The City of Riverside Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of Park and Neighborhood Specialist or Park and Neighborhood Specialist Trainee to establish a list for any current and future vacancies. Successful candidates must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Park and Neighborhood Specialist, under general supervision, perform a variety of non-sworn patrol, observation and enforcement duties at City parks, park facilities and adjacent neighborhoods to ensure safe and proper usage of City parks, public spaces and adjacent neighborhoods; enforce various municipal codes and regulations related to the use of public parks and park facilities; issue warnings or citations for violations; provide public with information, assistance and emergency services such as basic first aid, CPR; attends/assists with City events; and perform other related duties as assigned.

The Park and Neighborhood Specialist is a journey level civilian classification within the police department. Incumbents are expected to collaborate with NPC Police Service Representatives, have a working knowledge of laws, codes, regulations, Department policies and procedures applicable to the assigned work; and are expected to function with a high degree of independent judgment and assist in the training of other civilian personnel as needed. Incumbents are assigned to the various City Parks and may work a varied work shift, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; at night for special events.

• Conducts proactive patrols of city parks, park facilities and adjacent neighborhoods on foot, electric/pedal-assist bicycle, and/or city motor vehicle, while maintaining high visibility to preserve a safe environment.
• Provide the public with information regarding the proper use of parks.
• Perform enforcement of municipal codes related to the use of parks, park facilities and designated areas to maintain or for the protection and safety of patrons.
• Monitor park activities and patrons using parks and park facilities. Recognize suspicious behavior and act upon it to prevent a crime from occurring.
• Operate portable communication devices such as two-way radio.
• Handle parking related issues in the parks.
• Investigate and attempt to resolve citizen complaints in and around the parks.
• Maintain order by acting upon violations of the law, either by issuing a warning, a citation, or having sworn personnel handle the situation.
• Monitor, handle and resolve issues in the park that would deter patrons from using parks and related facilities. These issues include but are not limited to, gang activity, homeless persons, and individuals using drugs and/or alcohol.
• Report unsafe or unsanitary conditions to the appropriate departments. (i.e., Fire, Public Works, Health Department, etc.)
• Provide aid in emergency situations such as administering CPR and basic first aid and notify police and fire of emergency.
• Observe and determine if a park needs a stronger police presence.
• Enforce the proper use of permits for parties, sporting activities, and other park events.
• Attend community and City events in the parks; provide assistance patrolling, providing directions/guidance to the public at City Events (i.e., Festival of Lights, 4th of July Fireworks Shows etc.).
• Collaborate with the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Community Services Bureau and Riverside Police Foundation to support youth activities in the parks.
• Partner with School Resource Officers to attend and/or assist with school activities or functions held at City parks, facilities or other City public spaces. These may include book reading events, sporting events, or any collaborative event where the City or police department partners with the local school districts.
• Write a variety of incident reports related to burglary, vandalism, petty thefts, grand thefts, auto thefts, various municipal code violations, City property damage, falls on City property, miscellaneous incident reports, and other accident reports.

Requirements for Park & Neighborhood Specialist:
Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED).

Experience: At least one year of responsible public contact experience in the area of enforcement of public laws, ordinance, rules or guidelines in a law enforcement environment, code enforcement, patrolling community parks, police oriented public support, or security patrol and protective services position.

Requirements for Park & Neighborhood Specialist Trainee:
Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED).
Experience: None

Highly Desired Qualifications for the Trainee Position:

• Experience working for a Law Enforcement Agency
• Public Contact Experience
• Security Patrol Experience

• Possession of a valid, Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Possession of a POST PC 832 Certificate within 12 months of hire date.
• Possession of a standard First Aid certificate, CPR and AED certificate within 12 months of hire date.
• Must be willing to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays; at night for special events.
• Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.

• Online Multiple Choice Test - This is a multiple-choice test that will assess Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension skills and knowledge.
• Physical Agility Test - This will consist of completing a 99-yard obstacle course, and riding, manipulating, and successfully loading and unloading a bicycle weighing approximately 50 lbs. from a vehicle;
• Personal History Statement - This will consist of completing and submitting a document regarding the candidate's background history.
• Oral Exam - Interview

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  Will PANS be unarmed?

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  Will an academy be required?

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  WILL YOU HAVE TO PASS A PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST?

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  What kind of training will PANS receive?

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  Do you have to be vaccinated?

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  How many positions are open?