Surveillance Officer - Pima County, AZ
Tucson, AZ
About the Job
Job Description Summary
The schedule will be from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.Surveillance officers provide surveillance and supportive casework services to probationers at the direction of the Superior Court under the provisions of evidence-based practices and consistent with the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration. The duties of a surveillance officer include monitoring the assigned probationers, and meeting with probationers in their homes or at their places of work. Surveillance officers may perform searches and make arrests. Because probationers under Court supervision are convicted felons and/or persons with domestic violence convictions, these job duties expose the surveillance officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. As a result, the surveillance officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA § 6-106(A) and ACJA § 6-107(A). All surveillance officers must "demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy." ACJA § 6-107(G)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense.
Job Description
- Performs closely structured surveillance and observation concerning compliance with conditions of probation, including directing and counseling the probationer and conducting field contacts (home, work, treatment facilities, community restitution or jail) as a member of a team.
- Obtains, assembles, secures, keeps and files a complete identification record concerning the person on probation, including arrest reports, contact notes regarding compliance with terms of probation and case plan to prepare written reports for the probation officer.
- Builds relationships to encourage compliance with the case plan including conditions of probation through frequent telephone contacts, work site contacts, day, and evening home contacts.
- Directs and/or refers probationers to community resources, treatments or other interventions based on assessments, behaviors and conditions of probation.
- Participates in case review conferences to determine if change in level of supervision is warranted.
- Performs searches, breathalyzers/urinalysis collection, and makes a documented effort to locate absconders.
- Serves warrants, makes arrests, and brings persons before the court who are on probation including defaulting probationers facing revocation. Surveillance officers have the authority of peace officers in the performance of his or her duties.
- Appears and testifies in court.
- Monitors payment of restitution and probation fees and ensures victims' notification rights are provided according to statutory requirements.
- In confrontational situations with probationers or others, appropriately and effectively responds and uses defensive tactics and techniques, as learned at the Defensive Tactics Safety Training Academy, when necessary.
- Performs and demonstrates through proficiency testing, competency in, and an understanding of physical and verbal defensive tactics and techniques, including the following, or their comparable alternatives: 1) Forcefully raise arms above head (straight arm wristlock and takedown), 2) Perform minor aerobic activity, 3) Stand for up to 2 hours at a time, 4) Engage in balanced movements, 5) Throw hand strikes (fist strikes and palm heel strikes), 6) Use impact weapons (ability to swing arms in a striking action with a baton that weighs 16 ounces), 7) Kick at targets below 24" (front snap kicks), 8) Perform controlled falls and return to standing position unassisted (break falls and recovery), 9) Complete hand strikes and kick drills at partial speed, 10) Sustain exposure to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, 11) Engage in fighting techniques while on the ground, 12) Be able to bend knees lower center and touch the ground with one hand (break fall recovery and baton closing techniques), 13) Be able to bend knees to a 45 degree angle (all ground techniques).
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Be a United States citizen or legal resident.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years.
- Complete background/reference checks, interviews, polygraph and/or drug testing, and pre- employment psychological examinations.
- Must successfully complete 40-hour Defensive Tactics Training Academy as soon as practical, but no later than 120 days from the date of employment [see ACJA § 6-107(G)].
- Must demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the Defensive Tactics Training Academy.
- Must successfully complete eight (8) hours of defensive tactics refresher training on an annual basis.
- Must maintain certificate of successful completion of defensive tactics training.
- Must successfully complete the Intensive Probation Institute, within the first twelve (12) months of assignment. [see ACJA §1-302(K)(4)].
- Must submit to a medical examination required by Corrections Officer Retirement Plan.
Benefits:
The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County and the Pima County Juvenile Court Center offer the same benefits as those offered to other employees working for Pima County. We offer a competitive benefits package to benefits eligible employees, which includes medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation and sick leave. Some benefits require contributions by employees in addition to contributions made by the employer. Please see the link below for a complete description of the offerings.
Pima County Benefits
Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP)
Retirement Plan participation is mandatory for all eligible employees in which the employer and the employee contribute a certain percentage of the employee's salary.
For this purpose, Adult and Juvenile Probation are referred to as "AOC" (Administrative Office of the Courts). AOC probation and surveillance officers have the option to choose between a Defined Benefit (DB) plan and the 401(a) retirement account managed by Public Safety Retirement System (PSPRS) and administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
Newly hired employees will have a 90-day window to make an irrevocable decision which plan to enroll in. This YouTube video provides a snap-shot of the differences between both options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObaM2il1_1c&t=27s
PSPRS--CORP website:
http://www.psprs.com/corrections-officer/
Full-time employees of government organizations may be able to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information click Student Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid.
Education Reimbursement Program: The program will provide up to $5,250 per calendar year towards the cost of tuition, required books, registration fees, and laboratory fees. The Employee’s lifetime maximum benefit would be for reimbursement of one Bachelor’s degree and one Master’s degree.