Police Officer

Police Officer

We are pleased to announce an opening for the position of Police Officer with the City of Canyon Lake. Retired law enforcement professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. This position qualifies as a Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) eligible role, allowing qualified retirees to work without impacting retirement benefits through agencies such as CalPERS, OCERS, SBCERA, and other recognized retirement systems.

Under general supervision, the Police Officer performs a variety of law enforcement and crime prevention duties to protect life and property, maintain public order, enforce laws and ordinances, and build community relationships. Duties include patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes and traffic accidents, making arrests, and preparing detailed reports. Police Officers also participate in crime deterrence and community policing activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is a fully sworn peace officer position and is the entry-level classification in the sworn law enforcement series. It is distinguished from higher-ranking positions such as Police Sergeant, or Lieutenant by the absence of supervisory responsibilities. Officers may work independently or as part of a team under the direction of a Police Chief's designee and are expected to use sound judgment and discretion in handling routine and emergency situations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Patrols assigned areas by vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect criminal activity, ensure public safety, and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Respond to calls for service, including disturbances, crimes in progress, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and other incidents.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes, gathers evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and prepares detailed police reports.
• Make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, and transport prisoners as necessary.
• Enforce traffic and parking regulations; issue citations and direct traffic as needed.
• Testify in court and prepare necessary documentation for legal proceedings.
• Engage in community policing efforts by building relationships with residents, local businesses, and community organizations to identify and solve public safety concerns.
• Provide assistance and information to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Participate in training sessions, firearms qualifications, and ongoing professional development as required by POST and department policy.
• Maintain and properly uses departmental-issued equipment, including firearms, radios, vehicles, and protective gear.
• May be assigned to specialized units such as traffic, investigations, or field training officer, depending on department needs.

POSITION SUMMARY DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet operational needs, consistent with applicable laws. At the discretion of the City Manager or their designee, adjustments to the job description may be made to address changing organizational requirements, provided such changes do not substantially alter the overall nature, essential functions, or classification of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Basic principles, practices, and procedures of modern law enforcement and public safety.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, and applicable municipal codes.
• Departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Community policing and crime prevention strategies.
• Techniques for conducting preliminary investigations and writing clear, concise reports.
• Defensive tactics, arrest and control techniques, and the lawful use of force.
• Safe operation and maintenance of police vehicles, firearms, and other standard law enforcement equipment.
• Court procedures and legal requirements for collecting and preserving evidence.
• Basic first aid and CPR techniques.

Abilities:

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and departmental policies consistently and appropriately.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine an appropriate course of action under stress.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Prepare accurate and comprehensive reports, citations, and other documentation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow officers, other agencies, and the public.
• Maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in emergency or confrontational situations.
• Safely operate motor vehicles and use firearms and other law enforcement tools.
• Meet physical and psychological standards required for peace officer duties.
• Work independently and as part of a team in a variety of assignments and conditions.
• Engage with community members to promote public trust and resolve neighborhood concerns.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• College coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Prior experience in a law enforcement or public safety support role (e.g., reserve officer, police cadet, community service officer) is preferred.
• Additional years of applicable experience may be substituted for education.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Basic Certificate is required.
• Certification in CPR and Basic First Aid
• Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment

• Work is performed in various environments including office, field, and vehicle settings.
• Regular exposure to all types of weather conditions, potentially hazardous situations, and dangerous individuals.
• May encounter hostile or emotionally charged individuals and situations, including emergencies, accidents, and crime scenes.
• Subject to shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Frequent interaction with the public, other law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and city personnel.
• Operates patrol vehicles and uses radios, firearms, and other law enforcement equipment on a daily basis.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to walk, run, stand, sit, climb, kneel, and bend.
• Must be able to physically pursue and apprehend suspects, restrain individuals, and respond to emergencies.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, or drags objects or individuals weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Requires sufficient strength, stamina, agility, and coordination to perform law enforcement duties.
• Must have vision and hearing abilities sufficient to perform essential job functions, including operating a vehicle, identifying suspects, and responding to calls.
• Required to wear a duty belt and carry firearms and other standard police gear throughout the shift.
• Must meet and maintain POST-mandated physical and medical standards for peace officers.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Canyon Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state and local laws.