General Service Officer


Department: Police Department
Status: Hourly, Full-Time, Benefits
Hours: Shift work and shift rotations

REPORTS TO:           Police Lieutenant and/or Administrative Captain

GENERAL PURPOSE

The General Service Officer (GSO) is a multi-function civilian officer who performs all duties related to arrestee booking, transport, and processing for Ocean Springs Police Department (OSPD). The GSO also completes fingerprinting and basic police incident reports for walk-in requests and provides support to other OSPD Units, including Dispatch, as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

A General Service Officer performs work under the supervision of the Police Lieutenant in charge of his/her assigned shift, with general supervision from the Administrative Captain.

Starting Pay Rate: $12.50/hour
Experienced = Training and experience will be evaluated to determine salary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Booking/Transport/Processing

  • Takes custody of arrestees in the field and/or at the Ocean Springs Police Department.
  • Performs all functions related to the booking of arrestees and the processing of criminal defendants. This includes but is not limited to fingerprinting, photographing, and searching arrestees; inventorying detainee property; and completing legal forms, citations, and affidavits.
  • Prepares paperwork for detainees to bond out or to be transferred to the Jackson County Adult Detention Center.
  • Transports arrestees to and from the Ocean Springs Police Department, the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, and the Ocean Springs Municipal Court as needed including court appearances.
  • Utilizes and maintains a variety of specialized equipment such as firearms, police vehicles, radios, batons, handcuffs, flares, pepper sprays, electrical weapons, breath testing equipment, and others according to established procedures.
  • Maintains proficiency in driving and the use of firearms.
  • Drives police vehicles to and from various locations as directed.
  • Utilizes a computer for communications, reports, and research.

Additional Duties

  • Performs fingerprinting and basic police incident reports for walk-in requests.
  • Responds to court subpoenas and testifies in court.
  • Participates in training programs and meetings as assigned.
  • Assists with providing security during Ocean Springs Municipal Court proceedings.
  • Provides support to OSPD Dispatch and other Units as needed.
  • Work may consist of 12-hour shifts; evening or variable hours; and emergency call-outs.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

  • Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent
  • Must complete State of Mississippi certifications as a Detention Officer within 24 months of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have and maintain a valid Mississippi driver’s license.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures used for police booking, detention, and transport.
  • Ability to
  • perform all aspects of the booking process;
  • transport, search, and safely handle prisoners in a variety of circumstances; and
  • maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Knowledge of basic and specialized equipment.
  • Ability to
  • operate a variety of specialized tools and equipment including firearms, police vehicles, radios, handcuffs, electrical weapons, and breath testing equipment;
  • operate a computer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine; and
  • use standard office software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures used for dispatch operations.
  • Ability to
  • communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
  • work under pressure and/or with frequent interruptions;
  • work with angry and difficult customers;
  • read, write, and clearly speak English; and
  • perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
  • Knowledge of and ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Knowledge of and ability to follow legal and defensive driving practices.
  • Ability to learn State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
  • Ability to learn geography of the City of Ocean Springs and specific areas of assignment.
  • Ability to learn the organization, policies, and objectives of the Ocean Springs Police Department.
  • Ability to understand and work within scope of authority.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
  • Ability to learn to administer first aid and CPR as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

To perform the duties of this job, a General Service Officer must utilize the following abilities on a frequent basis:

  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and various police equipment including weapons.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling individuals or objects, sometimes with resistance.
  • Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
  • Reaching down, overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
  • Speaking and hearing at high, medium, and low volumes, especially over radio and telephone.
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus; 20/20 corrected vision.
  • Driving a police vehicle.

In addition, a General Service Officer must occasionally

  • Respond to fights, confrontations, physical resistance, foot and vehicular pursuit, and other potentially hazardous situations.
  • Deploy and use weapons including firearms.
  • Climb stairs, ladders, and over obstacles.
  • Walk and run over rough or uneven surfaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A General Service Officer works both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, and adverse weather conditions. The noise level varies considerably from quiet to loud throughout the course of duty.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Submission of completed Employment Application (with resume as a supplement only) to Human Resources; notification of examination date and location; written Corrections/Detention Officer examination; submission of completed OSPD Phase 2 Application Packet; evaluation of education and experience; oral interview(s); reference/background check; CVSA (computer voice stress analysis); and other job-related tests as required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

City of Ocean Springs Employment Application

  • Read carefully and follow all instructions. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.
  • Completion of the Employment Application is required, even if you include your resume.
  • If a deadline is posted, it applies to when the Application is received by the Human Resources Department, not the date mailed, completed, or submitted to any department other than Human Resources. Applications received by Human Resources after the deadline, regardless of postmark, will be kept on file for one year for eligibility for future openings of that position/test, but will not be eligible for the current position/test.
Download the printable version here

Position applying for:

Additional Information

NOTE: A conviction does not necessarily disqualify one for employment.

Employment History

Start with current or most recent job and list all employment (including FT, PT, temporary, and any periods of unemployment) for the last 10 years, at a minimum. Complete all sections of this form; you may attach your résumé to provide more detail. Do not leave any blanks.

Current/Latest Employment
Second Latest Employment
Third Latest Employment

Education and Training

List your high school, GED, and formal education beyond high school.

References

Do NOT list anyone related to you. Do NOT list any elected official of the City of Ocean Springs. List three persons you have known for at least one year. Provide current contact information.

How Did You Learn of this Position?

Equal Opportunity

The City of Ocean Springs encourages Employment Applications from qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability status, marital status, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, religious affiliation or beliefs, or any other legally protected status.

Applicant’s Statement and Certification

Read carefully before signing.

  • I understand that this Application is valid for 12 months for the position selected on Page One. I also understand that this Application, any attachments, and test papers become the property of the City of Ocean Springs (the City) upon submission and will not be returned to me, the applicant.
  • I understand that possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure that I will be invited to the next phase of the process. Likewise, I understand that completing and passing City testing (if applicable) does not guarantee that I will receive an interview or an offer of employment.
  • I understand that I must bring and show valid government-issued photo ID for positive identification for employment testing.
  • I understand that hiring and compensation decisions are contingent upon approval of the City of Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen.
  • I understand that, per Civil Service Rule 20, any person employed by the City of Ocean Springs shall reside within a 50-mile radius of the City of Ocean Springs within the first six months of employment.
  • I understand that, per Miss. Code Ann. 21-31-15 (2011), all applicants for a position of any kind under civil service must be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the county in which he/she resides.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs is a Drug-Free Workplace, and that the City requires post-offer drug/alcohol testing prior to employment, and conducts post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug/alcohol testing during employment.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs participates in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program and that, upon hire, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required original documentation. I understand that my identity and employment eligibility will be verified if I am offered and accept employment.
  • I understand that all employees are hired as probationary ‘at-will’ employees, meaning that employment may be terminated at any time with or without cause; that employees on new-hire probation are not covered by civil service; and that successful completion of the new-hire probationary period by a full-time employee results in civil service status, but does not guarantee continuation of employment. I also understand that part-time and temporary positions are always ‘at-will’ and do not obtain civil service status.
  • I understand that if I am offered and accept employment with the City, then I am required to abide by the rules and regulations of the City of Ocean Springs.
  • I certify that the answers given by me in this Application and any attachments are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any misstatement or omission of fact in this Application or in any document used to obtain employment may result in rejection of this Application, removal from any employment list, disqualification from future consideration for employment, and/or immediate termination of employment, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery of the misstatement or omission.
  • I understand that all answers and information are subject to investigation and verification.
  • I acknowledge that I have read and understand this statement and the instructions throughout this Application.

Authorization for Inquiry and Release of Information

Having made application for employment with the City of Ocean Springs, I hereby authorize the City to research and make inquiry of my history and records including financial, academic, military, employment, judicial, criminal, driving record, personal references, and/or online social networking pages. I further authorize the release of all such information to the City, and I agree that such organizations, persons, and others shall not be held liable for such information or damages that may result from furnishing the information requested. I understand my rights under the Privacy Act of 1974, with regard to access and disclosure of records, and I waive these rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the City of Ocean Springs for the application and employment process. 
This Authorization will be valid whether as an original, a photocopy, or a fax copy, and remains valid for one year after I sign. Upon request, a copy of this signed Authorization may be furnished to the school, present or former employer, present or former landlord, criminal justice agency, or other persons and organizations asked to provide information.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance with the Application.

Upload Your Resume Here - You may upload more than one document at a time.

We encourage you to check our Employment Opportunities webpage regularly. Applications are accepted even if no vacancies exist.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Ocean Springs.

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