Description

• Effective the first full pay periods following 1/1/2025, a 3% Cost of Living increase and up to 4% equity adjustment will be applied to the hourly wage for the Police Officer Lateral position (totaling 14% in two years). *The listed salary does not include an additional 17.5% in potential incentive pay upon completion of FTO or a projected 14% raise paid over the next two years*

The Position

Under immediate, then as proficiency increases, general supervision of a Field Training Officer, Police Sergeant or higher ranking official, incumbents in this classification perform and document varied law enforcement assignments through working assigned shifts in patrol or on specialty assignments and participating in training; perform related work as required.

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Patrol:
• Respond to emergency calls; administer first aide.
• Investigate reported crimes, suspicious activity, and traffic accidents.
• Investigate unattended deaths.
• Conduct the collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes.
• Patrol assigned sectors in a marked vehicle to provide preventive and enforcement action.
• Assist citizens in distress and provide information regarding police function/operations.
• Quell domestic disturbances and other disputes.
• Initiate suspicious person contacts and conduct field interrogations.
• Locate and apprehend persons for violations of statutes; arrange for booking, detention, and disposition of arrestees.
• Provide crowd, riot, and traffic control.
• Write reports which are accurate, clear, and concise.
• Testify in court.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints both in an office environment and while on patrol.
• Traffic:
• Perform selective enforcement of traffic violations at identified problem areas; use LIDAR, or other designated equipment.
• Conduct post storage hearings on towed vehicles and review complaints related to towing company activities.
• Author collision reports.
• Conduct investigations for hit and run, injury, and fatal accidents including accident reconstruction.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise special event traffic control.
• Advise and consult with City personnel on traffic issues.
• Present lectures and discussions to high school students.
• Conduct training for officers on changes in traffic law and reporting techniques.
• Conduct inspections of commercial vehicles for safety, weight, size, and load violations.
• School Resource:
• Investigate and apprehend persons who commit crimes on campus.
• Monitor gang activity as it related to criminal activity both on and off campus.
• Monitor bus stop and other campus areas where potential or ongoing problems exist.
• Act as the liaison between school staff and police department.
• Conduct formal presentations for students and staff; engage in informal discussions of law enforcement with students and staff.
• Coordinate and supervise security at school activities. Refer students to appropriate agencies for assistance.
• Coordinate and implement school fingerprinting program.
• Make home visits to truants; counsel students on minor law infractions.
• Investigations:
• Investigate aggravated, serial, or major crimes; follow up on cases initiated by Patrol.
• Develop leads through informants, police sources, citizens, and/or evidence.
• Interview witnesses; interrogate suspects.
• Collect, preserve, and arrange for proper identification of evidence.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; conduct search and seizure assignments.
• Review reports for trends; identify suspects and crime patterns.
• Work with the District Attorney in reviewing and preparing cases for court.

Ideal Candidate

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and court decisions related to law enforcement.
• City and departmental policies and procedures, including departmental orders and directives.
• Social behavior.
• Firearm safety and use.
• Occupational hazards and safety.
• Proper English, including punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Report writing.
• Business math.
• Problem solving techniques.
• Agency resources.
• Basic law enforcement terminology, methods and techniques for dealing with people under hostile and emergency situations.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Use and basic capabilities of computerized record and information systems.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations.

Ability To

• Speak English clearly in person, over the radio, and on the telephone; convey instructions in a precise, firm, authoritative manner.
• Read, understand and interpret laws, ordinances, general and special orders, training bulletins, court decisions, and department directives, policies, and procedures; explain law enforcement activities to the general public.
• Exercise tact, self-restraint, and good judgement in working with a variety of people including agency personnel as well as the general public.
• Control groups of people in stressful situations.
• Use defensive equipment; enforce laws in a fair and impartial manner; conduct information gathering interviews.
• Put people at ease to gain their confidence and cooperation; deal effectively with people suffering from mental illnesses or in various emotional states (e.g. anger, hostility, humiliation); persuade individuals to follow an alternative course of action.
• Pursue suspects over widely varying terrain; locate and apprehend suspects; physically perform the duties of the job while wearing full uniform and equipment.
• Work various shifts; irregular hours, holidays, and weekends; handle stress and hazardous situations.
• Complete other police related assignments associated with the classification as directed.

Licenses And Certificates

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Possess a valid P.O.ST. basic police academy certification or recertification.

Education And Experience

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a background investigation which meets the P.O.S.T.-mandated guidelines for Peace Officer Applicants.
• Must be free of felony convictions
• Prior use of controlled substances may be grounds for disqualification.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at appointment.
• Must be in good physical condition and possess physical strength and agility to effectively perform the duties of the position.
• Must meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards.
• Must have 20/30 corrected visual acuity (both eyes) or 20/80 uncorrected visual acuity (both eyes) for those wearing spectacles or hard contact lenses.

In accordance with Government Code Section 1031 and 1031.5, to be appointed as a peace officer in California, you must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Citizenship status must be conferred within three years of applying for citizenship.