NCJ Number
101749
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The Community Assistance Officer (CAO) program will create a new class of employee to assist the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department (Washington) in performing a variety of public-service-related duties.
Abstract
Representative duties of the CAO will include assisting the public by locating information, answering questions, and explaining procedures. In addition, the CAO will assist in answering noncriminal calls for services, make referrals, disseminate crime prevention information, conduct security surveys, maintain ties with community service agencies and organizations, and assist in the development of crime analysis data. Skills required for this position include interviewing and counseling, effective communication skills, knowledge of office and police practices and procedures, and ability to cope with a variety of situations, including emergencies. In addition to freeing patrol deputies for other duties, the CAO position will result in faster services, more effective referrals, and better working relationships with the community. The responsibility for the CAO program will lie with the Community Assistance Information Manager (formerly the Crime Prevention/Public Information Officer) who will plan, schedule, and supervise the work and performance of personnel in the CAO program. 1 chart.