Police Community Service Officer (CSO)

City of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

The City of San Luis Obispo is currently looking for Police Department Community Service Officers (CSO)

CLICK HEREto learn more about joining SLOPD!

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Monday, May 11, 2026, so please hold that date.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The Successful candidate for the Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO) position should possess excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills. They must work effectively within a team, demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, and be capable problem solvers. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential.

The candidate will interact with police officers, department staff, city employees, and community members to address ongoing issues that impact both businesses and residents. They must build strong relationships with stakeholders in the city and community to fulfill their responsibilities successfully. The ideal CSO should represent the department and the city professionally in all public interactions and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Furthermore, CSOs are expected to attend meetings and engage in critical discussions with key stakeholders as needed. They should have basic investigative skills to examine property crimes and understand the importance of balancing the letter and spirit of the law while enforcing regulations and municipal codes.

While experience in a law enforcement setting is desirable, a strong commitment to public service, integrity, and continuous learning is essential for this role.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs paraprofessional police related duties, which includes handling of non-emergency calls for service, assigned administrative tasks; serves the community to improve the partnership between the Police Department, members of the public, and local businesses.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This journey-level classification provides paraprofessional support to the Police Department. It is distinguished from the Police Officer classification in that the latter is responsible for responding to emergency calls for service.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification work under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

Responds to a wide variety of non-emergency calls for service,including, but not limited to:providing traffic control at the scene of accidents, large gatherings, and other non-emergency incidents; providing security and other assistance at crime scenes; and posting and storage of abandoned vehicles. Writes reports and keeps records of these calls for service, as necessary.
Assists with the receipt, custody, safekeeping, release, purging, and destruction of property and evidence received through the Police Department, keeping appropriate records in accordance with legal and departmental requirements; and testifying in court when necessary.
Acts as an ambassador between the Police Department and downtown businesses and stakeholders; performs foot patrol of the downtown core and other assigned locations, addressing nuisances and non-violent crimes.
Inspects police vehicles to ensure that all vehicles are in good repair, properly serviced,and ready for patrol. Delivers all police vehicles to the appropriate location for repairs and service and returns them to the Police Department.
Provides counter and phone assistance, and answers questions from the public regarding topics that fall within the scope of the job duties.
Accesses the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and other public safety telecommunications and departmental information databases as needed.
Purchases, inventories,and distributes safety equipment to department personnel.
Assists in making copies of audio, video,or other department materials when requested.
Performs a variety of typing, clerical, and other computer-related work as needed.
Issues citations for abandoned vehicles, takes necessary follow-up action to arrange for removal of the vehicles, and determines legal owners for billing of tow services, if required.
Issues non-moving traffic citations for equipment violations, parking violations, etc.
Issues citations for violations of the Municipal Code.
Maintains, orders, and issues assorted equipment and supplies.
Coordinates activities of assigned volunteers.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

Proper report writing and record keeping practices and procedures.
Computer operations, and general office practices and procedures.
Safety practices and procedures.

Ability to:

Operate office equipment,such asa computer, photocopier, and multi-line phone system.
Maintain accurate reports and records related to duties performed and equipment used.
Research information and prepare grammatically correct written reports.
Read and interpret laws and regulations.
Communicate effectively with service population both orally and in writing.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Perform light to moderately heavy lifting.
Maintain security of confidential and restricted information.
Work independently.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
Workany assigned shift. Day shift is the most common; however, incumbents may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, special events, emergency call-outs,and other operations outside of normally scheduled work hours in alignment with the San Luis Obispo Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding.
Perform related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School graduation or G.E.D.;
and
One year of experience working in a law enforcement agency is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Certification of California Penal Code 832 course or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE, THE CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE: