Police Officer - Lateral

Salary : $108,420.00 - $140,088.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Patrol
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt


JOB DESCRIPTION
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The San Luis Obispo Police Department will be holding a continuous recruitment for current openings and anticipated retirements of long-standing employees. The department is seeking candidates who are progressive, engaged, and willing to dedicate themselves to the City of San Luis Obispo.

At this time we are looking for Lateral Police Officers. A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of recent law enforcement experience and possesses a California POST Basic Peace Officer certificate.Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview and physical agility test. These applicants will be selected based on the information contained on the application form, and resume.

In addition to a 100% service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service, lateral candidates will be eligible for an additional 40 hours of vacation upon completion of the first 6-months of employment.


JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, performs law enforcement and crime prevention activities, controls traffic flow, enforces State and local traffic regulations, participates in career development, special assignments and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of a police sergeant or other assigned ranking officer. As directed, to meet special assignment needs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Responds to situations involving in-progress or recent criminal activity to restore or maintain order and conducts in-depth investigations of criminal incidents.
• Reacts quickly and calmly in emergencies, make accurate assessments and take appropriate actions.
• Resolves conflicts of a potentially violent nature involving a wide variety of participants.
• Observes, reports, and follows up on conditions which pose potential threats to the public safety and health.
• Completes in a proper and thorough manner all assignments made by competent authority.
• Provides counseling, referral, and follow-up services to resolve domestic and civil crises.
• Takes an active role in promoting police community relations and crime prevention programs.
• Investigates and acts on State and City traffic enforcement.
• Provides rescue and first aid services as needed, in keeping with appropriate training
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Geography and population distribution of the City.
• The principles, practices, and techniques of police work.
• Human motivation, behavior patterns and criminal psychology.
• Basic criminal laws, criminal procedures, patrol techniques, case law, search warrants, investigative and evidentiary techniques.

Ability to:

• Testify under oath.
• Successfully complete all assigned training and to relate that training to field use.
• Safely and skillfully use firearms and other non-lethal weapons.
• Skillfully gather and preserve evidence, conduct effective interviews, express oneself concisely, and perform Police Officer duties.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
LATERAL POLICE OFFICER: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or G.E.D.;
and
Must possess a California Basic POST Certificate and be currently (or within the last two years) employed full time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency.
or
A California POST Re-qualification Course Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver issued within the last two years is also qualifying.

If you are currently employed full-time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff in another state, but have not obtained as California POST Basic Course Waiver or a Re-qualification Course Certificate, you must have begun that process prior to submitting an application (you must attach proof of enrollment to the application to be considered).

and
Must be at least twenty one years of age at time of appointment to Police Officer;
and
Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100. Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required;
and
Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Credit Check

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con View email address on click.appcast.io.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our


Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01


Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02


Have you completed a POST Basic Academy?

• Yes
• No

03


Have you attached your POST certification ? (Required) If you have not received your POST certification yet, you must attach proof of enrollment.

• Yes
• No

04


Are you currently (or within the last two years) employed full time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

05


How many years of experience do you have has a full-time, sworn police officer?

• 5 years or more
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

06


If you are currently employed full time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency, or have been within the last two years, please explain in detail.
07


What attracted you to apply for a position with the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department?
08


How many times have you visited San Luis Obispo?
09


Give us an example of an initiative you have participate in the past that exemplifies your willingness to exceed other's expectations.
10


Explain what skill sets are important for a Police Officer in San Luis Obispo.
11


Please describe a time you used community-based policing strategies in your previous role.
12


Do you have a corrected vision of 20/100? OR correction to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other? For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required. Please describe in detail.
13


Do you meet this qualification? Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.

• Yes
• No

14


Do you have a valid Class "C" California driver's license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license, do you have the ability to obtain one upon hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

• Currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license, but I HAVE the ability to obtain one prior to my hire/start date.
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license, and I DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain one.

15


If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Driver's License
• Other

Required Question