POLICE COMMUNITY LIAISON

This position leads and supports violence reduction initiatives and community engagement efforts. This position will play a critical role in implementing Community Violence Intervention (CVI) strategies, fostering partnerships with community organizations, and coordinating action items for the Police Athletic League (PAL) to enhance positive youth engagement.

The work is considered sedentary in nature and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and relatively safe, secure, and stable. 

• Works with community groups, law enforcement, and city leaders to develop and implement strategies that reduce violent crime and promote public safety.
• Coordinates with local organizations, non-profits, and governmental agencies to support evidence-based violence prevention programs.
• Assists in the development of policies and initiatives that enhance public trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
• Tracks and evaluates the effectiveness of CVI strategies, providing recommendations for continuous improvement. Serves as a liaison between the Columbia Police Department and community stakeholders, fostering strong relationships to address public safety concerns.
• Organizes and participates in community meetings, forums, and events to gather input and promote collaboration.
• Works closely with city officials, faith-based organizations, youth programs, and advocacy groups to advance community-led safety initiatives.
• Develops public awareness campaigns and educational materials related to violence prevention and community policing efforts.
• Oversees and coordinates activities for the Police Activities League (PAL), ensuring community youth have access to positive mentorship and recreational programs.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with schools, coaches, and local sports organizations to expand PALs reach and impact.
• Organizes PAL events, sports leagues, and mentorship programs to strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and youth.
• Secures funding and sponsorship opportunities to enhance PAL programs and initiatives.
• Assists in preparing and monitoring assigned budget; prepares related reports;
• Assists in administering program grant funding from federal, state and local agencies; prepares required records and reports;
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations;
• Participates in an ongoing public awareness program designed to promote department programs and services;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing spreadsheets, reviewing mail and literature, copying and filing documents, conducting and attending meetings, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field (Masters preferred);
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in community engagement, violence prevention, program coordination, or related work;
• Strong knowledge of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) strategies and best practices in violence reduction;
• Experience in developing partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and law enforcement;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse communities;
• Ability to plan and execute community programs and events effectively;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with data tracking or grant reporting;
• Availability for evening and weekend events as required;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• NCIC certified or the ability to become certified within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office 2000, utilizing Outlook, word processing, presentation, database and spreadsheet software programs;

• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to supervise or lead others by determining work procedures, assigning duties, maintaining harmonious relations and promoting efficiency;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to perform professional-level work requiring the application of scientific, engineering, accounting or legal methods in the solution of technical, administrative or legal problems; requires extensive understanding of operating policies and procedures and ability to apply these to complex problems; or the coordination of sub professional work in these disciplines; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressures; and
• Ability to make decisions, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers, customers, clients or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine.

Salary : $53,449 - $68,148