Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Trained

Police Officer

The Fullerton Police Department is dedicated to the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Protection of Life and Liberty, and the relentless Pursuit of Justice.

PREVENT - PROTECT - PURSUE

Looking for a workplace where you are more than a statistic or a cog in the machine? How about a job that brings enthusiasm and passion back to your daily routine? Why Fullerton PD? The Fullerton Police Department believes in and utilizes a Community-based policing philosophy, which follows the principle that when communities and law enforcement engage in communication and cooperation, we can better serve the community as a whole. As a result, personnel are involved in all aspects of the community, including schools, neighborhoods, and community organizations. A s you already know, law enforcement is a noble and honorable calling that requires integrity, honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serving our community. With a complement of approximately 180 employees, 125 sworn and 55 civilian positions, our department is made up of men and women who encompass these qualities. We pride ourselves on our family environment, where you aren't just another number, but an integral part of our mission. Rediscover that feeling of excitement and commitment by joining the Fullerton PD. APPLY TODAY!

Highlights of the newly adopted Memorandum of Agreement include:

• Future across-the-board increases:
• 4% in July of 2026
• 4% in July of 2027
• 6% Longevity Pay* after your 5th year of City employment
• 10% Longevity Pay* after your 9th year of City employment - Years of experience with another law enforcement agency counts too!

* See the new Memorandum of Agreement for details, as well as additional benefits information.

The Position: The City of Fullerton is seeking experienced Police Officers to fill multiple vacancies. Under general supervision, performs sworn police duties in the prevention of crime and the enforcement of law and order; performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, special assignments, and other law enforcement activities, and performs related work as required. The Police Officer position is a series that includes:

• Police Officer I $7,436 - $10,463 per mo.
• Police Officer II** $7,622 - $10,725 per mo.
• Police Officer III** $8,143 - $11,457 per mo.

**Please refer to the job description to view additional requirements for advancement. Years of sworn law enforcement experience with another law enforcement agency now count toward the service years requirement.

Employment Guidelines

Requirements for a Lateral or Academy Trained Police Officer:

• Graduation from high school; and
• Possession of a valid POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate; or
• Graduation from a POST-certified academy within the last three years; or
• Completion of a POST-sponsored recertification course. This is required if you have not been employed with a California law enforcement agency within the last three years or within three years of graduation from a POST-certified academy.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate City needs. Shift work and work on weekends and holidays is required. Incumbents are subject to overtime and callback.
• Must be able to pass a department pre-employment screening and background.
• Lateral transfers to the classification of Police Officer from other agencies must possess a Basic POST Certificate at the time of City of Fullerton appointment.
• Valid Class C California Driver's License and acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.

Process: Candidates must attach a valid POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate, proof of completion of a POST recertification course, or proof of completion for a POST academy within the last three years, to the application. Candidates who successfully pass the application review will be invited to participate in a department interview. If you have any questions about our Police Department or the hiring process, please contact Corporal Justin Melendez at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Information

Additional Information:

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and will remain on file for six months from the date received and are reviewed when there is a need to fill a vacancy. After the six-month period, applicants are encouraged to re-apply.

Applicants considered for appointment to Police Officer are subject to an extensive and in-depth background investigation, including a polygraph examination.

All employment offers, including appointment offers to City of Fullerton employees, are conditional based upon the successful completion of a medical examination performed by the City's designated physician, at City expense. Medical examinations are administered to assess an individual's ability to perform the physical and mental requirements of this position. In addition, City of Fullerton employees appointed to safety-sensitive classifications and all new hires will undergo a drug screen.

All new hires, including non-regular City of Fullerton employees, appointed to this position will serve a one-year probationary period. California Government Code §3100 – 3109 requires that all public employees are to be declared disaster service workers and shall take and subscribe to the related oath or affirmation as required.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for hire.

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.

The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.

The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io prior to the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.