Police Officer - Lateral

ABOUT THE POSITION

Earning potential: AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $134,687.27/annually - BA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $139,092.93/annually. AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $138,292.04/annually - BA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $142,815.61/annually. Above calculations are based on step E. This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice. Lateral Hiring Incentives include a $25,000.00 hiring incentive, carry-over of accumulated sick leave balance, carry-over of accumulated vacation balance, vacation accrual rate based on prior years of Lateral Police Officer experience, and bilingual pay in the amount of $1,820 per year. The City offers competitive benefits including City paid medical insurance coverage up to the Kaiser (HMO Plan) family rate, a tuition reimbursement program, and a "3/12" work schedule. Education Incentive Pay includes an additional 7% of base pay for an Associate's degree or equivalent units (60) OR Intermediate California (CA) P.O.S.T. Certificate. An additional 10.5% for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent units (124) OR Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate. Merit Longevity includes pay increases after 5 years at 2.75%, 10 years at 5.5%, at 20 years of service, 8.25%, and at 25 years of service, 13%. Retirement is in accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), with different formulas and member contributions for new hires and laterals.

Description: To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; enforce State and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
• Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
• Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s).
• Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders.
• Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases.
• Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
• Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy. Experience: Current employment as a full-time, paid peace officer in a CA P.O.S.T. approved agency in good standing. Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height in proportion to weight; vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness; hearing within normal limit; and legally authorized to work in the United States. Out-of-State Police Officers: For consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process. Knowledge of: Good command of basic grammar and written communication; use and care of firearms; Federal, California state, and local laws applicable to law enforcement; police department equipment, practices, and procedures; proper search and seizure and arrest procedures; geography of the City of Downey and the location of important buildings and streets; and, investigative procedures and techniques. Ability to: Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately; effectively analyze problems for an appropriate response under emergency or stress situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and, meet and maintain the physical requirements established by the Downey Police Department. License Requirements: Due to the performance of field duties, possession of a valid California Driver's License and possession of an acceptable driving record and the ability to maintain a valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout the course of employment in the position is required. California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing is also required. The use of tobacco products either on or off the job is prohibited. Selection/Testing Process: All employment applications and supplemental information received will be thoroughly and carefully reviewed and evaluated to determine the level and scope of the candidate's qualifications for the position. All information provided is subject to verification. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in an application being removed from consideration. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed City of Downey employment application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Those applicants assessed as meeting the requirements for the position will be invited to participate in an appraisal examination to assess the applicant's knowledge, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The appraisal examination (oral interview) is weighted 100%. The oral interview will be conducted by a panel of subject matter experts. Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to Conditional Offer of Employment, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted which includes a polygraph and fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen and psychological examination will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment. The probationary period for a sworn Police Officer position is eighteen (18) months. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least 72 hours in advance.