Police Officer (Experienced & Academy Graduates)

Signing Bonus The City of Costa Mesa offers a $25,000 one‑time signing bonus for qualified lateral police officers. The bonus will be paid as $7,500 upon hire, $7,500 upon completion of the Field Training program, and $10,000 upon completion of probation. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following: Currently be employed with another California law enforcement agency Successfully passed that agency’s probationary period Possess a current POST Basic Certificate (or higher) Eligible non‑lateral police officer applicants qualify for a $10,000 bonus paid as $3,000 upon hire, $3,000 after Field Training, and $4,000 after probation. Salary Current: $8,204 – $10,995 monthly. Lateral Incentive Program Reduced ten (10) month probationary period. Up to 80 hours of sick leave upon hire depending on current sick leave balance with employer. Application and Selection Process Applications must be received by June 1st to be considered for the Physical Agility Test scheduled tentatively for June 27, 2026. Application Requirements: Complete the online application with education and experience information. Resumes not accepted. Attach required California POST Certificate(s) as applicable. Academy Graduate candidates must attach: California POST Basic Police Academy certificate of graduation dated within the past 18 months of the application date. Experienced Police Officer candidates must attach: Current California POST Basic certificate (or higher) or CA POST requalification course certificate. Out‑of‑state applicants: California POST Basic Course Waiver. Do NOT attach any additional documents such as a resume. Selection Phases Physical Agility Test (PAT): Qualified applicants will be invited based on certificates. Oral interview evaluation: Successful PAT participants invited for interview. Eligibility List: Must pass all three steps. Valid for one year. Final Phases: Polygraph, comprehensive background investigation, interview with Chief of Police, pre‑employment psychological and medical evaluation. Qualifications Must be a high school graduate or hold a 2‑year, 4‑year, or advanced degree. College coursework in police science, social sciences, or related field desired. License and Certificate Class C California Driver’s License. Additional Requirements Vision: 20/20 each eye corrected or uncorrected. Normal color vision. Hearing: Normal hearing acuity. Height/Weight: In proportion to age and frame. Citizenship: Legal authorization to work in the United States under federal law. Age: 21 years of age or older at time of appointment. Special Note Smoking or use of tobacco products while on duty prohibited. Tattoos must not be visible while on duty. Disqualifiers Automatic disqualifiers are listed on the department website. Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions Contact Human Resources for summary. Accommodations considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker All City employees required to perform disaster service duties if an emergency occurs. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Costa Mesa