The Public Safety Associate and Public Safety Development Program is a rotational assignment of up to three (3) years performing public safety job functions and becoming exposed to career paths in Communications, Policing, and Detention. As a Public Safety Associate, incumbents will be provided job skills, rotating work assignments, training, personal and professional development, and at the completion of the program, will be required to transition to career fields as a Public Safety Call Taker, Communications Officer, Police Officer, or Detention Officer.
Receives exposure to all basic functions of public safety and divisions within the Dothan Police Department (policing, communications, detention, crime scene, records, investigations, etc.)
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Receives exposure to a wide range of tasks including legal research, civil rights legislation, criminal justice, administrative, correspondence work, and field assignments.
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Learns all aspects of community policing, dispatching and communications, investigations, and crime analysis.
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Gains valuable insight within a variety of functions while strengthening core skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful career in public safety.
Communications Assignment (Rotation: 6 months – 1 year)
Learns how to receive and screen incoming calls from the public and other agencies; learns how to categorize and prioritize calls, including 911 calls.
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Learns how to receive and processes non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the public.
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Assists and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.
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Learns how to inquire, retrieve, and monitor data from ACJIC/NCIC database; learns how to ensure compliance with rules and regulations; learns how to retrieve information related to outstanding warrants, criminal histories, driver histories, vehicle histories, etc.; learns to disseminate information related to criminal histories, driver histories, terrorist threats, felon registration, sex offender registration, lost or stolen items, missing persons, etc.
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Learns how to operate telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD, mapping systems, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.
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Learns how to monitor and utilize non-emergency radios as needed.
Detention Assignment (Rotation: 6 months – 1 year)
Learns and assists with making rounds of the jail to maintain security; checks locks, fences, alarms, and other security devices; monitors inmates for contraband and security violations.
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Learns how to receive and release inmates transferred to and from the facility; learns how to complete all required paperwork; learns how to book and classify inmates; learns how to inventory inmate property.
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Learns how to perform count procedures for inmate accountability and learns how to prepare required logs and reports. Learns how to assist with operating jail control room, how to monitor security cameras; learns how to lock and unlock doors.
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Learns how to assist with serving inmate meals and notifying emergency medical personnel of inmate emergencies. Learns how to assist with inmate discipline and the complain process.
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Learns how to assist in monitoring the jail facility for maintenance, repair, and security issues.
Criminal Investigation/Crime Scene (Rotation: 6 months – 1 year)
Learns patrol patterns and shadows investigators, and other officers to detect and investigate criminal activity and traffic violations.
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Assists with conducting investigations regarding criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
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Assists with preparing and transporting evidence for laboratory analysis.
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Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
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Inspects and maintains assigned uniform, and equipment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
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Driven and motivated for a career in public safety (Police, Communications, Detention).
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Team oriented with ability to work independently.
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Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
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Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
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Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
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Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
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Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
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Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
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Knowledge of inmate security principles.
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Knowledge of inmate supervision principles and practices.
Knowledge of tactical defense and restraint procedures.
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Skill in critical thinking.
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Skill in communication and interpersonal skills.
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Skill in the use of a computer.
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Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
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Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
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Skill in operating radar equipment.
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Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
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Skill in planning, organizing, and decision making.
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Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
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Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
An assigned supervisor in each division assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
Guidelines include ACJIC/NCIC guidelines, state, and federal regulations, HIPPA regulations, general orders, APCO policies training guidelines, medical controls, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
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The work consists of related law enforcement duties, inmate security, and emergency communications duties. The varied nature of the work and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
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The purpose of this position is to learn the various positions in the divisions of the police department, to include ensuring the safety and security of inmates, protecting life and property, enforcing federal, state, and local laws; assisting in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching emergency service; and providing support for other department functions as assigned.
CONTACTS
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Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, victims, witnesses, suspects, school personnel, parents and students, court personnel, a variety of external agencies, and the public.
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Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light to medium objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, use the sense of smell, and distinguish between shades of color.
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The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.