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Community Service Officer Cso Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CSO's are assigned to a variety of divisions within the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. CSO's are paraprofessional civilian personnel utilized to augment sworn members in the performance of their ...

Community Service Officer

Yreka, CA ยท On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

CSO's are assigned to a variety of divisions within the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. CSO's are paraprofessional civilian personnel utilized to augment sworn members in the performance of their ...

Community Service Officer

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$28.38 - $36.80/hr

Community Service Officer Eagan Police Department Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Benefit Eligible Pay: $28 ... Animal Control Related Duties Back up CSO II/Animal Control Officer when requested and take over ...

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Community Service Officer Cso information

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$2.4K

$5K

$6.6K

How much do community service officer cso jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average monthly pay for community service officer cso in the United States is $4,968.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,250.00 and $5,625.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges community service officers CSOs face when interacting with the public, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Community Service Officers often encounter situations where they must address concerns or resolve conflicts among community members, which can sometimes involve tense or emotionally charged interactions. One common challenge is de-escalating disputes while maintaining professionalism and ensuring everyone's safety. CSOs are trained to use strong communication and conflict resolution skills to build trust and foster positive relationships with the public. By remaining calm, actively listening, and applying department protocols, CSOs can effectively manage challenging interactions and contribute to a safer, more connected community.

What is the difference between Community Service Officer Cso vs Police Officer?

AspectCommunity Service Officer CsoPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; police academy training and certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, public events, non-enforcement rolesLaw enforcement agencies, patrols, crime scenes
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, community organizationsPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonCommunity Service Officer Cso vs Police Officer

The main difference between a Community Service Officer Cso and a Police Officer lies in their roles and responsibilities. CSOs focus on community engagement, non-enforcement duties, and assisting the public, often with less intensive training. Police Officers have law enforcement authority, perform patrols, and respond to emergencies. Both roles are vital in public safety but differ significantly in scope and authority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community service officer CSO?

To thrive as a Community Service Officer (CSO), you need a solid understanding of public safety procedures, criminal justice basics, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with police radio systems, incident reporting software, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help CSOs effectively engage with the public and support law enforcement teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining community trust, ensuring safety, and providing reliable assistance in various non-sworn law enforcement functions.

What is a community service officer CSO?

Community Service Officers (CSOs) are civilian personnel who assist law enforcement agencies with non-emergency duties and community support services. They typically handle tasks such as taking reports, directing traffic, conducting neighborhood patrols, and working on crime prevention initiatives. CSOs do not carry firearms or have arrest powers, but they play a vital role in enhancing community safety and allowing sworn officers to focus on emergency responses and investigations. Their presence helps strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
More about Community Service Officer Cso jobs

What cities are hiring for Community Service Officer Cso jobs?

Cities with the most Community Service Officer Cso job openings:

What states have the most Community Service Officer Cso jobs?

States with the most job openings for Community Service Officer Cso jobs include:

Infographic showing various Community Service Officer Cso job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,627 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Community Service Officer (CSO)

City of Lake Forest, IL

Lake Forest, IL โ€ข On-site

$16.80/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary: $16.80 Hourly
Location : Public Safety Building; 255 W Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL
Job Type: Part Time
Department: Police Department
Division: Police Services
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Description
Are you an aspiring law enforcement professional looking to gain invaluable field experience? Do you have strong communication skills and a passion for helping your community? The City of Lake Forest is seeking a dedicated and community-minded Community Service Officer to support our Police Department.
As a uniformed, unarmed civilian, you will work directly alongside our sworn police officers, gaining a deep understanding of police procedures, tactics, and operations. This position provides an environment that actively encourages the development of your problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal communication skills, setting a strong foundation to help you become a certified law enforcement officer at a local, county, or state agency.
Examples of Duties
  • Public & Community Service: Work directly with the public to handle, de-escalate, and resolve non-criminal complaints. Provide traffic control at vehicle accidents, active construction zones, and designated school crossing details. Assist with equipment set-up, crowd control, and traffic routing for city-sponsored and community events. Conduct routine visibility patrols in commercial districts and high-violation parking zones.
  • Calls for Service & Reports: Write comprehensive, accurate incident reports for minor crimes, property damage, and non-injury traffic accidents. Manage walk-in citizen requests, process station reports, and answer non-emergency telephone inquiries. Apply and interpret local municipal codes to deliver accurate information to residents, visitors, and department staff.
  • Ordinance Enforcement: Issue citations for violations of local regulations, including parking restrictions, animal control laws, and city vehicle compliance. Investigate animal control complaints, handle reported animal bites, and process required quarantine paperwork. Safely capture, restrain, and transport stray, injured, or lost domestic pets and local wildlife to designated shelters.
  • Departmental Support: Transport department vehicles and specialized equipment to and from municipal garages or repair facilities. Retrieve and deliver documents, evidence, and specialized gear as authorized by department supervisors. Support sworn personnel with data entry, evidence logging, and general administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
  • High School Graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Valid Illinois Driver's License.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak clearly.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and function at a high level under hectic, fast-paced conditions.
  • Working knowledge of standard productivity software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and the adaptability to learn proprietary police Records Management Systems (RMS) and electronic ticketing software.

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Must successfully pass a Police Department pre-employment screening process.
  • Must be available to work an irregular schedule tailored to city needs, including rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-backs.
  • Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, kneel, squat, and handle unpredictable animals in various outdoor climates.

Hours and Pay
  • Anticipated Hiring Rate: Starting at $21.00 per hour, depending on qualifications
  • Full pay range: $16.80 - $31.36
  • Part-time: approximately 32 hours per week
  • Benefits: IMRF pension, vacation time

Why Join the City of Lake Forest?
  • Be part of a progressive, professional, and supportive team that helps keep the Lake Forest safe, orderly, and responsive.
  • Support crucial field operations, public safety initiatives, community events, and Police Department functions that are essential to a transparent and effective local government.
  • Use your strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills in a dynamic civilian role where your accuracy and dedication truly matter.
  • Work directly alongside sworn officers in a collaborative environment that values trust, respect, excellence, and integrity.
  • Help protect the daily life of a vibrant community and gain invaluable knowledge on which you can launch a successful career in public safety on.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full job description here:
The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.
No benefits are associated with this position.