Police Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level)

Police Officer

Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks"—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers' markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

Typical Duties

• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention to provide for the safety of the public
• Patrol designated areas of the City in a radio-equipped car, motorcycle, or on foot, to preserve law and order, observe suspicious situations, report suspicious criminal activity or hazardous conditions, deter crime by providing high visibility, and enforce traffic and other laws
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic situations, including regulation of vehicle flow at accidents, fires, special events, and other emergency or congested situations
• Respond to calls for service for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, and related incidents
• Prepare and maintain reports, daily logs, and records of activities such as arrests made, investigations conducted, and documentation of illegal incidents
• Interact and work with diverse groups of people within the department and the community to render service, and provide information and assistance
• Testify in courts and at hearings, prepare and present case evidence, and respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills
• Administer roadside sobriety tests and evaluate subjects for evidence of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Secure crime scenes and evidence; interview suspects, victims, and witnesses; collect and preserves evidence; and conduct investigations
• Perform a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public
• Make arrests and serve warrants and subpoenas; take individuals into custody and transport them as required
• Provide emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for service and request appropriate medical assistance as necessary
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Modern police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques
• Modern criminal law and criminal procedures including the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies and rules pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence
• Techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agents, and impact weapons

Ability to:

• Interpret apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances
• Accurately observe and recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents and places
• Operate a motor vehicle and equipment in a safe and responsible manner under patrol and emergency conditions
• Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports, records, and other written materials
• Monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations
• Make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations
• Interact effectively with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the City in contacts with the public
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Gather and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make proper recommendations
• Administer first aid and CPR
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs

This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. Will be required to work weekends, holidays and/or irregular hours.

Education and Experience

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have successfully completed a POST Basic Academy prior to appointment. Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application.

60 semester units or equivalent from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Four years of active military duty service may be substituted for 30 college units.

Special Requirements

• Weight should be proportional to height
• Must be 21 years or older at time of appointment
• Must pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination