Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate)

Police Officer (Lateral and Academy Graduate)This recruitment is a continuation of a previously posted bulletin; if you have applied for the position of Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate) for the City of Menifee within the past 12 months, your application is still under consideration, and you do not need to reapply.OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Police Officer positions.DEADLINE TO APPLY This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the needs of the City are met. Application review for the first round of consideration will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.The CityThe City of Menifee is a vibrant and rapidly growing municipality located in southwestern Riverside County, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through innovative public service and strategic development. Under the leadership of the City Manager, Menifee operates through a dynamic organizational structure composed of fifteen (15) departments - Building & Safety, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Code Enforcement, Community Development, Community Services, Economic Development, Engineering, Finance, Fire Department, Human Resources, Information Technology, Police, and Public Works, each committed to supporting the city's mission of responsive governance, sustainable growth, and public safety. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, community engagement, and innovation, the City of Menifee continues to enhance the quality of life for its diverse and dynamic population.The DepartmentThe City of Menifee Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to protecting and serving the residents of Menifee with professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Established to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community, the department provides a wide range of services including patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and community outreach programs. Guided by a strong sense of stewardship and a commitment to accountability, professionalism, respect, and consistency. By fostering open communication and building strong partnerships with our residents, we work to strengthen community trust and support proactive, community-focused policing. Under the leadership of Chief Dave Gutierrez, the Menifee Police Department strives to create a safe and connected community where people feel supported and secure.The OpportunityThe Police Officer will serve as a vital member of the department, working to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The Police Officer will patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bike, motorcycle, or on foot to prevent crime, enforce federal, state, and local laws, and maintain public order. The Police Officer will conduct investigations into criminal activity, traffic accidents, and other incidents; serve warrants and subpoenas; make arrests; gather and preserve evidence; and provide testimony in court. The Police Officer will respond to emergencies, administer first aid, and assist during medical calls. In addition, the Police Officer will engage with the community to build trust, identify concerns, and participate in programs such as school resource initiatives and crime prevention efforts. The Police Officer will also have opportunities for specialized assignments, including investigations, narcotics, traffic, canine, and task forces, offering both variety and professional growth.The Police Officer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:Enforce federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bike, motorcycle, or on foot to prevent crime and maintain public order.Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes, disturbances, accidents, and other incidents.Serve warrants and subpoenas; make arrests for criminal violations.Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; gather, preserve, and document evidence.Testify and present evidence in court proceedings.Investigate suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities; perform crowd control during events, parades, or riots.Conduct traffic stops; issue warnings, citations, or make arrests; investigate vehicle accidents and direct traffic.Administer first aid and respond to medical emergencies.Prepare accurate reports, field notes, and case documentation.Attend briefings, training sessions, and professional development programs.Maintain patrol vehicles, firearms, and assigned equipment.Build and maintain positive relationships with the public; work with community members to identify and address safety concerns.Participate in school resource programs, crime prevention initiatives, and public presentations.Serve in specialized assignments such as investigations, narcotics, traffic, canine, or task forces.Perform other related duties as assigned.Minimum and Desirable QualificationsLateral Candidates To qualify as a Lateral Police Officer, candidates must have:High school diploma or equivalent.Successful completion of a California POST-certified Police Academy.Current full-time employment as a peace officer in good standing with a public agency.Possession of a valid California POST Basic Certificate or POST Basic Course Waiver at the time of application.Academy Graduate Candidates To qualify as an Academy Graduate Police Officer, candidates must have:High school diploma or equivalent.Successful completion of a California POST-certified Police Academy or POST Re-certification within the last three (3) years.Additional Requirements (All Candidates)Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.Must possess U.S. Citizenship at the time of appointment.Valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.Must successfully complete a comprehensive POST background investigation, including a polygraph, physical examination, and psychological evaluation.Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is highly desired but not required.Recruitment ProcessHuman Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer) Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the essential requirements of the position. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.Background Questionnaire (Refer/Non-Refer) Applicants will be asked to complete a background questionnaire designed to assess their qualifications and alignment with the essential requirements of the position. Only those applicants whose questionnaire results best demonstrate alignment with the position requirements will advance to the next phase of the selection process. Appraisal Interview Applicants will participate in an oral interview conducted by a panel of subject matter experts. Evaluations will be based on responses to structured questions specifically designed to assess each candidate's qualifications and suitability for the position. Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. Eligible List: Once the appraisal has been completed, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.Physical DemandsPosition requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires the individual to climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps, and carry policy safety gear. Sensory demands include talking, hearing, and using the sense of smell. Finger dexterity is required to feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. This position must also be able to pull and carry persons in emergency situations, administer first aid, and fight in self-defense. The need to lift, drag, push, pull, and carry up to 100 pounds or more is required.Mental demands of the position require employees to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; remain calm and use effective judgement in dangerous situations; and interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff, other organizations, police safety personnel, school representatives, and the public.Environmental ElementsThe employee frequently works in outside weather conditions, and in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment when assigned to patrol. The work involves exposure to extreme