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Crime Prevention Specialist

County of Orange, Santa Ana, CA, United States


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.

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 are in operation in every city and unincorporated community in South County.

GENERAL DUTIES 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; create and maintain 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 includes bicycle patrol, van patrol, neighborhood and vacation home checks, code enforcement support, and other related responsibilities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive experience in Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Social Media website, and audio-visual equipment used in presentations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, innovative ideas, and ability to thrive in a small team environment.

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 to meet business objectives.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation.

Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner, including completion of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting, and possibly a polygraph test.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge

of criminal justice system and basic concepts of crime prevention principles and practices; 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; prepare and deliver informational talks; use visual aids; provide clear answers to questions; project a strong self-image, exhibit initiative and use good judgement; complete work assignments with minimal 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 staff reports; prepare clear and concise articles for publication; spell correctly and use good English; perform basic arithmetic; 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 demonstrating the application of the knowledge and abilities listed. Education or training directly related to the knowledge and abilities under the minimum qualifications, such as public relations, communications, law enforcement, or another 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 the date of appointment.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Physical Requirements : Vision sufficient to read standard text, fine print, various handwriting, and view a computer monitor; no significant hearing impairment; independent body mobility sufficient to sit, stoop, bend, and stand routinely; ability to sit for prolonged periods; manual dexterity to use keyboard and other office equipment.

Environmental Conditions : 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; work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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