Crime Prevention Specialist
Orange County CA, Santa Ana, CA, United States
Salary :
$52,020.80 - $69,804.80 Annually Location :
Orange County Job Type:
Full-Time Regular Job Number:
8908GE-0426-060 (O) A Department:
Sheriff-Coroner Opening Date:
04/15/2026 Closing Date:
4/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
CAREER DESCRIPTION CRIME PREVENTION SPECIALIST Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment will be advertised from
Wednesday
,
April 15
, 2026, through
Mon
day, April 2
0
, 2026. Interested jobseekers will not be able to apply during this advertising period. Applications will be accepted on
Tues
day, April
21
, 2026, on a continuous basis until the needs of the department are met and may close as early as 11:59 p.m. (PST), on
Tues
day, April
21
, 2026. Incumbents may be required to work a variety of rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill current and future vacancies in this classification until the next recruitment.
THE DIVISION Crime Prevention Specialists serve the unincorporated area of South County and the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Yorba Linda. The goal of crime prevention is the deterrence and reduction of crime through active community efforts. Information is disseminated to citizens and local businesses to increase awareness. Neighborhood and Business Watch Programs are an integral component of crime prevention and these programs are in operation in every city and unincorporated community in South County.
The current vacancy is in Laguna Niguel Polices Services.
GENERAL DUTIES To coordinate, develop, and participate in crime prevention programs and community relations activities for the Sheriff's Department; schedule and conduct neighborhood watch meetings including exhibits and slide presentations on a weekly basis; update computerized records of information pertaining to neighborhood watch meetings; creation and maintenance of an interactive Police Services Website for enforcement requests, public safety messages, public service announcements and emergency preparedness information; make public presentations to civic groups, business organizations, service groups, community groups, and youth groups; facilitate community crime prevention efforts; prepare and review statistical reports to monitor local crime patterns and verify that current crime prevention efforts are appropriate; attend monthly crime prevention meetings with other police jurisdictions to exchange information relating to new programs and crime trends; write articles for a quarterly newsletter on area crime trends; prepare and update brochures and bulletins on crime prevention programs; provide support that is essential to crime prevention that does not require the training and law enforcement experience of a fully trained Deputy; work with and coordinate the activity of a non-sworn volunteer police services support program that is tasked with the responsibility of bicycle patrol, van patrol, neighborhood and vacation home checks; code enforcement support, and other related responsibilities. The volunteer program is a city sponsored program, primarily comprised of senior volunteers.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Word, Power Point, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft Office Applications including Social Media website in addition to experience with audio-visual equipment used in presentations. The ideal candidate will also possess strong written and verbal communication skills, innovative ideas, and thrive in a small team environment. In addition to the below, the ideal candidate should demonstrate the following key competencies:
Presents ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically and persuasively, both orally and in writing. Deals effectively with various levels of the organization. Builds consensus among diverse groups for the purpose of meeting business objectives. PLEASE NOTE:
The competencies listed above and in the job classification description under minimum qualifications will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.
Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of
Criminal justice system and basic concepts of crime prevention principles and practices. (Suitable experience in the Sheriff's Department or elsewhere in the criminal justice system will usually be considered qualifying) Principles and techniques of community relations including public speaking Program development including preparation of lesson plans or informational materials Modern office practices and procedures, including record keeping, filing and operating standard office equipment Ability to
Promote good public relations between the community and law enforcement agencies Speak effectively to groups ranging from adults to young children of elementary school age Prepare and deliver informational talks; use visual aids; give clear and understandable answers to questions Project a strong self-image, exhibit initiative and use good judgement Complete work assignments with a minimum of supervision Coordinate and schedule a wide variety of activities Direct and assign work of volunteers Accurately gather, compile and categorize statistical information in a timely manner and prepare charts, graphs and simple staff reports Prepare clear and concise articles for publication in newsletters and bulletins Spell correctly and use good English Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers Learn to use electronic and automated office machines and equipment Be available to work evenings and weekends as needed Use a County-approved means of transportation to travel to and from work sites
Education and Experience
Three years of experience which demonstrates the application of the knowledge and abilities listed. Education or training that can be directly related to the knowledge and abilities listed under the minimum qualifications, such as public relations, communications, law enforcement or other closely related field, may be substituted for the required experience at the rate of three semester units for one month of experience and one hour of job-related training for one hour of experience.
License Required
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License, Class III or higher, before date of appointment.
Click to view the class spec/job description.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed for any questions or request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.
Physical Requirements: Incumbents must have vision sufficient to read standard text, fine print, various handwritings and view a computer monitor; no significant hearing impairment in either ear, speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the phone; independent body mobility sufficient to sit, stoop, bend and stand routinely to perform daily tasks; ability to sit for prolonged periods of time; manual dexterity to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and use other office equipment. Environmental Conditions: Incumbents must have the ability to work in a confined office environment with changing priorities, deadlines and multiple assignments concurrently; deal with emotional and/or hostile public on a daily basis and remain calm at the same time; and work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. SELECTION PROCEDURES Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step, the Application Appraisal Panel Application Rating, and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position.
Application Appraisal Panel I Application Rating
: (Weighted 100%)
An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen the application and supplemental questions for job knowledge, competencies and related experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.)
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. ELIGIBLE LIST After all procedures have been completed, the Sheriff's Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list will be referred to a selection interview to be considered for the current vacancy.
HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including the areas in which you have developed expertise. Please print a copy of your confirmation page for your records. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email
is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com". If your email address should change, please update your profile at
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Paige West at (714) 834-5859 or email at EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Non-Management Benefits In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits. Click for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees. 01
You are required to provide full and complete responses to the questions asked. The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your responses. Failure to do so will result in an automatic "disqualification." Incomplete information will result in a lower score.
NOTE:
Responses of "See Resume" or copy and paste of work experience are not a qualifying response and will not be scored.
Supplemental questions are designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. Your qualifications for this position will be rated based on the information that you supply. Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing these questions. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate questions. I have read and understand the importance of answering the following questions.
Yes No
02
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas: Speaking to members of the public in both one-on-one situations as well as in group settings. (Please describe the types of groups, i.e., adults, and children and under what circumstances. Also, describe your experience preparing a presentation with visual aids). 03
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas: Word, Power Point, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft Office Applications including Social Media websites. 04
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas:
Law Enforcement Practices AND Community Relations 05
Some positions may require working some weekends, holidays and evenings. Upon completion of training, are you willing to work evenings, holidays and weekends?
Yes No
Required Question
$52,020.80 - $69,804.80 Annually Location :
Orange County Job Type:
Full-Time Regular Job Number:
8908GE-0426-060 (O) A Department:
Sheriff-Coroner Opening Date:
04/15/2026 Closing Date:
4/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
CAREER DESCRIPTION CRIME PREVENTION SPECIALIST Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
This recruitment will be advertised from
Wednesday
,
April 15
, 2026, through
Mon
day, April 2
0
, 2026. Interested jobseekers will not be able to apply during this advertising period. Applications will be accepted on
Tues
day, April
21
, 2026, on a continuous basis until the needs of the department are met and may close as early as 11:59 p.m. (PST), on
Tues
day, April
21
, 2026. Incumbents may be required to work a variety of rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to fill current and future vacancies in this classification until the next recruitment.
THE DIVISION Crime Prevention Specialists serve the unincorporated area of South County and the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Yorba Linda. The goal of crime prevention is the deterrence and reduction of crime through active community efforts. Information is disseminated to citizens and local businesses to increase awareness. Neighborhood and Business Watch Programs are an integral component of crime prevention and these programs are in operation in every city and unincorporated community in South County.
The current vacancy is in Laguna Niguel Polices Services.
GENERAL DUTIES To coordinate, develop, and participate in crime prevention programs and community relations activities for the Sheriff's Department; schedule and conduct neighborhood watch meetings including exhibits and slide presentations on a weekly basis; update computerized records of information pertaining to neighborhood watch meetings; creation and maintenance of an interactive Police Services Website for enforcement requests, public safety messages, public service announcements and emergency preparedness information; make public presentations to civic groups, business organizations, service groups, community groups, and youth groups; facilitate community crime prevention efforts; prepare and review statistical reports to monitor local crime patterns and verify that current crime prevention efforts are appropriate; attend monthly crime prevention meetings with other police jurisdictions to exchange information relating to new programs and crime trends; write articles for a quarterly newsletter on area crime trends; prepare and update brochures and bulletins on crime prevention programs; provide support that is essential to crime prevention that does not require the training and law enforcement experience of a fully trained Deputy; work with and coordinate the activity of a non-sworn volunteer police services support program that is tasked with the responsibility of bicycle patrol, van patrol, neighborhood and vacation home checks; code enforcement support, and other related responsibilities. The volunteer program is a city sponsored program, primarily comprised of senior volunteers.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Word, Power Point, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft Office Applications including Social Media website in addition to experience with audio-visual equipment used in presentations. The ideal candidate will also possess strong written and verbal communication skills, innovative ideas, and thrive in a small team environment. In addition to the below, the ideal candidate should demonstrate the following key competencies:
Presents ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically and persuasively, both orally and in writing. Deals effectively with various levels of the organization. Builds consensus among diverse groups for the purpose of meeting business objectives. PLEASE NOTE:
The competencies listed above and in the job classification description under minimum qualifications will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.
Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of
Criminal justice system and basic concepts of crime prevention principles and practices. (Suitable experience in the Sheriff's Department or elsewhere in the criminal justice system will usually be considered qualifying) Principles and techniques of community relations including public speaking Program development including preparation of lesson plans or informational materials Modern office practices and procedures, including record keeping, filing and operating standard office equipment Ability to
Promote good public relations between the community and law enforcement agencies Speak effectively to groups ranging from adults to young children of elementary school age Prepare and deliver informational talks; use visual aids; give clear and understandable answers to questions Project a strong self-image, exhibit initiative and use good judgement Complete work assignments with a minimum of supervision Coordinate and schedule a wide variety of activities Direct and assign work of volunteers Accurately gather, compile and categorize statistical information in a timely manner and prepare charts, graphs and simple staff reports Prepare clear and concise articles for publication in newsletters and bulletins Spell correctly and use good English Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers Learn to use electronic and automated office machines and equipment Be available to work evenings and weekends as needed Use a County-approved means of transportation to travel to and from work sites
Education and Experience
Three years of experience which demonstrates the application of the knowledge and abilities listed. Education or training that can be directly related to the knowledge and abilities listed under the minimum qualifications, such as public relations, communications, law enforcement or other closely related field, may be substituted for the required experience at the rate of three semester units for one month of experience and one hour of job-related training for one hour of experience.
License Required
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License, Class III or higher, before date of appointment.
Click to view the class spec/job description.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed for any questions or request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.
Physical Requirements: Incumbents must have vision sufficient to read standard text, fine print, various handwritings and view a computer monitor; no significant hearing impairment in either ear, speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably in person and over the phone; independent body mobility sufficient to sit, stoop, bend and stand routinely to perform daily tasks; ability to sit for prolonged periods of time; manual dexterity to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and use other office equipment. Environmental Conditions: Incumbents must have the ability to work in a confined office environment with changing priorities, deadlines and multiple assignments concurrently; deal with emotional and/or hostile public on a daily basis and remain calm at the same time; and work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. SELECTION PROCEDURES Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step, the Application Appraisal Panel Application Rating, and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position.
Application Appraisal Panel I Application Rating
: (Weighted 100%)
An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen the application and supplemental questions for job knowledge, competencies and related experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.)
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. ELIGIBLE LIST After all procedures have been completed, the Sheriff's Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list will be referred to a selection interview to be considered for the current vacancy.
HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including the areas in which you have developed expertise. Please print a copy of your confirmation page for your records. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com". If your email address should change, please update your profile at
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Paige West at (714) 834-5859 or email at EEO INFORMATION Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Non-Management Benefits In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits. Click for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees. 01
You are required to provide full and complete responses to the questions asked. The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your responses. Failure to do so will result in an automatic "disqualification." Incomplete information will result in a lower score.
NOTE:
Responses of "See Resume" or copy and paste of work experience are not a qualifying response and will not be scored.
Supplemental questions are designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. Your qualifications for this position will be rated based on the information that you supply. Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing these questions. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate questions. I have read and understand the importance of answering the following questions.
Yes No
02
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas: Speaking to members of the public in both one-on-one situations as well as in group settings. (Please describe the types of groups, i.e., adults, and children and under what circumstances. Also, describe your experience preparing a presentation with visual aids). 03
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas: Word, Power Point, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft Office Applications including Social Media websites. 04
Describe your experience, education and/or training in the following areas:
Law Enforcement Practices AND Community Relations 05
Some positions may require working some weekends, holidays and evenings. Upon completion of training, are you willing to work evenings, holidays and weekends?
Yes No
Required Question