The role of the Police Support Associate is to perform a variety of records and clerical duties for the Police Department, based on department-established priorities.

Acts as a communications liaison and performs technical and clerical duties in support of the Kirkland Police Department operations. Coordinates verbal, written and electronic communication responses to law enforcement, government agencies, personnel, and citizens by providing information via telephone, computer, facsimile or in person. Assures a timely response to all requests and meets all deadlines for tasks. Interfaces with a variety of police-related computer systems to access for communications; enters and retrieves information.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Police Support Associate is an entry-level position focused on police records management. The Police Support Associate Lead is the next level in the series and is distinguished by its lead responsibilities.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides information and assistance in non-emergency situations to citizen callers or visitors to the department.
• Answers telephone calls; routes and screens callers for other department personnel; responds to questions regarding department processes and procedures.
• Receives payment and prepares receipts for concealed pistol licenses, firearm dealer licenses, pet licenses, animal bonds and copies of police records.
• Uses complex internal automated records systems to input data and run queries.
• Handles and processes a large variety of paperwork including case reports, logs, case retention, court records, citations, requests for records, clearance letters and other paperwork requiring a detailed procedure and deadline.
• Enters data from various sources into state and federal computerized criminal justice information systems.
• Prepares and performs detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Queries information on computerized criminal justice information systems to obtain or disseminate criminal history information in response to internal and external requests.
• Operates a personal computer, printers and scanners, and applicable software to prepare a wide variety of specialized documents.
• Provides information to officers investigating crimes and researches all department records to locate requested information.
• Assists City Prosecutor, Court, criminal justice agencies and additional contacts daily with reference to case reports and other information requests.
• Processes and disseminates confidential records and information in compliance with department rules and regulations, as well as federal and state laws.
• Monitors the access and release of police records in order to maintain security in compliance with federal and state laws.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Processes public records requests at supervisor's request
• Processes case retention
• Performs special projects and other work as assigned by lead and/or supervisor

• Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation required to produce and proofread written documents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general office practices and procedures including efficient file maintenance, organization, and business correspondence composition.
• Skilled in keyboarding and data entry.
• Ability to work with interruptions and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing, in a courteous, diplomatic fashion and remain calm in stressful or upsetting circumstances.
• Ability to apply rules, regulations, and policies applicable to the area assigned.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions independently.
• Ability to set priorities on high volumes of work, perform several task assignments simultaneously, and coordinate with others to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to learn to operate and use citywide and department-specific software applications and other specialized records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, working both independently and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct transactions in matters requiring knowledge and analytical application of police department rules, policies, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience: Prior office experience, including considerable public contact both in-person and by telephone.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must obtain ACCESS Certification within six months of hire and maintain Level 2 certification throughout the course of this assignment with the department.
• Must be able to obtain a police security clearance including polygraph, psychological and background prior to hire.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time using a computer keyboard and screen. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Working conditions are stressful at times and require working closely with others.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Positioning self to access or file records.
• Remain in a stationary position and move about the inside of the office to access file cabinets.
• Communicating with others to accurately exchange information.
• Extending hand(s) and arms(s) in any direction to operate office machines and computers.
• The ability to observe details at a close range and adjust focus.
• Moving or transporting up to 30 pounds across the office for various needs.

Selection Process
Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.