Police Support Specialist - City of Bellevue, WA : Job Details

NATURE OF WORK:Individuals working in this classification require a strong commitment to excellent customer service when handling requests from both internal and external customers (members of the public, officers, detectives, and other Law Enforcement personnel). This includes providing timely, reliable, and accurate information in response to non-emergency inquiries ranging from specific requests for records to questions requiring referral to other agencies or departments. Police Support Specialists assist officers, detectives, and other Law Enforcement personnel in researching crime/ suspect information while officers are investigating crimes or actively working in the field. This role also processes all reports and scanning of supplemental paperwork. Police Support Specialists are further required to refrain from disclosing sensitive data and must complete their tasks with a high degree of confidentiality.Police Support Specialists work on a variety of high-liability tasks daily while working under the guiding principles of the Records Unit to deliver Quality - Efficient - Support. Work is subject to strict deadlines and conformance to numerous associated and overlapping procedures, often requiring the employee to handle and prioritize multiple tasks. Specialists must use good judgment to determine if calls are of an emergency nature and must remain calm while referring the caller swiftly and appropriately. Specialists must remain objective, positive, and empathetic despite pressure from callers, visitors, or officers in potentially critical or emotion-laden situations. Specialists must be able to apply strong critical thinking skills to their daily duties as this body of work requires a high degree of accuracy and risk management. There is a large continuous body of work which is performed independently as well as part of a team, in a moderately quiet environment in which workload can fluctuate and is subject to frequent interruptions.Open until filled with first review date of December 9, 2024.The following is a list of essential daily duties and responsibilities assigned to Police Support Specialists. While this list represents a good sampling of the duties of this position; it is not an exhaustive list.* Understanding and following unit procedures and deadlines.* Handling a large variety of paperwork including case reports, arrest reports, logs, court records (such as protection orders, misdemeanor warrants, warrant recalls), subpoenas, citations, and other paperwork each requiring a specific detailed procedure with independent and strict deadlines.* Accurate interpretation of court orders issued by various types of courts to determine action to be taken within the RCW-mandated timelines.* Accurate interpretation and handling of hard copies of case reports and supporting documents for data entry and scanning into the records management system.* Accurately inputting information regarding stolen property, missing persons, protection orders, warrants, etc. into computer systems that interface with other local agencies (NORCOM) as well as state and national systems (WACIC & NCIC).* Providing timely, reliable, and accurate information in response to non-emergency inquiries from members of the public, insurance companies, attorneys, residents, callers, visitors, and other law enforcement agencies.* Answering a multi-line telephone system for calls from the public as well as calls from internal customers to assist with various inquiries, which may include screening calls for other department personnel* Working with NORCOM (Northeast King County Regional Public Safety Communication) - the agency that dispatches for Bellevue Police - to tie in end of day information and to review and correct over-night processes handled on our behalf.* In-person handling of applications for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs), Firearm Dealer Licenses (FDLs), etc.* Receiving of found property at the front counter and assisting customers with locating their property by researching their interaction with police, usually with minimal information.* Handling all incoming payments to police (for required fees as well as services provided - such as CPLs and bail collection)* Processing and interpreting background checks and other information for a variety of processes to include preparation of cases for the Prosecuting Attorney, Clearance Letters, Ride Alongs, Contractor access, etc.* Gathering and maintaining data for internal logs and forms shared by Records with other groups within the department (such as Property & Evidence)* Inputting and retrieving information stored in the department's computers or on criminal justice databases and relaying information as requested to officers in the field or using this information to complete tasks.* Monitoring police-access intercom to grant access to police personnel.* Monitoring closed circuit security system of arrestees in holding cells to report suspicious activity and to ensure officer safety. Specialists act as a second set of eyes to report any evidence of an officer in trouble to dispatch/NORCOM.* Providing proper emergency notifications utilizing the chain of command.* Assisting internal customers with requests for information from other agencies and departments (including but not limited to case reports, booking photos, court orders, Department of Licensing records, etc.)* Working with the COB Prosecuting Attorney's Office to provide case reports, arrest information, criminal history, etc. for individuals who have committed misdemeanor offenses.* Fingerprinting individuals for background checks related to various processes handled by the police department.* Maintaining and ordering forms.* Working on special projects and other work as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:The following represents a good sampling of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position; this is not an exhaustive list.Knowledge and Skills:* Knowledge of Windows computer operating system, Microsoft Suite products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)* Knowledge of how to utilize office equipment (such as printers, scanners, telephones, and fax machines)* Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.* Proficient skill in keyboarding and accurate data entry.Ability to:* Understand and carry out oral and written directions independently.* Work independently, as well as cooperatively with others.* Objectively analyze individual and connected tasks and processes, using knowledge and available resources, in order to come to an appropriate and acceptable conclusion.* Coordinate and conduct transactions in matters requiring knowledge and analytical application of police department rules, policies, and procedures.* Ability to comprehend, effectively reference, and carry out detailed instructions in accordance with Records Unit standard operating procedures, the department's mission, policies, and other procedures..* Learn from, and retain, written and verbal instruction in order to replicate results for various tasks and assignments.* Understand the Police Support Specialist role and to learn and understand other agency and department roles, including police officers, in order to properly refer customers as necessary.* Learn and understand working with procedures and deadlines covering the great variety of paperwork handled in the Records Section.* Learn and differentiate between police department acronyms, system names, clearing codes, etc. used in the daily operations of the Bellevue Police Department.* Learn and be able to use numerous computer and web-based systems; city/department specific software applications; other specialized records systems to retrieve and interpret information.* Evaluate, prioritize, and re-prioritize work with frequent interruptions and strict deadlines, and effectively multitask and adapt to changing priorities. Must have the ability to accurately recall steps taken prior to interruptions in order to ensure nothing is missed.* Remember and connect important details between tasks, assignments, and interactions.* Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.* Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a courteous, diplomatic fashion to exchange information.* Assist customers to the fullest in one interaction whenever possible.* Present a positive and unbiased image of the unit, department, and City, even in situations when a customer may be angry, upset, or discourteous.* Remain calm in frustrating or upsetting circumstances, or with difficult customers.* Operate police radio console, computers, fax machine, copier, shredder, cellular phone, multi-line telephone, document scanner, and other office equipment as required.* Work in a neat and orderly manner.* Contribute to a team-environment, focused on mutual respect and working toward a common goal.* Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals both within and outside of the department.* Participate in and help provide cross-training in processes as directed by management to ensure a well-rounded team for coverage purposes.* Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.* Perform other duties as assigned.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:* One to two years prior office experience including considerable public contact both in-person and by telephone. Positions not traditionally in an office setting, but which have substantial, demonstrated customer service interactions and some knowledge of administrative tasks are also acceptable.* High School Diploma or GED* English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation required to compose and proofread written documents and correspondence.* Applicants must be 18 years of age who can read and speak fluent English and either:* A US citizen, or* A lawful permanent resident, or* A Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with employment authorization from USCIS.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.* Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.* Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.* The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.* The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.Drug UseThe use of illegal drugs referred to in this acknowledgement means the use of drugs which are unlawful under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in this state or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction. (Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.) Simple possession of most of the following substances will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be grounds for disqualification. Note that any use or abuse of drugs may be grounds for disqualification or contribute to rejection during the background investigation; these are merely the automatic disqualifiers. Please call the Personnel Services Unit before applying if you are unsure if the standard applies to you. The City of Bellevue is a Drug Free Workplace.The following drug involvement will be disqualifying:Usage:* Any use of heroin,* Any possession or use of GHB or any other date rape drug, including giving it to others,* Any use of any illegal drug within three years of application* (Excludes marijuana which is addressed below.)* Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.* Any use of illegal drugs (other than marijuana) since applying to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies). Please note that while many states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty.Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:* Any participation in, or allowing of, the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, cultivation, warehousing, distribution, holding or transporting for another, transporting for sale, or financing of any illegal drugs/narcotics within five years of application*, including extraction and concentration of THC oils from marijuana for the production of honey, wax, dabs, or any other THC concentrate,* Any distribution of illegal drugs or illegal distribution of marijuana since applying* to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies),Forged/Abused Prescriptions:* Any prescription forgery, prosecuted, undetected or otherwise, within five years of application*Criminal ViolationsThe following will be disqualifying:* Any adult felony conviction.* Any juvenile felony conviction within the past five years.* Any misdemeanor conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude.* Commission of any crime of violence, including domestic violence.* Commission of any sexual offense within the past five years.* Any conviction of a felony crime at any time while employed in any capacity with a Law Enforcement Agency (including volunteer, intern, and reserve positions).* Any single theft of property or money in excess of $100 value within the past five years.