly, professionally, and courteously with the public.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action.
• Must not be impaired from testifying credibly in a court of law or impaired from swearing to an affidavit.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR certification.
• The employee will be responsible for maintaining and creating reports related to the performance of their daily activities.

Training Track

• Standard Field Training course but conducted without the arrest powers factors: (CSOs do not have the authority to stop cars, detain citizens or make arrests.)
• Firearms course included but not an armed position.  This training track is for familiarity. 

Sworn Peace Officer Transition

• Internal applicant process; Request for transfer
  1. Criminal History Check (Re-check)
  2. Nationally Accredited Police Service Entry Written Exam
  3. Expedited background (point of city employment fwd)
  4. Expedited CVSA (point of city employment fwd)
  5. Psychological Exam (required by KLETC within 12 month preceding basic training)   
  6. Physical Exam (required by KLETC within 12 month preceding basic training)  

The KLETC academy training would not occur until transition to the sworn position. At that point, the CSO will be back in Field Training to focus on firearms proficiency, traffic stops and criminal complaint response to include making arrests until sent to KLETC.  Upon completion of basic training and Field Training the recruit will be required to pass the final exam and standard shadowing period to demonstrate efficiency prior to being released for independent sworn police service.