Civilian Traffic Investigator

City of Yuma; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Yuma in Arizona is seeking a Civilian Traffic Investigator to support the Police Department by assisting officers, responding to accidents, and collecting evidence.

Under supervision, you will document findings, interview witnesses, enter data, prepare reports, and may testify in court. The role requires a high school diploma and at least one year of relevant experience, with CPR/First Aid training within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of accident investigation, accounting, or law enforcement experience.
• OC Spray and/or Taser training may be required for some incumbents.

Responsibilities

• Assist and work with YPD Officers by performing investigative support duties.
• Investigate traffic accidents and incidents not requiring sworn Officers.
• Assess accident scenes, gather evidence, take measurements and photographs; interview drivers, passengers and witnesses; take detailed notes.
• Enter relative data into YPD database and maintain statistics.
• Prepare comprehensive reports including diagrams, photographs, measurements, conclusions, and actions taken related to vehicle collisions.
• Testify in court as needed and assist Officers with issuing citations for violations of City parking code and State/City traffic codes.

Skills

Accident investigation

Documentation

Interviewing witnesses

Data entry

Measurement accuracy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness? Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities? Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Civilian Traffic Investigator, working with the Yuma Police Department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting Police Officers by performing investigative support duties.

Under basic supervision and depending on area of assignment, responds to and investigates traffic accidents, assesses accident scenes, gathers physical evidence, conducts field investigations, and completes investigative and informative reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists and works alongside YPD Officers and the Traffic Unit by performing investigative support duties; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Investigates traffic accidents and hazardous incidents not requiring the presence of a sworn Police Officer.
• Assesses accident scenes, gathers physical evidence, and takes measurements and photographs; interviews drivers, passengers and witnesses, and takes detailed notes.
• Testifies and presents evidence in court as needed.
• Enters relative data into YPD database and maintains statistics.
• Assists Police Officers with identifying traffic problems, locating accidents and special assignments.
• Issues citations and complaints for violations of City parking code.
• Issues citations and complaints for violations of State and City traffic codes relating to traffic accidents.
• Prepares comprehensive reports including diagrams, photographs, measurements, conclusions, and actions taken related to vehicle collisions.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the "Yuma Way", and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; and one year of accident investigation, accounting, or law enforcement experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. May be required to train and qualify in the use of OC Spray and/or Taser for self-defense.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• City and State traffic enforcement laws, statutes and codes.
• State accident reporting requirements and procedures.
• Police radio, dispatch and communication protocols and procedures.
• Safe work practices and occupational hazards in accident scenes and traffic environments.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
• Basic accounting, bookkeeping and recordkeeping methods and procedures.

Skill in:

• Documenting accident scene details and recognizing evidence and causes of accidents.
• Making accurate mathematical measurements and calculations to document details of traffic accidents.
• Maintaining traffic control around accident scenes and emergency response incidents.
• Maintaining and operating cameras and specialized measurement tools and equipment.
• Interviewing victims and witnesses.
• Dealing with physically and/or verbally uncooperative, distraught, or hostile individuals.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Completion of CPR and First Aid training is required within six months of hire; additional technical training and certifications may be required for some incumbents, including Arizona/National Crime Information Centers (ACIC/NCIC).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field. Required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects. Must be able to work shift work and participate in mandatory shift/assignment rotation. Nature of essential functions and the security of law enforcement databases and information require physical presence.