Police Officer Lateral

This position is accountable as a team member to perform operational and support duties and services. Principal duties include general and directed patrol, investigation of crimes and non-criminal incidents, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and other duties as required. Officers may be assigned to any division within the department. The following and additional duties are performed personally and as assigned by the Chief of Police:

• Patrols assigned areas of the City in a vehicle and responds to routine and emergency calls for service on foot or other means to protect life and preserve law and order.
• Performs duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances and initiates appropriate law enforcement action; interprets and applies laws, regulations, policies, procedures and precedents firmly, courteously, tactfully and impartially to achieve successful results in support of the Department's mission, goals, and objectives.
• Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Department; attends Commission, community and department meetings and represents the Department and City as assigned; makes presentations and speaks at public events. Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department.
• Works irregular hours including days, evenings, nights and overtime including weekends and holidays; must be available for call-back and automatic return to work with a reasonable response time during off-duty hours for major emergencies, disasters, critical incidents and as otherwise required.
• Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of the City's geography.
• Practices law enforcement procedures and techniques effectively including standard broadcasting procedures for the police radio system.
• Operates computers and uses a variety of law enforcement and common office software including word processing, geographic information systems, law enforcement databases, and specialized law enforcement programs.
• Investigates suspicious persons and circumstances; observes and accurately recalls places, names, faces vehicles, and incidents.
• Interviews, interrogates and records statements from victims, witnesses and suspects as a preliminary investigation of criminal, civil, nuisance and quality of life incidents; identifies relevant facts; prepares written reports that are accurate, comprehensive and written with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Reacts quickly, efficiently and calmly in emergency situations.
• Responds to major incidents reported to the Police Department; comprehends and uses the Incident Command System/Standardized Emergency Management System (ICS/SEMS) protocol; assumes the role as Incident Commander until relieved by a higher authority or other role as needed for the situation; ensures the safety of responders and others, the achievement of tactical objectives and the efficient use of resources.
• Applies laws, court decisions, Department and City policies, criminal investigation theories, etc. to collect, organize and analyze information and determine a reasonable course of action.
• Understands and follows oral and written directions; relates positively to supervisors, peers and the public; enforces laws that may conflict with personal values.
• Assists the public by responding to inquires, making referrals to community resources; provides public education and training in crime prevention, traffic safety, and other laws as necessary.
• Apprehends criminals, makes arrests, and collects and preserves evidence at crime scenes; serves warrants and subpoenas.
• Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies to investigate crime and apprehend criminals.
• Performs first aid, CPR and operates AED devices.
• Enforces traffic laws and issues citations; conducts tests for intoxicated drivers; directs traffic and investigates collisions.
• Appears in court to present evidence and testimony; responds to mandatory court appearances during irregular hours.
• Attends training assignments and maintains proficiency in the perishable skills of the safe operation of vehicles, proficient use of firearms and other weapons, weaponless defense and arrest and control techniques.
• Refrains from abusing authority, applies discretion, and assumes a command presence in conflict situations; acts with honesty, integrity, honor, courage, self-confidence, maturity, tolerance and stamina.
• Makes timely, sound independent judgment within legal and procedural guidelines and demonstrates a significant degree of initiative, reliability, good judgment and discretion to perform a community oriented, problem solving approach to policing.
• Delivers outstanding internal and external customer service, communicates effectively orally and in writing with the public and fellow employees; solves problems and supports the City's mission, policies, goals, and objectives.
• Exercises initiative, courtesy and independent judgment; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the Department and City staff, other agencies and the public; communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• Provides sound decision making skills and critical thinking to provide professional recommendations, decisions and completed staff work.
• Works cooperatively with personnel, co-workers and the management team; exercises tact, self-restraint and good judgment; takes initiative to achieve positive, timely results for the organization with diplomatic skills and ethical conduct.
• Conducts duties, responsibilities, tasks and assignments with a constructive, cooperative, positive, and professional attitude and demeanor.
• Supports the City's mission, goals, policies and objectives; delivers outstanding internal and external customer service; solve problems and communicate effectively with the public and fellow employees.
• Supports the City's corporate values of: openness and honesty; integrity and ethics; accountability; outstanding customer service; teamwork; excellence; and fiscal responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

• High school diploma or G.E.D. Completion required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is desirable
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Certificate with successful completion of probation as a full-time peace officer.
• If applying as an out-of-state lateral officer: Successful completion of a Basic Course Waiver process administered by California Commission on P.O.S.T.
  • Details on the Basic Course Waiver Process are available on the P.O.S.T. website. 
• Current employment in good standing with a law enforcement agency of the United States, or departure in good standing from a law enforcement agency within the last eighteen (18) months.

• Ten (10) years of past work history (any employment)
• Attachment of your P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or Basic Course Waiver (Required to submit application)

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 12 months

CLASSIFICATION: This position is covered under FLSA standards for overtime and is a member of the classified service.

Selection Process:
The selection process may include but is not limited to: Application review and evaluation, written examination, performance test, and interview. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process, such as: Reference check, background investigation, fingerprint criminal history check, post-offer drug test, post-offer psychological and post-offer medical examination, the cost of which will be borne by the City.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.