Police Records Specialist I (Full-Time & Temporary/Part-Time)

Salary: $3,182.40 – $3,941.60 Monthly

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

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ABOUT THE POSITION

Note: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. Testing will be conducted based on a reasonable pool of qualified applicants. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration. 

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2023, employees received a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase. Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2024 and April 2025.  

The current vacancy is for one full-time position.  However, the established list may be used for future full-time and/or temporary/part-time vacancies that may occur.

The position is located in the Records Bureau of the Downey Police Department. The Records Bureau processes arrests for prosecution and crime reports into local, State, and national data bases. Additionally, position responds to public requests for reports, vehicle releases, local records checks, and information on arrested subjects. The position may also perform prisoner matron duties as required.

Working Hours: The Records Bureau operates 24/7 and full time weekly schedules consist of four (4) 10 hour shifts. Interested applicants must be able to work any assigned shift, including weekend and holiday hours.

Part-time shifts are flexible and may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30). Additional Pay: In addition to the base hourly rate of pay, full-time positions receive between 1.1% and 5.5% as work shift differential. 2.0% of additional pay is provided for the performance of matron duties.  EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

  • Operate a computer keyboard to make entries in local, state, and national data bases.
  • Process and distribute arrest and crime reports for prosecution.
  • Provide incident and crime reports to detectives, officers and other agencies and the general public.
  • Maintain records and files of crime and incident reports, arrests and traffic collisions.
  • Respond to public inquiries at the counter and on the phone, receives fee payments and may take minor reports.
  • Work effectively at a level of priority and accuracy.
  • May perform prisoner matron duties, assisting officers by conducting pat-down searches of in custody female arrestees/prisoners.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time general office experience including public/customer service contact. Experience working in a municipal law enforcement agency is desirable.

NOTE:  Part-time experience will be evaluated on the basis of its fractional equivalent of a forty (40) hour workweek.

Knowledge of: Modern office practices and procedures, including effective customer service techniques and practices, and the use of standard office equipment including the operation of a personal computer and related law enforcement business applications; and, correct English usage, spelling, and grammar.

Ability to: Read, interpret and analyze various manuals in paper and electronic form; interpret oral, written, quantitative, and electronic information related to individual fields; prepare and maintain detailed records in an automated environment; check documentation for accuracy and process in a timely manner; perform various research; utilize appropriate interpersonal skills for effective customer service; maintain and adhere to department processes and regulations; operate standard office equipment, personal computer and related applications for word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and work with minimum supervision. Bilingual in Spanish or Asian languages desirable. 

Keyboarding/typing at an acceptable speed to effectively perform the essential duties of the position is required. An applicant must attach to their online application verification of the ability to type at an acceptable speed at the time of application. The required typing speed is 30 net words per minute. Typing certifications can be obtained from local colleges or employment agencies for a fee. Please note that typing certificates obtained over the Internet are NOT acceptable.

**An applicant must attach a current and verifiable typing certification (dated within the past twenty-four (24) months. The required documentation must be uploaded and submitted with the on-line employment application. Applications received without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.

An acceptable typing certificate may be obtained from a local college, adult school, or employment. Typing certificates obtained over the Internet are NOT acceptable.  

For consideration, applicants must attach a copy of the required documentation to their application.  Failure to provide this required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License Requirement: A valid California class C Driver’s License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related duties may be required.

Physical Task and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection/Testing Process: All applications materials received by the required deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the applicant’s qualifications for the position.  For consideration, an employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed. Failure to complete the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.

NOTE:  The City of Downey reserves the right to limit the number of candidates who continue in the recruitment process based on higher scores achieved on the written examination.  Candidates selected to continue in the process will be sent an invitation via email.

Those applicants who most closely match the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:

Part I: Qualifying Written Examination.  Only those applicants who meet a passing score of 70% or above on the written examination will proceed to an appraisal examination (oral interview). NOTE: The City of Downey reserves the right to limit the number of candidates who continue in the recruitment process based on higher scores achieved on the written examination.  Candidates selected to continue in the process will be sent an invitation via email.

Part II: Appraisal Examination (Oral Interview). An Eligibility List of qualified candidates will be established based on the results of the oral interview which will be weighted at 100%. This examination is to assess the applicant’s knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting and a polygraph. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Qualifying veterans of the United States Armed Forces who receive a passing score on an entrance examination shall be ranked in the top rank of any resulting eligibility list. The veteran’s preference shall also apply to a widow or widower of a veteran or a spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran (Government Code § 18973.1).

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.