Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement 1 Careers in Criminal Justice Sage Publications Inc

Chapter 3: Local & State Law EnforcementChapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement

1

Careers in Criminal Justice

Sage Publications Inc.

Chapter 3: Local and State Law EnforcementChapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement

2



• Local law enforcement refers to city and county agencies, which makes up 77 percent of the nation’s police employees.

• Another fourteen percent work in various federal agencies, and only about 9 percent work for state governments.

• As of 2012, local law enforcement consisted of approximately 1,133,905 employees, with about 765,237 of those being sworn.


3



• Being hired initially by a local agency is much likelier than starting a career with a federal agency, mainly due to the amount of opportunities available.

•Being hired by a law enforcement agency is extremely difficult and may seem impossible to some who have already tried.


4



• Sworn employees of city agencies are called police officers. Those working for county agencies are called deputies, and sworn state employees are referred to as officers or troopers.

• Police officers, deputies, and state troopers handle a larger variety of incidents than federal agencies.

• There are more city codes and state statutes to enforce than federal laws.


5



• Local and state agencies are “first responders,” thus being at citizens’ beck and call for whatever need arises.

• Federal agencies are more specialized and only some are first responders.

• Specialization also takes place in state and local agencies in which one can choose to excel and work primarily in a particular area of expertise.


6



Police departments range in size from one sworn officer to thousands. Here are the top 10 largest agencies in the U.S.

Department Population Agency Sworn Per 1,000 Agency Total Per 1,000

New York (NY) 8,220,196 35,216 4.28 51,480 6.26

Chicago (IL) 2,824,434 13,336 4.72 15,436 5.47

Los Angeles (CA) 3,870,487 9,504 2.46 12,834 3.32

Philadelphia (PA) 1,435,533 6,778 4.72 15,436 5.47

Houston (TX) 2,169,544 4,892 2.25 6,317 2.91

Washington (DC) 588,292 3,913 6.65 4,493 7.64

Phoenix (AZ) 1,541,698 3,231 2.10 4,379 2.84

Dallas (TX) 1,239,104 3,122 2.52 3,739 3.02

Miami-Dade (FL) 1,082,395 3,120 2.88 4,495 4.15

Detroit (MI) 860,971 3,049 3.54 3,418 3.97


7



• Mesa, Arizona is the 40th largest city in the United States with a population just under 500,000 citizens.

• The estimated median household income in 2009 was $49,446. The full-time police force in 2011 was 1,136 employees with 750 of those sworn


8



• A police recruit in Mesa attends the police training academy to learn to perform the responsibilities of an entry level peace officer.

• Upon successful completion of academy instruction, the recruit receives further training in the Field Officer Training Program.

• After the academy and the field training, a police recruit is promoted to the class of police officer.


9



• Typical police duties involve an element of personal danger.

• Officers have to regularly take action without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment in meeting routine and emergency needs of citizens.

• Police work requires occasional physical exertion under adverse circumstances, such as foot chases and physical struggles.


10



Minimum Requirements for Most Large Police Departments

AgeAge

Height/WeightHeight/Weight

21 years of age upon graduation from the police academy. Usually not upper age limit.

Generally no minimum standards.

The age in which people are considered mature enough to handle the responsibilities associated with the job

To avoid discrimination, applicants just need to be able to perform the duties of the job. Appearance, however, plays a part in hiring decisions.

Category Requirement Rationale


11




HealthHealth

FitnessFitness

Vision – usually must be correctable to 20/50 Hearing – hearing aids are usually allowed. Must pass doctor’s exam.

Varies, but all departments have a physical fitness test with minimum standards to demonstrate applicant can do ordinary police duties.

Police work is a dangerous and physically demanding job. Police are responsible for their own safety as well as others. Agencies hire those who can do every aspect of the job.

Officers must be able to defend themselves and others, consistently performing at a high level of stress for extensive periods of time. Conditioning can save lives.



12




EducationEducation

Skills andCharacteristics

Skills andCharacteristics

High School Diploma or GED

Maturity, Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Problem Solver, High Ethical Standards, Emotional Intelligence. The ability to read, write, memorize, reason, and communicate.

About 18% of departments are requiring some college at the entry level, but degrees are usually only required for promotions. This issue remains controversial.

Some say you must “walk on water” to be hired for police work. Naturally agencies want the best of the best. Tests and interviews are created to explore these minimum traits.



13




BackgroundBackground

CriminalHistoryCriminalHistory

Investigation includes past employment, medical records, school records, relationships, military records, credit check, driving record, and criminal history.

Maturity, Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Problem Solver, High Ethical Standards, Emotional Intelligence. The ability to read, write, memorize, reason, and communicate.

98% of agencies perform some level of background check to determine the character of the applicant that isn’t apparent through written tests, interviews, and polygraphs.

Agencies look at the seriousness of crimes committed as well as the amount of crime, and the duration of time since crimes were committed.



14




DrugHistoryDrug

History

PsychologicalHealth

PsychologicalHealth

Varies widely. Generally 3-5 years since Marijuana was used, and it must be experimental only. Generally10 years since harder drugs were used.

Generally candidates must pass an exam, or be recommended for employment by an expert designated by the department.

By being more liberal, it increases the candidate pool without necessarily opening up to unsuitable candidates. Agencies perform random drug tests to assure the continuity of policy adherence.

The assessment explores personality disorders, self management skills, abilities for team functioning, intellectual strength, impact of prior trauma, and anger management.



15



• Police officers mediate disputes and conduct interviews while performing law enforcement patrol activities and investigations.

•Police officers present testimony and evidence in both civil and criminal court proceedings.

•They also record information and prepare detailed reports of investigative findings.


16



• Police officers operate patrol vehicles, pursue offenders by patrol vehicle and on foot, stop offenders, subdue resisting offenders using force where appropriate (including deadly force), and arrest offenders.

•An officer searches persons, places, and things.


17



• They seize and impound property and evidence, transport persons and property, perform crowd and riot control activities, issue summonses, maintain proficiency in operating a variety of law enforcement tools including weapons, vehicles, and computers.

•A police officer observes criminal behavior, and conducts law enforcement investigations.


18



Police officers protect crime and traffic accident scenes, measure and diagram crime and traffic accident scenes, seize and process evidence, administer first aid to sick and injured persons for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, assist distressed motorists, direct traffic, assist and refer mentally ill, indigent, and other persons in need, perform evacuations, and move persons, vehicles, and other property from unsafe locations.


19



• A graduate from the academy will be expected to comprehend and make inferences from written materials including federal and state statutes, city codes and ordinances, and departmental policies and operating procedures in order to enforce laws.

• An officer must maintain composure and operational efficiency under high stress situations


20



• New officers must learn job related material through verbal instruction, observation on the job, structured lecture in a classroom setting, and reading in regard to police procedures and methods, case law, federal and state statutes and departmental policies and procedures.

• An applicant for the police department needs knowledge of general social problems, basic writing skills, and proficiency in the English language.


21



• Officers are expected to acquire a working knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures and apply it to specific situations, learn departmental rules and regulations, acquire a working knowledge of state and city laws and enforce, interpret, and explain the same, learn the geography of the city and the location of important buildings, acquire a working knowledge of crime patterns and trends in an assigned area, work effectively with all segments of the public.


22



• Officers need to be courteous but firm with people, follow directions, meet specific attendance and schedule requirements, use good judgment and make effective decisions under pressure, evaluate situations and take appropriate action, observe and recollect details, perform all of the physical requirements of the job, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.


23



• The pay scale for police officers in Mesa, Arizona starts at a salary of $50,960.00 and can reach $72,862.40.

• Lateral officers starting pay ranges from $50,960.00- $65,436.80 depending on experience.

• Police Lieutenants have a pay range of $79,976 to $107,640.

• Police chiefs range from $129,750 to $174,637.


24



•The Arizona Police Officer’s Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) establishes the qualifiers and disqualifiers for certification in the state of Arizona.

• Some basic requirements include age, physical fitness, and the polygraph test.

• Some of the disqualifiers include drug use and criminal history.


25



•To be AZPOST certified, you cannot have used Marijuana more than for experimental use, which has been determined not exceed 20 uses in a lifetime, with no more than five of those uses being at age 21 or older.

• As far as criminal history, AZPOST looks at a person’s conduct rather than the arrest record to determine suitability to be a peace officer.


26



•It is the commission of crimes that concerns AZPOST and not conviction only.

•Commission of crimes demonstrates a willingness or propensity to do illegal things.

•This shows a lack of respect for the law.

•Applicants are asked to list all police contacts, whether as a suspect, witness, or otherwise.


27



• Applicants are asked to disclose all undiscovered crimes including those nobody but the applicant knows about.

•Complete disclosure and truthfulness on these questions is usually more important than what is disclosed.

•The only absolute disqualifier for certification is the conviction of a felony.


28



• Other offenses are reviewed on a case by case basis to see how the conduct reflects on the public trust in the profession and the ability of the individual to perform the duties of a peace officer, such as to testify credibly in court.

• Applicants’ answers to all background questions are tested and verified by polygraph


29



• As you can see by the multitude of skills required for police work, as well as disqualifiers, it is no wonder why some claim you need to “walk on water” to be hired as a police officer.

• Wait till you see how lengthy and tedious the application is to fill out!


30



• If you want to work in law enforcement bad enough, all the efforts to get hired will prove worth it.

• A career in law enforcement is exciting, challenging, and rewarding.

• Every shift is like a box of chocolates.

• Instead of continuously checking your watch to see when your work day is over, you will be anxiously checking your watch before work.


31



• There are other types of law enforcement agencies to work for besides the municipal police.

• Entering law enforcement may require an applicant to consider moving to where the positions are.

• Limiting your search to the city or county in which you live might significantly delay your career.


32



Game and Fish Warden• Game Warden positions are generally with state agencies.

•This position offers a challenging career with a wide array of job duties while working with a diverse and abundant wildlife resource.


33



Game and Fish Warden• The Wyoming Game and Fish Department currently employs over 60 Game Wardens, Wildlife Investigators, Game Warden Trainees, and Wildlife Technicians all over the State • Wardens in Wyoming act as the liaison between local publics and the department.

• Game Wardens receive department housing and a competitive salary with state employment benefits.


34



Game and Fish Warden• One of the most rewarding aspects of a warden’s job is preventing or solving some of the most egregious wildlife crimes.

• Being able to successfully prosecute the violators and keeping them from doing the crime again is extremely gratifying.

• Wardens also create big game seasons.


35



Game and Fish Warden• Other duties a game warden performs include enforcing game, fish, trapping, and boating laws.

• To effectively perform these tasks, the warden has to spend time in the field.

• Depending on current circumstances, getting to the field involves the use of trucks, snowmobiles, boats, horses, 4-wheelers, or boots.


36



Game and Fish Warden• Wardens also collect biological data on the game herds they manage.

• Wardens often fly over areas in fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.

• Other shifts might be spent in a truck looking through binoculars and spotting scopes.

• Wardens work with landowners to gain access for hunters and fishermen.


37



Game and Fish Warden• Nearly a third of a Game Warden’s job is directly related to law enforcement.

• Another third deals with taking an active role in wildlife management.

• Wardens collect and analyze biological data for use in managing fish and wildlife populations.


38



Game and Fish Warden• Nearly a third of a Game Warden’s job is directly related to law enforcement.

• Another third deals with taking an active role in wildlife management.

• Wardens collect and analyze biological data for use in managing fish and wildlife populations.


39



Game and Fish Warden• Qualifications include a competitive examination, which is offered each year to qualified applicants with a bachelor's degree in biology, natural resources, or a closely related field.

• The examination includes a written test of basic wildlife management knowledge, followed by oral interviews, and psychological testing of personality profiles.


40



Gaming Officer • Other than Nevada where gambling is legal throughout the state, those states allowing casino-style gambling restrict it to small geographic areas or to American Indian reservations.

There are currently 30 states with Indian gaming and state gaming agencies.


41



Gaming Officer • Arizona employed 104 team members in 2010, including AZPOST-certified peace officers, financial investigators and auditors, Certified Fraud Examiners, slot machine technicians, and administrative staff.

•The Gaming Vendor Certification Unit (GVCU) determines the suitability of companies and individuals doing business with casinos in Arizona.


42



Gaming Officer • The GVCU is comprised of Special Agents, Financial Investigators, a Compliance Auditor, and Intake Officers.

• Each company, principals of a gaming company, and key personnel providing gaming products or services must undergo a thorough background investigation.


43



Special Agent• The Special Agent’s primary function is conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, and State and Federal laws. This includes the following:

•Writing comprehensive reports•Reviewing regulatory, criminal, and financial documents•Conducting interviews•Participating in surveillance and undercover operations•Preparing search warrant affidavits•Securing evidence•Testifying at hearings and in court proceedings


44



Special Agent• Special Agents must possess sufficient knowledge of Arizona criminal code, basic level computer search skills (to conduct open source intelligence searches), and the necessary knowledge to prepare criminal intelligence files.

•Special Agents have a starting salary of $50,671.50.


45



Financial Investigator• The financial investigators do not need to be AZPOST certified, but do need a bachelor degree in accounting or five years of professional financial investigative experience or closely related experience.

•An advanced degree may substitute for six months of the required experience.


46



Financial Investigator The job description for financial investigators includes conducting forensic financial audits and investigations of all sensitive management position applicants, examination of financial and income tax records, conducting in depth interviews, preparing comprehensive reports of findings, coordinating and conferring with appropriate manager, Attorney General, and tribal entity, presenting testimony in administrative hearings and other courts of law, and acting as lead investigator in financial investigations.


47



Campus Police• Campus police perform a variety of duties related to the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, prevention of crime, preservation of the public peace, apprehension of criminals, and calls for service.

•They perform basic police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the university and in compliance with governing federal and state laws.


48



Campus Police• Some major responsibilities of police officers at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia include:

• Engaging in law enforcement patrol functions by foot, bike or vehicle including rotating shifts and physically checking doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.

• Conducting visual and audio surveillance.


49



Campus Police

•Operating a law enforcement vehicle both day and

night in emergency situations involving speeds in

excess of posted limits in congested traffic and in

unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as

fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.


50



Campus Police

• Effecting arrests, forcibly if necessary, using

handcuffs and other restraints, and subduing

resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons,

resorting to hands and feet and other approved

weapons in self-defense.


51



Campus Police

• Exercising independent judgment in determining

when there is reasonable suspicion to detain. When

probable cause exists to search and arrest, knowing

when force may be used and to what degree.


52



Campus Police• Preparing investigative reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations. •Performing rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters, including directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, removing people from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.


53



Campus Police• Mediating disputes and advising citizens of rights and processes.

• Gathering information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.

•Detecting and collecting evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions.


54



Campus Police• With few exceptions, the basic qualifications to work at Georgia Tech are the same as those for municipal agencies.

•Georgia Tech requires one to three years of job related experience.

•They prefer applicants to have a bachelor degree, 3-5 years working within a police department, and GA P.O.S.T. certification.


55



Campus Police• The selection process for Georgia campus police includes a thorough background check of education, employment, criminal history, driving history, credit history, psychological and medical evaluation, drug screen, and successful completion of the police academy entrance examination.

•The availability to work any day, any shift, and overtime is required.


56



Non-Sworn Opportunities•Law enforcement agencies have non-sworn positions for support personnel such as Property Clerk, Evidence Technician, Records Clerk, Traffic Accident Investigator, Crime Analyst, Animal Control Officer, Dispatcher, Police Aide, and Reserve Officer.

•Some of these positions pay very well.


57



Property Clerk •A property clerk has a duty similar to any warehouse employee.

•The clerk controls the inventory of police supplies, such as radios, guns, helmets, riot gear, flashlight and batteries, pens and pads, badges, bulletproof vests, etc.


58



Property Clerk Property clerk functions:

•Checks incoming material for quality and quantity against invoices,

purchase orders, packing slips, contract order release forms, or other

documents.

•Stocks shelves and keeps stock in order.

•Makes simple mathematical computations to reconcile physical count

with inventory records and order requests.

•Issues general and specialized goods and supplies.

•Inputs and retrieves inventory information using a remote computer

terminal and/or micro computer.


59



Property Clerk • To work for the Phoenix Arizona Police Department as a property clerk you would need one year of experience in warehousing, storekeeping, or tool room maintenance, including some clerical work.

•Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

•The pay range for property clerks range from $34,154.00 to $46,613.00


60



Evidence TechnicianTo work for a police department as an Evidence Technician, you would perform these duties:

•Process invoices and log in property received from law enforcement personnel.

•Safeguard and maintain proper integrity and chain of evidence.

•Load and transport property impounded from outlying stations or precincts.

•Prepare impounded property for distribution and/or auction as authorized.

•Tag, mark, package, and store property and evidence received.

•Destroy impounded property as required by law or regulation.


61



Evidence TechnicianDuties continued:

•Respond to inquiries from law enforcement personnel and citizens concerning property in custody.•Maintain appropriate release records and records of disposition of property and evidence.•Make accurate comparisons of items from serial numbers or other descriptive features.•Maintain and secure biological evidence contained in refrigerators and freezers requiring strict temperature control.•Verify stolen weapons through the use of national and state crime information computer systems.•Transport evidence for analysis.•Receive vehicles impounded as evidence only and various gasoline powered equipment.•Demonstrate superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.


62



Evidence Technician• To work for the Phoenix police department as an Evidence Technician, you must be certified as a Level B Terminal Operator by the Arizona Criminal Justice Information Systems (ACJIS) by the end of the one year probationary period.

• All positions with the Phoenix police department are subject to meeting appropriate polygraph and background standards. This is common in many departments in positions of trust.


63



Evidence Technician• For this position in Phoenix you must have three years of experience in warehousing and inventory control.

• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

• The pay range is $33,821 to $49,275


64



Records Clerk• Police departments store records and in large departments several clerks are needed to enter data and provide records to officers.

• Records Clerks handle all the reports that officers turn in.

• When officers (or the public) need to obtain a police report, the records clerks locate it, print it, and send it to the requestor.


65



Records Clerk• In Park City, Utah the duties include receiving and maintaining all reports and records within the Public Safety Department and providing clerical assistance and support to the department as directed.

• Expected to greet and assist the general public, compile and submit required reports, and complete records keeping functions


66



Records Clerk• From handwritten documents, clerks enter and/or transcribe police reports, events, and associated records and documents into the automated records system.

•Via use of the records management system, clerks append all associated police information, property reports, arrest bookings, and citations to the appropriate reports.


67



Records Clerk• Clerks need the ability to type accurately at 40 words per minute, have good customer service skills, the knowledge of basic law enforcement and local government services, the ability to think and act rationally under stress (including emergency situations), be skilled in interpersonal communications, and have knowledge of the geographic area.


68



Records Clerk• Clerks need to possess the ability to use computer terminals for data entry and information retrieval, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Requirements include a high school degree or equivalent, clerical experience, and computer literacy.

•Clerks in Park City make $11.41/hr - $17.11/hr


69



Traffic Accident InvestigatorIn 2006, the Fayetteville Police Department in North Carolina received permission from the general assembly to pilot a program for “Civilian Crash Investigators.”

The CCIs respond to traffic non-injury accidents and those involving property damage, they tow vehicles, perform traffic control, work special events, and assist officers at major incidents if necessary.


70



Traffic Accident Investigator• The CCIs travel in specially marked vehicles with amber lights and burgundy decals.

• Civilian Crash Investigator and their logo are on the doors and rear of the vehicle.

• These civilian employees attended 500 hours of classroom training followed by six weeks of on the job training.

• The pay is comparable to other police aide positions.


71



Traffic Accident InvestigatorThe Arizona Department of Safety (DPS) employs Civilian Investigators. The basic duties include:

•Administrative, criminal, and civil investigations related to alleged violations of department regulations, criminal law or civil law.

•Conducting interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, and suspects to further investigation.

•Gathering data from field locations and crime scenes, including processing and transporting evidence.

•Gathering, reviewing and analyzing written and financial documents and records.

•Collecting data from various databases and information systems to research information and subjects related to the investigation.


72



Traffic Accident InvestigatorThe Arizona Department of Safety duties continued:

•Assembling investigative efforts and materials into a comprehensive investigative report.

•Writing, preparing, procuring, and filing court orders, including search warrants.

•Preparing and presenting testimony in court and administrative proceedings.

•Preparing and presenting information to other investigative units within the

•Department and to other law enforcement agencies.

•Maintains current knowledge of various criminal and civil statutes, case law and administrative policies and procedures.


73



Traffic Accident InvestigatorAZDPS requires a minimum of five (5) years investigative experience in a law enforcement and/or military agency.

The pay range at AZDPS is $38,622 - $53,732


74



Crime Analyst• Police departments traditionally have been slow to change tactics and philosophies.

• With innovative experiments, such as the Kansas City Preventative Patrol Experiment (1974), departments have been more open to trying new things.

• One beneficial addition to large police departments is a staff of Crime Analysts who aid departments in crime prevention among other tasks.


75



Crime Analyst• These crime specialists take crime data and manipulate the information to be able to identify areas where more (or less) manpower is needed.

• They work closely with staff, creating charts and graphs for staff meetings, which helps clarify the crime picture.

•Decisions are made from actual statistics instead of best guesses.


76



Crime Analyst• The skills, and abilities are usually acquired through completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Statistics, Mathematics, Business Administration, or a related area and two (2) years of experience in statistical research, data analysis, mapping, or a related area.

•In Little Rock, Arkansas equivalent combinations of education and experience are considered. The pay scale is $33,972 - $52, 317


77



Animal Control Officer• In Charlotte, North Carolina this position requires the basic skills to ensure the protection of citizens and property and the safe keeping of animals through the enforcement of state laws and local ordinances.

• This type of work involves patrolling, investigations, follow-up investigations, and special assignments for the purpose of preventing ordinance violations.


78



Animal Control Officer•This work involves extensive public contact in responding to calls for service, and educating citizens regarding animal control laws and ordinances and apprehending stray dogs, cats, and other species of animals.

•This work may involve situations of personal danger


79



Animal Control OfficerThe minimum qualifications in Charlotte include:•Must be 18 years of age.

•Must have a valid North Carolina drivers license.

•Graduation from high School, G.E.D. or equivalent.

•Must be able to lift animals ranging in size from 10-100 pounds.

• Knowledge of the safe handling and general welfare of both small and large domestic and wild animals.

•Ability to acquire knowledge within a reasonable period of time of pertinent laws, regulations, procedures and ordinances.


80



Animal Control OfficerThe minimum qualifications in Charlotte continued:

•Ability to receive and comprehend oral and written directions and

prepare extensive reports.

•Ability to deal with the public in a courteous, tactful and effective

manner.

•Knowledge of basic computer operation.

•Able to work different shifts, and rotating days off.


81



Animal Control Officer•Final candidates in Charlotte must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and participate in other assessments.

•Candidates may also be required to pass a physical examination, polygraph exam, background check, and other skill evaluations.

•Criminal history checks are part of the background investigation.

•The salary range is $28,989 - $34,507


82



Dispatcher•A large part of police work is responding to calls for service and handling situations as first responders.

•The dispatcher plays a lot of roles, one being the officer’s life line.

•A dispatcher needs the skills of an officer and more.

•The police dispatcher may be the most unappreciated position in police work.


83



DispatcherTo work as a dispatcher in Newport Beach, California, your duties would include:

•Receiving emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or other emergency services.

•Determining the nature and location of emergencies.

•Determining the priority, referring calls as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.

•Responding to field unit requests involving other law enforcement agencies


84



DispatcherNewport Beach, California duties continued:

•Relaying information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.

•Monitoring alarms received through automatic alarm systems, dispatching emergency units as appropriate.

•Making inquiries and interpreting responses from Teletype networks relating to wanted persons, stolen vehicles, vehicle registration, and stolen property, etc.


85



DispatcherNewport Beach, California

•The first part of the selection process begins with a complete evaluation of the application.

•Those candidates deemed most qualified as reflected in their application will be invited to a written exam.

•The top scoring candidates who pass the written exam will then be required to take a typing test.


86




•Candidates that pass the oral interview process are placed on an employment eligibility list.

•A candidate selected for the position undergoes a thorough background investigation including a polygraph examination.

•Once a conditional job offer has been made, the candidate undergoes a comprehensive medical and psychological examination, including a drug screen by city medical examiners.


87




•A dispatcher needs knowledge of geographic features and streets within the area served and knowledge of the Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations governing the operations of radio receivers and transmitters.

•They also need to have basic knowledge of general law enforcement practices, correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar, and modern office procedures, practices and equipment.


88




•Dispatchers need to have the ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

•They need to maintain confidential information and high ethical standards and not be subject to impeachment in court due to character, reputation, unethical history, dishonesty, or violations of law.


89




•To work as a dispatcher in Newport Beach, prior public contact or police agency experience is desirable.

•Prior California public safety dispatching experience is highly desirable.

•High school graduation or GED is required and possession of a POST Public Safety Dispatcher certificate is highly desirable.


90




•An applicant’s record must be free from any felony conviction, any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive number of citations for traffic violations.

•The background history should indicate responsibility, dependability, honesty, integrity, acceptable communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to relate with others.

•The pay scale for a dispatcher in medium to large agencies ranges from $38,000 - $58,000


91



Police Aide

•Police Aides perform a variety of functions depending on how much the agency entrusts them.

•A Police Aide for Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a uniformed civilian employee who serves in an apprentice-style program designed to prepare them for a career as a police officer.

•Duties of an aide in Milwaukee include administrative and clerical functions and processing of department


92



Police Aide

•The assignments are widely varied so that the police aide can experience a broad range of operational and administrative functions.

•Police aides are required to meet established criteria by completing a prescribed course of college curriculum and a physical fitness program prior to being considered for appointment to Police Officer.


93



Police Aide

Police Aides in Milwaukee perform a variety of Duties:

•Answering and directing phone calls.

•Assisting citizens via telephone and in-person.

•Operating radio console.

•Performing administrative/clerical duties such as typing, filing, data entry.

•Assisting Police Officers with arrest processing and booking

•Assisting with special projects as assigned.


94



Police Aide

•The Police Aide job in Berkeley, California is intended for college students who are interested in exploring a career in law enforcement.

•It provides part-time work experience and related training in various divisions of the Berkeley Police Department.

•Police Aides participate in a ride-along program with officers on patrol.


95



Police Aide

All Police Aides must maintain satisfactory academic standing (C average or better) at an accredited college during employment.

A maximum of 19 hours per week will be scheduled around an academic program.

Employment as a police aide in Berkeley is limited to a maximum of four (4) years


96



Police Aide

Some of the minimum qualifications include:

•Must be at least 18 years old.

•Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university carrying a minimum of 6 semester or 9 quarter units.

•Be a United States citizen or permanent resident with application for citizenship filed at least one year before employment application.


97



Police Aide

Some of the minimum qualifications continued:

•Possess a valid Class C California Driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

•Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.

•Possess integrity, reliability, courtesy, good judgment, initiative, alertness and emotional maturity.

•Be willing to work days, holidays, weekends, and irregular hours in conjunction with a school schedule (19 hours or less).


98



Police Aide

• Candidates for Police Aide in Berkeley must successfully complete a written exam to be placed on an eligibility list.

•As vacancies occur, the police department reviews the applications and schedule interviews with selected candidates.

•Selected candidates must cooperate with and pass a background investigation.

•Police aides are paid hourly wages $15.11 - $24.57.


99



Reserve OfficerA Reserve Officer (RO) is a citizen volunteer who wears the same uniform and performs the same duties as regular police officers, but on a part-time, volunteer basis.

ROs receive compensation for court appearances and other specific assignments approved by the supervisor.

ROs are a valuable resource to both the community and the police department.


100



Reserve OfficerAlthough this is generally a volunteer position, it can be a paid position at some departments.

Agencies that use ROs normally require a minimum amount of hours each month.

Some students who don’t feel they are ready to work full time will become an RO with the long range goal of being hired on full time.

Some older professionals become ROs just for the experience, but continue working in their fulltime careers.


101



Reserve Officer• ROs for the Glendale, California Police Department participate in pre-academy and the actual police training academy in preparation to perform all the normal functions of a full-time, paid sworn officer.

•ROs are loved by the troops because they fill slots that are empty due to emergencies or sick officers, leaving the squads with more work than they can handle.


102



Reserve Officer• The minimum age to be a reserve in Glendale is 20 years old. They require high school graduation or GED or CHSPE equivalent.

•Applicants must be of good moral character with no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.

•You would need to be a U.S. Citizen, or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship.


103



Reserve Officer• All candidates in Glendale must pass a pre-placement medical examination and a psychological evaluation.

• Hearing and vision must be at acceptable city standards. Applicants’ weight must be in proportion to height according to medical standards.

• There is a written test that is pass/fail that may include general ability and aptitude for police work.


104



Reserve Officer• The testing process also includes a physical agility test of a mile and a half run, a 99 yard obstacle course, a 165 pound body drag, a chain link fence climb, a six foot solid fence climb, and a 500 yard run.

• Qualified applicants are invited to an oral examination to evaluate their experience, education, and personal fitness for the position.


105



Reserve Officer

• Candidates who are successful in the examination process will be subjected to a comprehensive background investigation and then a polygraph.

• Candidates hired into this position are required to live within a 40 mile radius of the Glendale Civic Center


106



Diversity Issues

There will probably always be the type of people

who think law enforcement mainly hires

minorities and women in order to be fair or to send

the right message, but the truth is, police agencies

need representation from minorities and women.

Police departments learned this a long time ago.


107



Diversity Issues

There will still be biases just like at any type of job,

but most Caucasian male police officers in

contemporary law enforcement never witnessed the

worst from the past. Minorities and women in police

work is the new norm. Diversity is advantageous for

any job, but especially in law enforcement.


108



Discussion Questions

1.Do you feel the education requirements for police officers are too lenient? Why or why not?

2.Are there any requirements for law enforcement you don’t agree with? Explain.

3. Law enforcement is one of the only professions that routinely polygraph applicants? Do you feel this is unfair? Why or why not? How about the police employees who are not sworn?


109



Discussion Questions

4. Do you feel law enforcement needs to be diverse, hiring more minorities and females? Why or why not?

5. What civilian job/s appear interesting to you? Why?

6. In states where Marijuana is legalized, do you feel police departments should lower their drug policy and allow officer so use the substance? Why or why not?

Documents

Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement 1 Careers in Criminal Justice Sage Publications Inc