Police Officer - Lateral

Job Overview Downey Police Department is hiring a full‑time Police Officer. The position offers competitive pay, benefits, incentives, and opportunities for career advancement. Earning Potential BA/BS degree or Advanced CA POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service: $139,092.93 annually. AA degree or Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service: $134,687.27 annually. AA degree or Intermediate POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service: $138,292.04 annually. BA/BS degree or Advanced CA POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service: $142,815.61 annually. All calculations are based on step E. Lateral Hiring Incentives $25,000 hiring incentive ($8,333.33 at completion of Officer’s field training, $8,333.33 upon successful completion of probation, $8,333.33 at the Officer’s two‑year anniversary). Carry‑over of accumulated sick leave balance at separation from former agency, up to 360 hours. Carry‑over of accumulated vacation balance at separation from former agency, up to 80 hours. Vacation accrual rate based on prior years of lateral Police Officer experience and in accordance with the current memorandum of understanding between the Downey Police Officers’ Association and the City of Downey. Bilingual pay: $1,820 per year. Benefits City paid medical insurance coverage up to the Kaiser HMO plan family rate currently at $1,962.06 per month. Tuition reimbursement program covering up to California State rates. “3/12” work schedule. Education incentive pay: additional 7% of base pay for an associate’s degree or equivalent units (60) or intermediate CA POST Certificate; additional 10.5% for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent units (124) or advanced CA POST Certificate. Merit longevity: eligible for merit longevity pay increases after 5 years (2.75%), 10 years (5.5%), 20 years (8.25%), 25 years (13%). Full‑time years of service as a certified peace officer with another CA POST law‑enforcement agency are considered as though earned with Downey after the initial probationary period. Retirement: new hires enrolled after January 1 2013 under the CalPERS 2.7% at age 57 formula, with a 12.25% member contribution. Laterals with active classic CalPERS membership or reciprocity qualify for 3% at age 55, with a 9% member contribution. Responsibilities and Essential Functions Patrol assigned area in patrol car, preserve law and order, prevent and discover commission of crimes, and enforce traffic regulations; respond to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, misdemeanors and felonies; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law‑enforcement personnel until relieved by a supervisor officer. Conduct motor vehicle accident investigations; provide first aid for injured persons; take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interview principals and witnesses; take written statements; examine conditions of accident scene; clear or direct clearing of obstructions and wreckage. Investigate crimes against persons and property; interview victims and witnesses; search for, evaluate and secure/collect evidence; arrest suspected perpetrators. Investigate complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to delinquency of minors; check business establishments and public places frequented by juveniles; arrest juvenile and adult offenders. Process warrants and apprehend or assist in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases. Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime‑prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property. Prepare and submit required reports; provide assistance, information, and directions to the public. Qualifications Education: High‑school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy. Experience: Current employment as a full‑time, paid peace officer in a CA P.O.S.T. approved agency in good standing. Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment. Height in proportion to weight; vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness; hearing within normal limit; legally authorized to work in the United States. Knowledge Good command of basic grammar and written communication; use and care of firearms; federal, California state, and local laws applicable to law enforcement; police department equipment, practices and procedures; proper search, seizure and arrest procedures; geography of the City of Downey and location of important buildings and streets; investigative procedures and techniques. Abilities Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places. Think and act quickly in emergencies; judge situations and people accurately. Effectively analyze problems for an appropriate response under emergency or stress situations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports. Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; meet and maintain physical requirements established by the Downey Police Department. License Requirements Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment. Mandatory enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. Knowledge of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of city vehicles. Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions Work performed inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Encounter slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt and odors. Constant noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing and sitting for long periods, bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing. The Use of Tobacco Products Prohibited on or off the job. Selection and Testing Process All applications and supplemental information will be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated to determine the level and scope of the candidate’s qualifications. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in removal from consideration. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing qualifications; “see resume” or attachment is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. An applicant who completes testing with acceptable results will be considered by the hiring authority. Prior to conditional offer, a comprehensive background investigation including polygraph and fingerprinting, a pre‑placement medical exam, drug screen and psychological exam will be conducted. Probationary period: 18 months. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Downey