The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal-opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

The Police Records Specialist job posting has been extended and is scheduled to close on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST. Please submit an application detailing qualifying experience and complete the supplemental questions. Note: No additional documents are required.

The City of Oakland Police Department is hiring for the position of Police Records Specialist. The Oakland Police Department was formed in 1853 by Oakland founder and first Mayor Horace W. Carpentier. The Oakland Police Department wants the best and brightest who are willing to innovate and are ready to serve a diverse community in one of the greatest cities in California. Come join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity to begin your career in public safety.

Police Records Specialists are non-sworn civilian positions. As a Police Records Specialist you will coordinate with sworn and civilian staff and the general public in transactions involving warrants, records, subpoenas, and other litigation-related requests. You will maintain complex internal automated record systems, and access and update state and federal criminal history data systems and to assist callers and visitors by supplying information or directing requests. There are currently nine (9) vacancies.

The ideal candidate will have experience providing excellent customer service by phone and in person, while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. The Oakland Police Department is seeking energetic, well-organized Records Specialists who take initiative, have good judgment and are meticulous when completing tasks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is detail-oriented, hardworking, and results-driven as often multiple assignments and priorities must be balanced in a fast-paced environment
• Maintains focus under pressure and exhibits stable performance under stress or opposition
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing to clearly convey information and ideas
• Can learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
• Can work independently and as part of a team, self-motivated, adaptable, and a has a positive attitude
• Can work various shifts, including 3:00pm - 11:00pm or 11:00pm - 7:00am
• Can work weekends and holidays

What you will typically be responsible for:

• You will be tasked with accessing and inputting automated criminal history systems involving warrants, records, subpoenas, and other litigation-related requests
• You will maintain internal recordkeeping systems and provide information in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• You will coordinate and conduct transactions with other employees, sworn and civilian staff, and the public in matters requiring knowledge and analytical application of Police Department rules, policies, and procedures
• You may perform reception duties, including accepting applications, greeting visitors, and responding to phone requests

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will work with a dedicated team of professionals in an environment that provides learning and training opportunities
• You will gain the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your knowledge and skills in a field that directly benefits communities through service to the criminal justice system
• You will gain exposure to the many services offered by the City of Oakland Police Department

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a stressful environment that includes prioritizing multiple assignments with competing deadlines and encountering disturbing information about crimes
• You may be asked to work overtime to meet the needs of our customers

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks

Read the complete job description by clicking this Class specifications (Job Descriptions) | Job Opportunities (governmentjobs.com)

Minimum Requirements for Application

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in a crime lab or police department
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Experience with data analytics
• Experience handling evidence
• Experience with National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)

Supplemental Information

What’s in it for you?

• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation – 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement – CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health – The City of Oakland pays for the cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental – The City of Oakland pays for Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision – The City of Oakland pays for VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave – Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation – 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Training, & Telecommuting.