Which term refers to non-sworn staff who support policing by handling administrative tasks and community outreach duties?

• A. Lateral Transfers
• B. Community Service Officers
• C. Reserve Officer
• D. Precinct / District / Station

Answer: (B)

Non-sworn staff who support policing by handling administrative tasks and community outreach duties are called Community Service Officers. These civilian employees provide essential support without police powers, taking on non-enforcement work that helps the department run smoothly and keeps connections with the community strong. They might handle records and reports, assist with non-emergency tasks, support outreach programs, and help with clerical duties that would otherwise take sworn officers away from enforcement and investigations. By taking on these administrative and community-focused duties, Community Service Officers free sworn officers to concentrate on lawful enforcement and public safety responses.

Lateral transfers involve moving sworn officers between units or agencies, not identifying a civilian role. A Reserve Officer is a sworn position with police powers, often part-time, and thus not non-sworn. A precinct, district, or station refers to a geographic area or a police facility, not a job title.