Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate)

Salary : $87,033.80 - $111,079.63 Annually
Location : La Palma, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2026-0011
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


This is an open recruitment to fill (1) current vacancy and to establish an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies. Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASES. Apply early as this position may close at any time without notice. First review June 1, 2026.
Effective July 1, 2025, new hires will receive a hiring bonus of $13,000.00. This bonus will be paid in three installments:

1. $5,000.00 will be paid on the first paycheck following the Employee's hire.

2. $4,000.00 will be paid on the first paycheck after successfully completing the Employee's probationary period.

3. $4,000.00 will be paid the first paycheck after forty-two (42) months of continued employment as a Police Officer.
The incumbent will enjoy a family environment and be a part of an enthusiastic work force that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events.
The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare them for advancement by introducing them to a variety of law enforcement related projects and responsibilities. If you want to join a hard-working team that shares a commitment to keep the City of La Palma safe, clean, and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of La Palma.
Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work!
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Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; performs investigative work; participates in and provides support and assistance to special department crime-prevention and enforcement programs; performs related duties as required.
This is the entry level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status. Positions allocated to the Police Officer class are assigned to a number of functional areas within the Police Department; some of the duties assigned, as determined by the Chief of Police, require prior experience with the La Palma Police Department.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: City of La Palma applications are required and can be obtained online at The Human Resources Office must receive completed applications, resumes, and supplemental questionnaires (if required) by the final filing date and time listed to be eligible for consideration. Facsimiles will not be accepted. Resumes will not, nor will references to a resume, be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. References to a resume on the application form may disqualify the application.


SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be screened and those candidates who present the most relevant qualifications and possess the required licenses and certificates for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include testing and oral interviews.

A Background Investigation, including a criminal record check may be required prior to any offer of employment. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including a drug and alcohol screen).

Should a qualified individual with disabilities need reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the examination process, the City of La Palma must be notified no later than five working days prior to the scheduled examination date.

The City of La Palma does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, or disability. Equal employment opportunity will apply to all personnel actions, including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, training, transfers, promotions, evaluation, compensation, discipline, layoffs, terminations, and rehires.

NOTE: All employees of the City of La Palma are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be a Disaster Service Workers; In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health, and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours, and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change.

Scope of Work and Examples of Duties


Depending on assignment, essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Patrol


Patrols City in radio equipped car, on foot, on bicycle or motorcycle; answers calls for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws; conducts preliminary and follow up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents. Makes arrests as necessary; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogates suspects; gathers and preserves evidence; testifies and presents evidence in court.

Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses. Prepares reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed. Checks buildings for physical security. Searches, fingerprints, and transports prisoners. Administer CPR and first aid as necessary.

Establishes, fosters and maintains positive and harmonious working relationships with co workers, the general public, contractors, vendors, citizen groups, and elected officials.

Assists in training and evaluating patrol personnel.

Traffic Safety

Patrols streets during designated times to control traffic safety conditions and to enforce traffic safety laws. Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; observes conditions and events which affect traffic safety and either takes corrective actions or reports such conditions and suggestions for improvement. Responds to calls related to traffic incidents and emergencies; responds to and investigates traffic accidents. Assists and advises motorists in traffic and pedestrian safety.


Court Services

Processes prisoners; serves warrants and subpoenas; files and processes misdemeanor and felony complaints.


Investigator

Coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming and narcotics violations. Participates in all law enforcement activities, including enforcing local and state laws, issuing citations, making arrests, administering first aid, and transporting prisoners. Performs undercover and surveillance activities.

Prepares investigative reports and case information; provide evidence and testimony in court; answers questions from the public concerning local and State laws, procedures and Police Department activities.

Interviews victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects; collects, preserves and maintains found property, property for safe keeping, and evidence that is involved with suspected crimes; serves warrants and subpoenas.

Develops and maintains positive relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.

Public Relations

Plans, coordinates and participates in law enforcement education and crime prevention programs for the general public; schools; youth organizations; civic, fraternal and community groups.

Training Officer

Develops, conducts and coordinates training programs; evaluates training and related equipment needs. Assists in recruitment and selection.

Incumbents may be assigned to work various and rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and are required to work overtime as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations; P.O.S.T. standards.

Ability to: Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places; use and care for firearms; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; learn, understand, and interpret laws, regulations, and policies; communicate clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly and with correct English grammar usage and spelling; estimate vehicle speed using physical evidence and mathematical formulas or graphs; sketch accident and crime scenes; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; restrain and/or subdue individuals by means of baton techniques, locks, grips, holds or restraining devices, such as handcuffs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate effectively with a variety of people of various socio cultural backgrounds; exercise tact, self restraint, judgment and strategy in dealing with a variety of people, adversaries and advocates; understand and carry out oral and written directions; meet the physical requirements established by the Department ; provide a high level of customer service.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Example combinations include:

Graduation from high school or G.E.D. is required. No prior police experience required for entry level, however, entry level applicants must possess a valid POST Certificate or must have completed an approved POST Academy within the last three years.

Required Licenses and Certificates

Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Physical Demands & Work Environment


The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The essential duties of this position require the incumbents to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and drag objects up to 160 pounds; climb or jump over fences, walls and other obstacles; climb up to elevated surfaces; use bodily force to gain entrance through barriers; run to pursue fleeing suspects on foot. Mediate confrontations with hostile or potentially hostile people; work under potentially hazardous or emergency conditions, such as in progress criminal activity, exchange of gunfire, unruly crowds and assemblies, raids and apprehensions of dangerous criminals, deadly attacks; engage in high speed pursuits driving on open roads or in congested areas; direct traffic using hand signals, flashlights, illuminated batons, flares, traffic cones or other barriers; remain calm in emergency situations. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment


The duties of this position frequently require working in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, in high precarious places or with explosives. This position occasionally requires exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, vibration and loud noise levels.
The City offers a highly competitive compensation package which is dependent upon qualifications. The City's attractive benefits package includes the following:
Retirement - The City offers the CalPERS 2% at 57 formula for new CalPERS members.; OR 2% at 55 formula for existing CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS reciprocal agency. Employees are responsible for paying the full Employee contribution through payroll deduction. The City pays a 1.25% incentive pay for PEPRA Safety Employees. Additional details on the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process. For further information about CalPERS, please contact CalPERS directly. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the mandatory Medicare Program.
Medical Insurance - The City contracts with CalPERS to offer medical insurance to employees and their eligible dependents. The City provides a monthly health benefit allowance to be used toward monthly health insurance premiums are currently $921.49 Employee Only, $1,411.49 Employee + 1, $1,670.49 Employee + 2.
Wellness Program - All employees and their dependents are enrolled in a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
Dental Insurance - The City provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. The City pays 100% of the premium and has a reimbursement program (up to 30%) for crowns.
Vision Insurance - The City has a vision care reimbursement program (up to $400) per employee and their eligible dependents per fiscal year.
Life Insurance - The City provides $100,000 in basic group term life insurance for employees with additional coverage for eligible dependents. Employees may purchase additional coverage by participating in AFLAC plans.
Disability Insurance - The City provides short and long term disability insurance coverage with the City paying 100% of the premium.
Flexible Spending Accounts - The City currently offers a flexible spending account plan through which employees may set aside pre-tax dollars for a wide variety of eligible non-reimbursable medical expenses for themselves or their eligible dependents and/or eligible dependent care expenses.
Additional Insurance Opportunities - The City contracts with AFLAC to provide additional health, dental, and life insurance coverage, as well as many other reimbursable plans. Employees may set up these accounts as pre-tax dollars.
Deferred Compensation Accounts - The City offers employees the option to defer pre-tax earnings through the ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; contributions are at the employee's discretion.
Retiree Health Benefits - The City contributes the minimum Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) contribution, currently $416 per month, toward retiree medical insurance for retirees who elect to continue their CalPERS medical coverage into retirement. The City does not offer retiree dental or vision coverage.
Holidays - Ten (10) paid fixed holidays and 32 hours of paid floating holiday time annually are provided. Employees are required to use either floating holiday time, vacation time, or compensatory time to facilitate a holiday closure between Christmas and New Years.
Vacation - Full-time employees entering service after July 1, 2011, earn 80 hours of annual vacation leave per year and can accrue a total balance of 120 hours, increasing incrementally after 5 years of service.
Sick Leave - 96 hours per year and can accrue a total balance of 760 hours.
Professional Achievement Program - Police Officers are eligible to receive: Intermediate POST Certificate 2.5% of base salary; Advanced POST Certificate 5% of base salary; or 2.5% of base salary for an Associate of Arts Degree; and 5% of base salary for a Bachelors Degree.
Special Assignment Pay - Investigation Bureau or School Resource Officer receives 5% of base pay during assignment; Corporal-in-Charge Pay receives $100/shift only when acting as Patrol Supervisor. Field Training Officer receives $200 per month.

Bilingual Pay - The City offers employees the opportunity to test once per year for bilingual accuracy. After successfully passing an interactive test, the employee will receive $150/month. Testing is renewed biannually in order to continue receiving the stipend.

Work Hours - Safety full-time employees work a three day work week/12 hour work days; Non-Safety Dispatchers full-time employees work a four day work week/10 hour work days; Non-Safety full-time employees work a four day work week/10 hour work days, a 40 hour work week, Monday - Thursday.
01


Did you attach a cover letter and resume with your application(required)? (Each document should be no more than two pages)

• Yes
• No

02


What do you know about the City of La Palma and the La Palma Police Department? Based on the knowledge you have about the City and La Palma and Police Department, why are you interested in becoming a part of the City of La Palma? (minimum 75 words)
03


Describe how your qualifications (experience, training, and education) make you a good candidate for this position. What personal attributes make you stand out from other candidates? (minimum 75 words)
04


How many years of civilian and/or sworn law enforcement experience do you have (i.e. Dispatcher, Records, CSO, Police Aide, Explorer, Police Officer, etc.)?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 4 - 6 years
• 7 or more years

05


Although this position is considered entry level, it does have minimum requirements, including possession of a valid POST Certificate or being a recent graduate of a POST approved academy within the last three years. Please select the status that best reflects your qualifications.

• No prior police officer experience
• Academy graduate (basic course) within the last three years or next three months
• Active Reserve Peace Officer with academy graduation within the last three years
• Previous Peace Officer experience; however, no POST Basic Certificate
• Previous Peace Officer with valid POST Basic Certificate or higher
• Active full-time Peace Officer (Lateral applicant)

06


Have you ever been convicted of any crime other than minor traffic violations?

• Yes
• No

07


If you answered yes, please describe the crime(s) for which you were convicted, the date(s) upon which you were convicted, and each jurisdiction in which you were convicted. The convictions which have been legally expunged or sealed. Conviction is not an automatic bar to employment, each case is considered on its own merits).
08


Are you currently released on bail or on your own recognizance for any crime other than minor traffic violations?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered yes, please describe the crime(s) for which you were charged, the date(s) upon which you were charged, and each jurisdiction in which you were charged.
10


Have you ever been arrested or detained by a Law Enforcement agency where charges were not filed?

• Yes
• No

11


If you answered yes, please describe the crime(s) for which you were detained, the date(s) upon which you were detained, and each jurisdiction in which you were detained.
12


Have you ever been enrolled in a California public retirement system?

• Yes
• No

13


If yes, please list the name(s) of the California public retirement system(s) (e.g. CalPERS, PARS, CalSTRS, etc.)
14


If you are no longer contributing toward a California public retirement system, please indicate when you separated membership.
Required Question