What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Prevention Specialist position at City of Lynnwood, WA?
Summary
The Lynnwood Police Department is a community-focused law enforcement agency serving the vibrant and diverse community of Lynnwood, Washington. The mission of the Lynnwood Police Department is to provide proactive, competent, effective public safety services to all persons, with the highest regard for human dignity through efficient and professional law enforcement and crime prevention practices.
The City of Lynnwood is conveniently located just 15 miles north of Seattle. A community of approximately 36,000 covering an area of 7.86 square miles, Lynnwood serves as the commercial heart of South Snohomish County. Centrally located with easy access to I-5, I-405, and Highway 99, Lynnwood is ideal for businesses and residents looking for a place to call home. The community is home to Alderwood, one of the largest shopping malls and retail centers in Washington State. Because of its central location, well-designed office parks, and commercial services, Lynnwood has a number of major employers in the area including Edmonds College and Group Health Medical. Lynnwood boasts a diverse citizenry, with over 25% of its population from various ethnic groups. Lynnwood is identified as a regional growth center Core City by the Puget Sound Regional Council and is the only Core City solely located in Snohomish County, as well as the only Core City located between Everett and Northgate (Seattle) along the I-5 corridor.
To learn more about the Lynnwood Police Department, visit our page at:
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department
Incumbents in this position are responsible for organizing, promoting, and coordinating the participation of the public in crime prevention program activities, including department volunteer programs. Incumbents plan and conduct meetings with individuals, community members and business groups to provide information, training, and education regarding crime-related issues. This position is primarily responsible for overseeing a diverse volunteer program and conducting a variety of crime prevention, safety, and community relations programs for the Lynnwood Police Department. The position is under the supervision of the Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Supervisor.
This is a .5 FTE position.
First review of applications is March 26, 2025.
Essential Functions
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Oversees, develops and designs police volunteer programs.
- Coordinates and supervises the activities of volunteer programs including training and scheduling of volunteers.
- Develops and updates volunteer job descriptions, task lists and program policies and procedures for review and ensures alignment with department values and code of conduct.
- Initiates and conducts ongoing recruitment and marketing efforts for Lynnwood Police Department volunteer programs.
- Processes volunteer applications to include interviews, fingerprinting, and background checks.
- Maintains accurate volunteer personnel files, records, and applications.
- Ensures on-going training, adequate resources, and organizes volunteer recognition.
- Provides direction and recommends discipline or termination of volunteers when necessary.
- Develops, builds, and maintains positive, long-term relationships with volunteers.
- Assists with crime prevention programs to include conducting and speaking at neighborhood block watch meetings, department meetings, and community meetings with businesses, schools, civic groups or others on various crime prevention topics.
- Designs and creates various props, posters, handouts, etc., to be used in public presentations.
- Prepares public information tools on crime prevention topics and disseminates crime prevention information to the public.
- Conducts tours of the police department.
- Acts as community resource on crime prevention and safety issues.
- Attends meetings and training classes to maintain proficiency in new crime prevention trends.
- Coordinates various crime prevention programs, including the False Alarm Notification and Billing Program and the Car Seat Inspection Program for certified technicians.
- Researches information for updating programs, implements new procedure, schedules appropriate meetings, and maintains records.
- Arranges and conducts training meetings for department programs as assigned.
- Coordinates and conducts safety and security assessments for residential and commercial settings to include CPTED evaluations.
- Assists the general public in answering crime prevention related questions.
- Serves on citywide committees and assists other City departments with projects as assigned.
- Provides back-up for other crime prevention staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular attendance.
Job Location and Equipment Utilized:
Work is normally performed in an office environment or at presentations for the public at various locations. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment and personal computer with associated software and peripherals. May drive a vehicle during adverse weather conditions and have contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- General knowledge of police operations, including functions of other City Departments, public service providers, and available community resources.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other departments and city staff, and the public.
- Experience managing programs, teams, or conducting community outreach.
- Proficient in using office equipment including personal computers and related software programs to include Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently with little direction.
- Ability to plan and organize work.
- Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
- Ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to perform the required physical activities at police emergency and disaster scenes.
- Manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate a personal computer.
- Visual acuity to read and compose various reports and other documentation.
- Ability to hear and speak to effectively communicate and exchange information.
- Ability to climb stairs, be on one’s feet for an extended period of time and lift light equipment.
- Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional Information
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Police Support Guild
This is a .5 FTE position.
The City of Lynnwood offers Police Support union employees two options for medical coverage – Regence Blue Shield or Group Health Cooperative. Employees are covered at no cost and can cover their spouse and/or dependents at a cost of 10% of premiums.
Dental Benefits
The City of Lynnwood dental coverage is through Washington Dental Service. Employees are covered at no cost and can cover their spouse and/or dependents at a cost of 10% of premiums.
Vision
The City offers employees vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage includes one eye exam and new lenses every 12 months, and new frames every 24 months. Employees are covered at no cost. Employees pay 100% of spouse and/or dependent vision coverage.
Employee Assistance Program
Our EAP provides free, short-term, confidential counseling and is accessible 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Medical, dental, vision and EAP are effective the first of the month following your date of hire.
Voluntary Benefits
The City of Lynnwood offers eligible employees the opportunity to participate in some voluntary benefits on a self-pay basis. Voluntary benefits include:
- Flexible Spending Account Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Vacation
Vacation is accrued based on union contract.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is accrued based on union contract.
Holidays
Holidays are specified in the union contract.
FMLA Leave
Employees with at least 12 months of service and who have worked at least 1,250 hours are entitled to an unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a qualifying health condition.
Retirement
All regular full-time staff will participate in the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems.
Direct Deposit
All regular full-time employees are eligible to participate in the direct deposit payroll program at no cost.
Reviews and Pay Increases
Employees receive an initial performance review at the end of their orientation period followed by annual reviews based on date of hire. The pay range for employees is established by union contract. Employees receive increases once a year until they reach the top of their salary range, pending satisfactory or better performance. COLA’s may be given annually per union contract or Council approval.
Employee Records and Privacy
Records are confidential and not released without an employee’s consent unless legally mandated. Employees (and their supervisors) may review their files by contacting the Human Resources Department. The only information that will be released to outside inquiries without a signed release is the employee’s dates of employment, job title, status (full- time or part-time) and in some cases, pay rate.
