Job Location : Lakeland,FL, USA
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
This is paraprofessional, non-sworn law enforcement work that handles a variety of specialized and technical non-confrontational, non-emergency criminal incidents and police calls. Incumbents in this classification are responsible for assisting with law enforcement-related complaints and investigations which do not require arrest powers. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed law enforcement procedures and departmental regulations; however, incumbents exercise some independent judgement in the absence of immediate supervision in reacting to emergency situations. Supervision is received from a superior who establishes work schedules and reviews work through personnel observation and written reports for efficiency and effectiveness. This position is a high-profile service position contributing to the improved efficiency and operation of the Uniform Patrol Division.
This posting will close after the receipt of the first 30 qualified applicants or 1 week
(December 23 at 4PM) whichever comes first.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
* Responds to calls and complaints involving missing persons, misdemeanors, felonies, and other crimes where no suspect is present.
* Completes detailed written and computer-generated reports.
* Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; takes detailed statements from witnesses; testifies as a witness in court proceedings.
* Responds to traffic crash scenes and incidents; conducts traffic direction; renders first aid
* Provides traffic assistance and assists with funeral escorts.
* Investigates animal complaints, abandoned vehicles, parking violations, and violations of City Ordinances.
* Processes crime scenes to include photographing, processing for latent fingerprints, collecting blood/DNA, and using proper evidence collection procedures.
* Handles phone-in and walk-in complaints at the Station Duty Desk.
* Greets the public and conducts other administrative duties associated with the Station Duty Officer.
* Performs various other law enforcement duties of a non-emergency nature as designated by the Shift Commander and/or Supervisor.
* Ability to ambulate independently; to walk, to run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
* Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
* Visual ability and the possession of depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night, to read and write reports and correspondence.
* May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
* Position is designated as emergency and essential.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
* May be assigned to assist in processing major crime scenes.
* May be given specialized assignments at the direction of the Chief of Police (e.g., special events).
* Performs related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)
* High school diploma or GED from an accredited school
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Must possess a valid Class E driver's license and have a good driving record as determined by the City of Lakeland.
* Must maintain a valid telephone number.
* Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Mini Academy training program and obtain First Responder First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
* Must be able to complete and pass Protective Action Training and pepper spray certification.
* Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, and be of good moral character, etc., prior to being offered employment as a Public Safety Aide.
* Must be able to complete and pass the Public Safety Aide Academy and Protective Action annual refresher training programs and recertify First Responder First Aid, CPR, AED and pepper spray certifications annually.
* Must be able to complete the FDLE Traffic Control Officer for Civilians course and Parking Enforcement classes.
Note: Preference will be given in the hiring process of those applicants having completed the State of Florida Police Standards.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
* Ability to learn the practices, laws, ordinances and policies governing law enforcement; city government and departmental operations; and geographic locations within the City.
* Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the telephone and over the radio.
* Ability to deal diplomatically with irate, violent or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
* Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods connected with assigned area of responsibility.
* Ability to read and write legibly and have typing skills sufficient to operate a lap-top computer.
* Knowledge of City parking enforcement ordinances and State statutes, which govern City traffic functions.
* Knowledge of City geography.
* Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with fellow employees, supervisors, staff members and interact courteously with the public.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Work involves routine keyboard operations, walking, standing for extensive periods of time, running, climbing stairs, operating a vehicle for extensive periods of time and extracting injured victims at emergency scenes.
* Ability to ambulate independently; to walk, to run, climb stairs, stand, sit, and operate a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.
* Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
* Visual ability and the possession of depth perception sufficient to operate a police vehicle during the day and at night, to read and write reports and correspondence.
* The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollens, dusts, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals.
* The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.
Required Documents:
1. Copy of DD214 - Military Discharge (if applicable).
Applicants for the position of Public Safety Aide are required to submit a copy of ALL required documents with the employment application. Applicants will not be eligible for employment until ALL required documents have been submitted to CIVIL SERVICE or uploaded with the application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing of the job posting.
Elements of the selection process:
Our system allows you to work on your application and save the application without submitting it. This is done to allow you to save your work and come back to finish the application without having to start over. Your application is not considered complete until it is thoroughly filled out, without missing information, and ALL required documents are received by Civil Service. If you submit your application and do not complete it before 4 p.m. on the posted close date (listed on the job opportunities page), your application will be rejected from the system and you will have to start the application process over. The application WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed until it is complete .
After submission of the completed application (including ALL required documents) the application will be accepted. Once the application is accepted, your application will be evaluated to determine if you will continue in the process. Applicants with the most desirable applications will move to the next phase of the process. Applicants will be contacted within 60 days of the accepted date.
If selected to move forward you will be invited to complete the following:
* Biographical interview: A biographical interview will be conducted by a member of the G.S.S. staff. The biographical interview will consist of a full comprehensive review of the application submitted to confirm accuracy of the information provided. Applicants that are selected to continue in the process will be given information and instructions for the submission of a Personal History Questionnaire, which will be required to move forward in the process.
* Fingerprints: The G.S.S staff will also take your fingerprints to assist in the background phase of the hiring process.
If selected to move to the next phase, the applicant will attend an interview conducted by a panel. The panel will consist of a minimum of three police department members.
Candidates who have been deemed qualified to continue in the selection process by the interview panel will be scheduled for a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and a Truth Verification Examination (i.e. polygraph or computer voice stress analysis).
A thorough background Investigation will be completed on all candidates prior to employment.
Those applicants that are selected for employment will be given a conditional offer of employment. The job offer is contingent upon the successful completion and approval of a psychological fitness examination, medical examination, drug screen testing and completed background investigation.
Once a decision has been reached to offer the applicant employment OR that the applicant will not be offered employment, applicants will be notified within 30 days. The intent of the Lakeland Police Department's General Services Section is that the selection process, from the date of the biographical interview until the applicant is advised of a decision regarding employment, will not extend beyond 180 days.
When the applicant is selected for employment and all elements of the selection process have been passed, the applicant will begin the in house Mini-Academy . The Mini-Academy is a seven-week long training program that provides recruits with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin the Field Training program. Once the recruit successfully passes the Mini-Academy they will begin the 10-week Field Training Program. The recruit will be on probationary status until their one-year probationary period is successfully completed.
Reapplication:
Reapplication, retesting, and re-evaluation of applicants not hired is permitted after six months as long as nothing in the application history indicates an unfitness for employment. Conditions that qualify as unfitness for employment include revelations of unacceptable drug use, criminal records, or other factors discovered during the selection process.
Psychological Fitness Examination:
An emotional stability and psychological fitness examination of each candidate for Public Safety Aide I is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status.
Background Investigation:
A background investigation, of each candidate for all positions, is conducted prior to appointment
to probationary status. The background investigation may include, but is not limited to:
a. verification of qualifying credentials
b. a review of any criminal record
c. a review of applicants driving record
d. fingerprint check
e. warrants check
f. records check
g. verification of at least three personal references
h. a review of prior employment/military history
i. a review of applicant's employment and academy files
j. review of social site/internet information
Be advised that sensitive or confidential aspects of the applicant's personal lives may be explored.
Truth Verification Examination:
A computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) or polygraph examination of all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status. Candidates are provided with a list of areas from which the truth verification examination questions will be drawn prior to the examination. The results of a truth verification examination shall not be used as a single determinant of employment status.
Drug Screen:
A drug screen of all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status. The drug screen tests for recent usage of controlled substances, either illegal or prescribed substances. Prohibited substances are defined by departmental directives and are available to candidates who have questions concerning prohibited drug usage.
Physical Ability Test:
This test consists of a standardized obstacle course which was created and recommended by the FDLE Criminal Justice and Standards Training Commission. It simulates activities that may be encountered while working in this position at the Lakeland Police Department. Applicants should wear proper clothing and shoes for the test. Test is administered on a pass/fail basis.
The course consists of the following tasks (not necessarily in the order you may experience them). The time limit for this test is 6 minutes and 4 seconds:
* Exit from the seated, safety belted driver's position of a parked motor vehicle
* With opposite hands, remove two flags fastened to a belt with Velcro, from your back
* Utilizing the vehicles' keys, retrieve from the car trunk a flashlight to be carried during the following stages:
* 220 yard run (twice)
* Jump over a four (4) foot wall
* Run through a series of cones
* Jump over a series of three (3) hurdles
* A low crawl under three (3) hurdles
* Drag a 150 pound dummy for 100 feet
* Return the flashlight to the vehicle trunk
* Return to the safety belted driver's position of the vehicle
The City of Lakeland is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and a Drug Free work place.
City of Lakeland
2024 Summary Sheet
Annual Leave
Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:
Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*
Sick Leave
Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.
* NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.
Sick Leave Pool
Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.
For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768
Family & Medical Leave
Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.
For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.
Pension Plan
Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
Defined Benefit Plan:
Plan C Employee 4.16%
Employer 15.66%
OR
Defined Contribution Plan:
Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits
Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire
Employer 15.39%
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:
A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.
Maximum contribution for 2024 is $23,000; employees aged 50 or older can also add a catch-up amount of $7,500. Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.
Holidays
Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.
Funeral Leave
Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.
Jury/Witness Duty
Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.
Military Leave
Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).
Maternity Leave
Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.
Leave of Absence Without Pay
Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.
Longevity Pay
Tuition Reimbursement
Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of C or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.
For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.
Suggestion Awards
A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.
For additional information, contact Kathy McNelis at 834-6348.
Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)
An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.
Uniforms/Equipment
Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.
Parking
Free while at work.
Break Periods
Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.
For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.
For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.
For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-###-####.
01
Are you a citizen of the United States?
* Yes
* No
02
Have you ever received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States?
* Yes
* No
03
Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, not-withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Have you been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement?
* Yes
* No
04
Do you have a High School diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent (GED) OR a letter confirming High School graduation in 2024?
* Yes
* No
05
Have you ever, by word of mouth, or in writing advocated, advised, or taught the doctrine that the government of the United States of America, or of any political subdivision thereof, should be overthrown by force, violence, or any unlawful means?
* Yes
* No
06
Are you willing to take a Truth Verification Examination (i.e. polygraph or computer stress analysis) to verify all information supplied in this application?
* Yes
* No
07
Have you illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed marijuana, or any of its derivatives within the past 2 years?
* Yes
* No
08
If you have illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed marijuana, or any of its derivatives within the past 2 years, please provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) and provide the month/year of last use. Otherwise, enter N/A.
09
Other than marijuana, within the past 5 years, have you illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed any controlled substance listed under Florida Statute 893, including synthetic drugs and the use of prescription medications that were not prescribed to you.
* Yes
* No
10
If you have, within the past 5 years, illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed any controlled substance listed under Florida Statute 893, including synthetic drugs and the use of prescription medications that were not prescribed to you, please provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) and include the name of the illegal drug used and the month/year of last use. Otherwise, enter N/A.
11
Have you ever illegally cultivated, manufactured, sold, or delivered a controlled substance at any time?
* Yes
* No
12
If you have illegally cultivated, manufactured, sold, or delivered a controlled substance, explain and enter the date of the occurrence(s). Otherwise enter N/A.
13
If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense list each offense and explain. Otherwise enter N/A.
14
Have you ever been arrested, charged, or received a notice to appear or summons for any criminal violation? If yes, please explain. Otherwise enter No.
15
List all traffic tickets other than parking, explain why received, when received, and final disposition. Enter N/A if you have never received a traffic ticket other than parking.
16
If your license has ever been suspended or revoked, explain in detail. Otherwise enter N/A.
17
Have you had a DUI conviction within sixty months of this application?
* Yes
* No
18
List what illegal drug(s), if any, you have used. List the number of times you used the illegal drug(s) and the time frame in which the use(s) occurred. This includes any prescription medication you have taken that was not prescribed to you. The format for answering this question is: TYPE of illegal drug(s), NUMBER OF TIMES the drug(s) was used, PERIOD OF TIME in which the drug(s) was used. LIST EACH ILLEGAL DRUG(S) USED IN THE ABOVE FORMAT SEPARATELY. If you have never used any illegal drug(s), please state I have never used any illegal drug (s).
19
List any honors, awards, or scholarships received from an educator or employer. Indicate none if you have none.
20
Do you understand that if you HAVE SERVED in the Armed Forces, you must supply a copy of your DD214 Form-4 to the City of Lakeland Department of Civil Service?
* Yes
* No
21
If you have served in the Armed Forces, list the branch(es) of service and the corresponding highest rank achieved. Otherwise enter N/A.
22
If you have served in the military, list the type and date of each discharge. Otherwise enter N/A.
23
If any type of disciplinary action was taken against you in the service, please provide the Date, Place, Nature of the offense, and Action taken. Otherwise enter N/A.
24
If you are a naturalized citizen, please provide: Date, Place, Court, and Naturalization Number. Otherwise, enter N/A.
25
If you have any tattoos describe the design and location. Otherwise enter N/A.
26
With or without reasonable accommodation(s), can you perform the essential functions of the job as described in the job description? Please answer Yes or No. If you require any reasonable accommodation(s) to perform the essential functions of the job as described in the job description, please provide a narrative statement that describes reasonable accommodation(s) needed below:
27
Can you operate a motor vehicle?
* Yes
* No
28
Have you ever been terminated from employment? If yes, list the name of the employer. Otherwise enter No, I have never been terminated from employment.
29
Have you ever been disciplined in anyway, dismissed from or asked to resign by any employer? If yes, please include all verbal and written counseling's, warnings, reprimands, suspensions, or involuntary resignations. Otherwise enter No.
30
List names of relatives or friends employed by the Lakeland Police Department. Format is: Name, Relationship. Otherwise enter N/A.
31
If you have ever applied to another law enforcement agency, list the name of the agency and the date(s) and status of each application. Otherwise enter N/A.
32
I have read and understand that the required documentation is to be submitted with my employment application for PUBLIC SAFETY AIDE with the Lakeland Police Department. I further understand that if I submit an application and do not complete it before 4 p.m. on the posted closing date (listed on the posting), my application will be rejected from the system and I will have to start the application process over. I understand that my application WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed until it is complete .
* Yes
* No
Required Question
Agency City of Lakeland, Civil Service
Address 500 N Lake Parker Avenue
Lakeland, Florida, 33801
Phone (863)###-####
Website