SPECIAL PATROL OFFICER

40733

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for maintaining order and providing security in public buildings, schools and courtrooms. When assigned to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department Navigation Unit, work is also performed on area bodies of water. Persons employed in this class shall have all the powers of a peace officer, as set forth in section 2.20 of Criminal Procedure Law, when performing the duties of protecting property or persons on such premises. The work is performed under general supervision of the Police Chief or Sheriff. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Provides security by standing in and patrolling public buildings.

Protects and guards the public, judges, students and employees in the designated publicly-owned property.

Physically restrains unruly individuals.

Escorts judges, juries and witnesses to and from the courtroom.

Provides general information to visitors on premises.

Checks to insure that all necessary documents and identification are in order.

Safeguards public property.

Provides assistance in emergency situations.

Maintains and updates records as required.

Prepares incident reports.

Distributes and posts appropriate documents and materials.

 

When Assigned to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department Navigation Unit:

Operates a powerboat or personal watercraft on selected lakes under direct supervision of a sworn deputy sheriff.

Assists in dragging operations in the event of a drowning, or search and rescue.

Aids the State Conservation Department by observing water conditions while on boat patrol and reports same, including polluting conditions, to the sworn deputy sheriff.

Assists the sworn deputy by aiding boaters in distress and may give CPR or first aid to injured bathers or boaters.

Operates ship-to-shore radio in performance of duties.

May assist the sworn deputy sheriff in boating safety talks to school and civic groups and power squadrons.

May issue storm warnings when changing weather conditions dictate.

May testify in court and at hearings as a witness.

Prepares of variety of records and reports related and directed by the sworn deputy sheriff.

 

When Assigned to the City of Syracuse Police Department:

Property Room

Receives items turned in as recovered property or evidentiary property.

Stores, maintains and safeguards said property and/or evidence.

Transports items, including guns and drugs, to and from the Center for Forensic Sciences for examination purposes.

Transports money to and from the bank, as needed.

Facilitates transfers of evidence to and from the District Attorney's Office.

Facilitates transfers of evidence between the City of Syracuse Police Department and other agencies.

Tracks and maintains chain of custody records for all evidentiary property, from date of acceptance to date of release or destruction.

40733

 

When Assigned to the City of Syracuse Police Department (cont'd)

 

Facilitates destruction and/or auction of property/evidence, including after cases are adjudicated, and including the destruction of guns and drugs.

 

Seizures/Fortitudes

Reviews case work to determine eligibility for asset seizures.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Good knowledge of procedures and practices for protecting and safeguarding buildings and property.

Good knowledge of the powers of a peace officer.

Ability to maintain order.

Ability to perform first aid.

Ability to exercise judgement and common sense in stressful situations.

Ability to carry out established security procedures in case of fire, bomb threat or other emergency situations.

Ability to observe detail, remember facts and information and evaluate situations.

Ability to understand oral and written instructions and apply information, rules, regulations and procedures to specific situations.

Ability to prepare brief written communications.

Ability to communicate information orally to the public or related personnel.

Ability to use self-defense, restraint techniques and security equipment.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

When Assigned to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department Navigation Unit:

 

Working knowledge of safe powerboat and personal watercraft operation.

Ability to operate two-way radios, powerboats and personal watercraft.

Ability to perform CPR, AED and First Aid.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

(a) Retired member of a police or sheriff’s department in New York State, or

(b) Retired former corrections, parole or probation officer in New York State.

 

NOTE: In accordance with Section 209-v of General Municipal Law, a retiree who had permanent competitive class status in one of the above listed occupations may be reinstated to a Special Patrol Officer position without further examination.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT WHEN Assigned to the WATER patrol unit:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.

NYS Boating Certification is required within 30 days of appointment.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS TO CARRY OR POSSESS FIREARMS:

Special Patrol Offices may not carry or possess firearms while on duty unless authorized to do so by the Appointing Authority and a license has been issued pursuant to Section 400.00 of Penal Law (Section 2.10.37 of Criminal Procedure Law). Where possession of the license is required, eligibility for and continued possession of the license is required for employment.

 

1/2023 Revised