Public Service Aid (PSA)

About the Role

The Public Service Aid (PSA) serves as a vital support pillar for the Albuquerque Police Department, playing a critical role in enhancing law enforcement effectiveness and public safety for the community. This non-supervisory position operates under the general guidance of the Police Chief, Deputy Chief, or Sergeant to assist in a wide array of duties, from traffic control and crime scene preservation to non-arrest investigations and prisoner transport.

The PSA is integral to the department's mission of reducing crime opportunities through preventive patrol and ensuring the safety of citizens. The role requires a high degree of alertness to identify potential hazards, report suspicious activities, and maintain peace at public gatherings. PSAs work in shifts that include weekends, holidays, and unscheduled overtime, often operating in all weather conditions both inside and outside.

Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with department members to ensure continuity of purpose and achieving departmental objectives. PSAs are responsible for recording field information, maintaining uniforms and equipment, and assisting citizens with inquiries or referrals to appropriate agencies.

Key activities include patrolling assigned areas to familiarize oneself with local businesses, roads, and emergency services; identifying wanted subjects; and completing detailed reports on crimes, vehicle crashes, and incidents. PSAs may be called upon to preserve crime scenes, conduct investigations of minor non-arrestable offenses, and collect evidence. The role also involves directing traffic flow, enforcing parking ordinances, and responding to public emergencies once the scene is cleared by officers. Additionally, PSAs manage the secure receipt and transport of evidence and property, serve official papers, and may testify in court or confer with prosecutors.

Application Instructions

Applications for this full-time regular position are accepted on an open basis until the role is filled. Candidates must meet specific qualification standards, including a high school degree or equivalent, and the ability to complete a certified Public Service Aid Academy offered by the Albuquerque Police or Central New Mexico Community College. Applicants must also pass a city drug test and have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes of moral turpitude.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Albuquerque Police Department is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process for all candidates.