Police Officer - Lateral

Police Officer

The City of Santa Barbara is excited to announce that it is currently accepting applications for Police Officer positions within the Police Department. Hiring Bonus up to $20,000; Relocation Allowance up to $7,500 for qualifying candidates.

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. The mission of the Police Department is to operate under a community-oriented policing philosophy, create and maintain a safe community where people can live in peace without the fear of crime. Work in a department where character counts, performance and excellence are celebrated, a place that helps employees develop and grow, and an environment that listens, learns, invites and inspires new ideas.

Under general supervision, performs law enforcement & crime prevention work for the protection of life & property; patrols assigned area in police car, on motorcycle or on foot, enforcing federal, state & municipal laws & ordinances; issues warnings & citations for violations; responds to a variety of calls for public service; maintains constant radio contact with communications center; conducts preliminary investigations; testifies in court; apprehends, arrests & books suspects; & does other work as required. Officers may qualify for a variety of special pays in addition to the salary listed above including: bilingual pay, educational pay for Intermediate & Advanced Post Certificates, & bonus pay for special assignments such as Detective, Investigator, Canine Handler, F.T.O., DARE, Beat Coordinator, D.D.T., Community Relations, Training Officer, Traffic, School Resource Officer & a variety of grant funded assignments. Candidates may be eligible for additional pay depending on qualifications and specialty. Please see the Benefits tab for more information.

Employment Standards

To be eligible as a Police Officer-Lateral candidate, applicant must have passed a P.O.S.T. approved Academy & possess a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, or for out-of-state applicants completion of the "Basic Course Waiver Process" administered by P.O.S.T., by the time of appointment.

Knowledge of: Oral & written communication skills required for report writing, verbal explanations of the law & court testimony; Basic Peace Officer Standards of Conduct & public relations.

Skill in: Using & maintaining firearms & police-related equipment.

Ability to: Think & act quickly in emergency situations, assess the situation accurately & apply police training & proper conduct in stressful situations; make accurate observations, document & communicate details, & recognize hazards, potential hazards, & crime problems; understand & follow written & oral directions & established police procedures; deal tactfully & effectively with members of the community & explain laws, rules & regulations; accurately communicate details of a situation in courtroom testimony; learn procedures & techniques involved in specialized police work such as crime scene investigations, traffic investigations & detective work; learn & enforce the applicable Federal, State & Municipal codes & Motor Vehicle Codes, including laws of arrest, search & seizure. Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

Applicant must possess a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment. Traffic positions may require possession or acquisition of a Class "M" California Driver's License to operate motorcycles.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.

Physical: Weight proportionate to height, normal hearing & color vision; at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/25 (20/200 correctable to 20/25 with soft contact lenses); excellent health. Must also meet physical & psychological standards required to perform Police Officer duties.

Selection Process

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of the following:

1. Oral Exam
2. Physical Agility Exam (Pass/Fail)
3. Background Investigation
4. Polygraph
5. Psychological Evaluation
6. Medical Examination and Controlled Substances Screening

Candidates must successfully complete each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases. You will receive an email notification prior to the testing date to confirm your attendance.

Additional Information

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.

Applications, with the attached acknowledgement form signed, are accepted on a continuous basis. You must also submit a copy of your P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. Note: Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.