Lateral Police Officer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL APPLICANTS
Applicants must be a minimum of 20 1/2 years of age at time of applying. 

Graduation from high school of GED equivalency. 

Must possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license.

OUT OF STATE LATERAL APPLICANTS
Must possess a valid state license of place of residency. Applicant must obtain California Class C driver's license after meeting residency requirements.

Out of State waiver issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training must be submitted with application.

Must be currently employed and in good standing with a law enforcement agency of the United States.

Knowledge of: Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques. Criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the seizure and preserva­tion of evidence. Offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory. First aid principles, practices and techniques. Self defense tactics. Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Customer service needs and delivery. Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to: Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software. Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to: Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places. Use, maintain proficiency and properly care for firearms and other defensive weapons, including but not limited to side-arms, patrol rifle, shotgun, and less lethal weapons. Understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports. Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action. Identify potential crime situations or traffic hazards and take preventive action. Meet the first aid requirement as prescribed by the State of California and to administer first aid. Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks. Meet the physical requirements established by the Department. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.

Check buildings for physical security.

Respond to general public service calls and complaints including domestic and public disturbances, automobile accidents, robberies, and related misdemeanor and felony incidents.

Collect, process, photograph and present evidence, including but not limited to fingerprints, blood and related physical evidence.

Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; check speed with radar; issue warnings and citations.

Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.

Conduct traffic accident analyses; conduct investigations of serious injury and fatal traffic accidents.

Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.

Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.

Take an active role in areas of public education relative to crime and crime prevention.

Prepare reports on arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.

Maintain custody of prisoners; transfer prisoners to jail. Investigate crimes; gather and preserve evidence; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects; apprehend and arrest offenders.

Testify and present evidence in court.

May serve as Field Training Officer as assigned; train new officers on departmen­tal policies, procedures and activities.

May conduct a variety of criminal investigations involving crimes against persons and property, auto theft, white collar crime, and narcotics; conduct covert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.

May serve as Intelligence Officer; gather crime related intelligence information and conduct background investigations; coordinate information and activities with outside agencies and jurisdictions.

May conduct personnel recruitment background investigations; interview potential job candidates and references.

May serve as K-9 Officer, member of the Department S.W.A.T Team, or member of the Drug Task Force.

May serve as Crime Prevention Officer; oversee and coordinate crime prevention activities; make presentations to local citizens and community groups.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
The examination process may consist of an oral interview weighing 100% of your overall score. Prior to employment, applicants must successfully pass a background interview with the Police Chief or his designated representative, a polygraph, and an in-depth background investigation. Conditional job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a psychological evaluation and a pre-employment medical exam which includes an alcohol/drug screen exam. Failure to receive a recommendation for hire at any phase of these procedures will result in disqualification. 

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.  Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.