Police Officer - POST Grad or Lateral Transfer

Welcome to the City of Atascadero Police Department – where modern-day policing meets a distinctive and rewarding employee culture. Aspiring law enforcement officers will find an exceptional environment that prioritizes cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment, reflecting our commitment to providing our officers with the best tools for effective and efficient policing.

In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive health coverage, our department takes pride in offering an extensive employee wellness program. This program is carefully crafted to enhance the physical and mental well-being of our team members. It encompasses access to fitness resources, mental health support, wellness workshops, and various initiatives designed to foster a healthy work-life balance. We firmly believe in investing in the overall wellness of our employees, creating a positive and thriving workplace environment.

At the Atascadero Police Department, we adopt a proactive approach to crime reduction. This strategy involves leveraging predictive analytics, community policing, and early intervention techniques. Specifically tailored for individuals not yet certified as law enforcement officers, our open positions offer a unique opportunity. Selected candidates will undergo training at a POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified Law Enforcement Academy, ensuring they receive comprehensive and standardized training to meet the demanding requirements of the job.

If you are passionate about law enforcement and seeking a dynamic and supportive environment to begin or further your career, we encourage you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of policing in Atascadero.

The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• On assigned, rotating shifts, patrols designated areas either in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot, enforces City, County, and State laws, conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations, responds to calls for service, makes field contacts, completes forms, serves warrants and subpoenas, works traffic accident scenes, and performs other general police functions.
• Makes arrests as necessary, interviews victims, complainants and witnesses, interrogates suspects, gathers and preserves evidence, receives, searches and books prisoners, fingerprints and transports prisoners, testifies and presents evidence in court.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.  Writes reports and field notes, participates in staff development, and attends briefings and training sessions.
• Assists the public and answers questions, administers first aid and responds to calls for medical assistance, establishes and maintains good relationships with the public.
• May participate in or be assigned to special programs such as canine, traffic unit, investigations, or school resource officer as a rotating assignment.
• Attends and/or schedules meetings within the community to foster communication with citizen’s groups and individuals.
• Participates in community-based policing; must be familiar with and work to promote positive interactions between law enforcement and all members of the community.  Participates in community activities. 
• Engages in collaborative partnerships with community members and organizations to be part of developing solutions to problems and to increase trust in the department.
• Coordinates police activities within any given beat or other geographical area;
• Participates in and coordinates other City Departments’ teamwork. Performs other related duties as required.

• Must be at least twenty-one years of age at time of appointment.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Weight in proportion to height, vision correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses supplied by the applicant, and normal depth perception.
• Possess Certificate of Completion from an accredited basic P.O.S.T Academy
• Must possess or be eligible for a valid First Aid Certificate issued by the American Red Cross and verified completion of an approved CPR course within one year of the appointment.
• Must meet all other current requirements in keeping with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Must possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
• Must meet the Department’s Fitness for Duty standards as defined in the Policy Manual. 
• In addition to the above qualifications, Lateral Police Officer applicants must possess a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate and have a minimum of two years of full-time experience, as defined in Section 830.1 of the California Penal Code, with a California law enforcement agency.
• Must be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual preference that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

• Analyze situations quickly and effectively, interpret the application of criminal law, department policy, and standard procedures, perform training and/or give guidance as needed, identify and assume control of situations that require intervention.
• Interact effectively with the community, liaison groups and their representatives, other governmental agencies, coworkers, and management;
• Organize and prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, utilizing basic typing and personal computer skills.
• Clearly communicate in a concise, legible and comprehensive manner, including reading, writing and oral communication in English; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with supervisor(s), coworkers and the public; effectively communicate with local citizens and understand the community.
• Deal with a variety of culturally sensitive issues and proactively engage in collaborative partnerships with diverse individuals, groups, community members and organizations.
• Use firearms; react quickly and calmly in emergencies; and to exercise good judgement in personal encounters and relationships with the public.
• As trained and required, ability to operate patrol vehicle, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, first aid equipment, cellular telephone, mobile computer and desktop computer including records management and word processing software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 3211.9, service is essential in times of extreme emergency or disaster. For this reason, State law designates public employees as “Disaster Service Workers”. As such and even when off-duty, this position may be required to return to duty in case of emergency or disaster.
• Ability to meet department’s physical standards;
• Must be a United States Citizen or hold status of “Permanent Resident.”