Community Resource Specialist (Police)

City of Bremerton; Bremerton (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bremerton seeks a Community Resource Specialist to coordinate crime-prevention and community-outreach programs within the Police Department. The role includes liaison work, data analysis for public inquiries, and development of department programs and methods.

The position reports to the Support Services Captain and Chief of Police and requires strong public relations, planning, and communication skills to engage residents, businesses, and schools in community safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Requires two years of college-level coursework or equivalent experience in business, public administration, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalency may substitute for education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Public Information Officer, preparing and distributing flyers, bulletins, and safety notices.
• Liaise with communities, providing information on policies, procedures, and programs.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver presentations and programs on crime prevention and department operations.
• Represent the department to residential and business communities and respond to inquiries.
• Plan, organize, and implement community programs and events; support outreach and career opportunities.

Skills

Public relations

Public speaking

Oral and written communications

Community outreach

Project coordination

Data analysis

Education

Two years of college coursework

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Desktop publishing

Word processing

Statistical software

Job description

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a 3.8% cost-of-living increase has been approved for 2027.

This civilian position reports to the Support Services Captain and Chief of Police. The Community Resource Specialist coordinates crime-prevention and community-outreach programs; conducts program analysis and compliance monitoring; develops department programs and methods; supports auxiliary functions; and serves as a liaison between the Police Department and the community. The position promotes community involvement, coordinates efforts to address public-safety concerns, strengthens community relations, and communicates community concerns and initiatives to the department.

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position).

Public Information and Communications

• Serves as the department’s Public Information Officer by preparing and distributing flyers, bulletins, safety notices, and other materials and ensuring the information is accurate, timely, and current.
• Serves as a liaison between the Police Department and residential and business communities, providing requested information about department policies, procedures, and programs.

Community Outreach and Crime Prevention

• Develops, coordinates, and delivers presentations and programs addressing Police Department operations, community needs, crime, and crime prevention, including Citizen Academies.
• Represents the department and responds to questions and concerns regarding department partnerships and residential, community, and business involvement.
• Researches police and community programs and reviews available literature to maintain current knowledge and update presentations on crime prevention through environmental design, Neighborhood Watch, fraud awareness and safeguards, community resources, and other relevant subjects.
• Develops and implements outreach programs that engage residents and address local concerns; builds relationships with neighborhood organizations, community groups, schools, and local businesses; and participates in outreach and community events that promote the department and its career opportunities.
• Serves as a liaison between the Police Department and residential and business communities, providing requested information about department policies, procedures, and programs and directing community members to appropriate department resources, personnel, and services.
• Plans, organizes, and implements special community programs and activities related to crime prevention and assists with the administration, organization, and logistics of special events.
• Maintains and assists with the Block Watch Program.

Program Administration and Support

• Collects, analyzes, and distributes crime data for crime-prevention purposes and in response to public inquiries.
• Maintains, reviews, and distributes information and data from the Chronic Nuisance Properties and Landlord Notification programs.
• Develops marketing materials, distributes forms, prepares informational packets, and performs other activities related to assigned programs.
• Recruits, trains, monitors, and mentors volunteer groups supporting community programs.
• Assists with the recruitment of commissioned officers.

Grants, Purchasing, and Contracts

• Researches, identifies, and evaluates grant and funding opportunities that support department initiatives and provides grant acquisition, compliance, tracking, monitoring, reporting, and oversight.
• Manages purchasing processes, vendor selection, and contract fulfillment for police-related equipment and services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Current laws, criminal codes, police procedures, crime-prevention techniques and theories, and police crime-prevention and community-safety programs.
• Policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Public relations, public speaking, group dynamics, interpersonal communication, and methods for preparing and delivering public presentations.
• Modern office practices, procedures, equipment, databases, and software applications, including electronic spreadsheets, desktop publishing, word processing, and statistical applications.

Skill in:

• Operating computers, audiovisual equipment, and applicable software to design and maintain databases; manipulate, analyze, and present data; and assist with maintaining information on the Police Department webpage.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with internal and public audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing correspondence, program outlines, administrative reports, bulletins, spreadsheets, and statistical summaries.
• Delivering presentations and educating individuals and community groups about crime, crime prevention, and Police Department functions.
• Using sound judgment, reasoning, and analytical skills to research and evaluate proposals, issues, data, and alternative courses of action; develop credible conclusions; and forecast criminal trends.
• Evaluating operations, systems, procedures, policies, and methods and recommending improvements.
• Organizing work, maintaining records, and meeting established schedules, timelines, and deadlines.

Ability to:

• Interact courteously and tactfully with the public and establish cooperative working relationships with Police Department personnel, community members, and organizations.
• Oversee, coordinate, and implement diverse community crime-prevention programs and activities.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, cooperate effectively with others, and contribute to team problem-solving efforts.
• Perform detailed work within established rules and requirements.
• Remain current on technical journals, criminal codes, research papers, crime statistics, and related crime-prevention subjects.
• Work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of college-level coursework from an accredited institution in business, public administration, journalism, public relations, marketing analysis, media relations, or a related field, supplemented by training in crime prevention or a related field.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, journalism, public relations, criminal justice, or a related field,

Equivalency: Relevant experience as a commissioned police officer may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Another equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, except where a license or certification is required by law.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record and valid license throughout employment.
• Qualify for ACCESS Level I certification. Certification must be obtained within six months of hire and renewed every two years.
• Have no felony convictions.
• Successfully complete a background investigation, including a truth-verification examination and drug screening.
• Be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient and be able to speak, read, and write English, as required by RCW 41.14.100.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work frequently requires sitting and standing and occasionally requires walking. The employee must occasionally lift and carry wide objects weighing more than 20 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in offices, neighborhood meeting sites, and outdoor environments and may require travel throughout the City. Conditions may include adverse weather; interactions with individuals who may be upset, confrontational, or verbally aggressive; moderate noise; frequent interruptions; heavy workloads; strict deadlines; and multitasking demands. Work may include evening, weekend, and holiday hours, and the employee is subject to call-out.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]