POLICE OFFICER HUMAN SERVICES

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, or other supervisor in the police unit of an institution or cluster of institutions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services, during an assigned tour of duty does varied tasks involved in patrolling buildings and grounds and safeguarding the peace and safety of clients, residents, employees, and property; does other related related duties as required.

Examples of work

Responds to situations involving clients, patients, employees, and visitors. Prepares reports utilizing the Law Enforcement Information and Reporting System used by police for statewide reporting. Patrols institutional facilities and grounds. Assists in the work involved in the fingerprinting and photographing of employees and clients. Arrests perpetrators of crimes. Serves arrest warrants and subpoenas as required. Patrols assigned areas of the grounds and make the required reports by telephone, radio, or other means of communications. Acts to prevent fires, theft, and other damage to property and equipment. Assists in maintaining order in the buildings and on the grounds. Regulates and controls vehicular traffic and parking at designated areas and enforces motor vehicle laws on grounds. Appears and testifies in court as required. Takes needed action towards suspicious persons and conditions and then reports significant actions, occurrences, and conditions on the grounds and in the buildings. Notes and reports conditions which constitute a danger and/or hazard and takes the actions necessary to assure orderly and safe conditions. As assigned, investigates all reports of crimes, and prepares reports. Assists in the work involved in locating and returning to the institution clients and patients who have escaped. Operates police communication equipment. Obtains records and properly uses equipment, materials, and supplies. Prepares simple, clear, accurate, informative, and legible reports. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

AGE: Appointees must have attained the age of eighteen (18) years. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United State of America.

Education

Graduation from high school or vocational school or possession of an approved High School Equivalency Certificate.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Appointees must successfully complete a police training course approved by the Police Training Commission. Applicants must be required to pass a medical and psychological examination given by the appointing authority prior to appointment. Appointees will be required to be free of any disqualifications for appointment as a Police Officer per N.J.S.A.2c: et. seq. and N.J.S.A. 30:4-14.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the statewide Law Enforcement Information and Reporting System. Knowledge of emergency access routes for fire apparatus to fire responses and techniques for sealing scenes for preservation of arson evidence. Knowledge of managing clients and employees for fingerprinting and photographing, specifically when dealing with hand or finger deformities. Knowledge of the operation of a police computer terminal and the regulations and privacy acts dealing with dissemination of criminal history information. Knowledge of the arrest and search and seizure laws in affecting arrests. Knowledge of the practical problems involved in noting and reporting conditions which constitute dangers or hazards and in taking the action required to assure safe and orderly conditions, after a period of training. Ability to recognize abnormal behavior and be able to effectively control the situation when disturbed clients are involved. Ability to recognize the critical areas of patrol within the various institutions and facilities to provide security to clients and for safeguarding of property. Ability to recognize child abuse and distinguish it from appropriate conduct. Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions. Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and apply to specific cases, a large volume of laws, local ordinances, and police rules and regulations. Ability to deal courteously and effectively with varied types of persons, individually and in groups, and to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when controversies arise. Ability to note significant conditions and facts. Ability to remain calm and decisive in emergencies. Ability to work harmoniously with associates and those engaged in or concerned with the work of the institution. Ability to do the work involved in the safeguarding of buildings and property, the maintenance of order in the buildings and on the grounds, and the control and regulations of vehicular traffic and parking. Ability to prepare factual reports. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it may cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees to this position must successfully qualify semi-annually in the use of firearms. SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees have no law enforcement powers or authority until they have successfully completed all required in-house and PTC training and are officially sworn in. WORKING TEST PERIOD: Appointees must successfully complete the required twelve (12) month-working test period in acccordance with N.J.A.C. 4A:405.2(d). The inability of an employee in this title to attain a satisfactory level of performance shall be considered a cause for separation.