Experienced Police Officer (Lateral)

We have an opening for the position of an Experienced Police Officer (Lateral) in the Police Department of the City of Escondido. Testing Dates Physical Agility/PIQ: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Oral Interviews: Monday, August 24, 2026 Summary Under general supervision, patrols a beat or sector; enforces laws and ordinances and makes arrests; protects life and property, and performs the necessary related tasks to fulfill these objectives; performs related duties as required. Key Responsibilities Patrols assigned areas by car, bike, motorcycle or on foot. Answers calls for assistance, including investigation of crimes, deaths, accidents, and injuries; conducts initial and follow‑up investigations. Enforces, controls, and directs traffic when appropriate. Stops drivers who violate traffic laws and enforces traffic violations; warns drivers against illegal practices. Performs arrests for all criminal violations of law. Testifies in court in connection with the prosecution of offenders. Serves warrants and subpoenas. Administers first aid in emergency cases. Answers complaints on domestic disturbances, obnoxious animals, health code and local ordinance violations. Investigates suspicious circumstances. Takes custody of stolen, lost or found property and evidence. Performs crowd control, parade or riot work. Implements crime prevention measures and assists in controlling problems of juvenile delinquency; performs detective work in criminal investigation and identification work. Transports prisoners to be booked at county jail. Furnishes information and directions to the public. Submits complete written reports on all cases investigated. Participates in required training courses and programs. Supervision may be exercised over non‑sworn positions. Provides vacation and temporary relief as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: The principles, methods, materials, equipment, and techniques of peace officers. Crime scene procedures. Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information on peace officers. State and federal statutes and case law covering contraband, drugs, and the use of physical evidence in court, the rules of criminal procedures concerning time limits, discovery, evidence, and expert witnesses. Police Department policies, procedures, rules, regulations and unit functions. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications. Customer service principles and techniques. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ability To: Prepare clear and concise police reports. Interpret, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Analyze emergency situations and adopt quick, reasonable and effective courses of action. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Lift and move objects of moderate to heavy weight. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times. Participate in the high level of customer service to internal and external customers. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing software applications. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff, vendors and the public. Type and/or enter data at 30 net words per minute. Minimum Requirements Fingerprinted and a search made of local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. Not convicted of a felony by any State or Federal Government of a crime including imprisonment in a Federal or State prison. Good moral character as determined by a polygraph examination and a thorough background investigation as prescribed in Specification #1, Personal History Statement. Successfully complete requirements of medical and psychological evaluation. Authorized to work in the United States. Must not be less than 21 years of age at time of appointment. Lateral Entry High school graduate or equivalent. Must have one year (full‑time equivalent) of experience with a California Enforcement Department and possess a Basic POST Certificate. Requalification of Regular Basic Course (RBC) training (POST Requalification Course) is required if the applicant has not held a position requiring the RBC within the past three years, or if there has been a three‑year or longer break in service from a position that requires the RBC. Written test may be waived. License or Certificate Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license at time of appointment. POST Regulations Specification #1 – Personal History Statement This requirement supplements Section 1002 of the POST Commission Regulations. A personal history investigation must be conducted of each recruit employed pursuant to Part 4 of Title 4, Chapter 1 of the California Penal Code to determine any character traits that might prevent the applicant from becoming a successful peace officer. Specification #2 – Physical Examination This requirement supplements Section 1002(b) (1) of the POST regulations. Requirements include psychological testing and standards for hearing, color vision, and visual acuity as detailed below. Vision and hearing requirements: listen and repeat whispered words at least 15 feet, uncorrected; pass a color vision test identifying 12 Ishihara plates; visual acuity not exceeding 20/20 corrected or 20/200 correctable to 20/20. Waivers may be granted under specific conditions. Testing Dates Physical Agility/PIQ: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Oral Interviews: Monday, August 24, 2026 Selection Procedure Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates invited to appear for testing. Candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list; selection for appointment is based on the list. Background investigation, fingerprinting, and verification of the legal right to work in the United States are required. Medical examination and probationary period apply. E‑Verify® is used. Required oath and training apply. Veterans' Preference Served in the U.S. armed forces. Received an honorable discharge. Did not retire from military service. Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. Benefits The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. A program of choice allows coverage selection based on individual and family needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr