Community Service Officer - Community Engagement

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Community Service Officer (CSO) plays a key role in strengthening relationships between the Police Department and the community through proactive outreach, crime prevention education, and community engagement initiatives. This non-sworn position is ideal for someone who enjoys building partnerships, managing community events, and serving as a positive and approachable representative of the Department. CSOs regularly interact with residents, businesses, places of worship, non-profit organizations, and community partners through presentations, events, and collaborative programs that promote public safety and strengthen community trust.

This Community Service Officer position also supports police department functions including Crime Prevention and managing the Crossing Guard Program. Additional duties may include assisting other Community Service Officers with Property and Evidence, traffic control, and special events. If you are a customer-focused, organized, and self-motivated professional who enjoys engaging with the public and building positive community relationships, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Successful candidates thrive in fast-paced, highly visible environments and are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service while making a meaningful impact in the community.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference through public engagement, we encourage you to apply today!

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 32 sworn officers and 15 non-sworn personnel dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.

ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. Applications will be reviewed after the posting closes on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00PM PT. The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and answers to job-specific questions.

Only those candidates who's backgrounds best match the positions will be forwarded to be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phase of the process will consist of one or more interviews. Applicants deemed most competitive after application screening and oral interview will be required to pass Police Background Investigation and Medical Evaluation.

Examples of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Works to develop a robust community engagement strategy that cultivates relationships and collaborations among residents, businesses, places of worship, non-profit organizations and community partners.Monitors and responds to resident/community members’ inquiries.Prepares and gives presentations to community groups on a frequent basis.Inventories Crime Prevention resources and purchases/orders supplies.Posts on social media to engage with the community.Researches and posts content for the department’s website as it relate to Crime Prevention and Community Engagement topics.Coordinates Home Security Inspections, Police Department Tours, and community presentations.Manages the operational side of the Crossing Guard Program.Assists with Run-Hide-Fight presentations.Assists in the preparation of/participates in special events (i.e., Art and Wine Festival, annual Festival of Lights Ceremony, etc).Other duties as assigned.
Please review the full description for the Communit y Service Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• No prior experience is necessary. Experience which provides knowledge of law enforcement terminology and police officer procedures is desirable.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Closing Date/Time: 6/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Los Altos

• 650-947-2759

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