Police Officer - Lateral

OPPORTUNITY

Closing Date: Continuous Interview Date: TBD Second Interview Date: TBD Desired Start Date: TBD

LATERAL INCENTIVES (as of August 2021) are offered to those candidates who are currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer, have successfully completed a Field Training Program, and possess a Basic POST Certificate.

• $20,000 hiring incentive ($10k at time of hire / $5k upon successful completion of FTP / $5k upon successful completion of probation, 12 months)
• Relocation incentive for candidates outside of area.
• Credit for full years of service with most recent POST recognized agency (for vacation accrual purposes)
• PERS ret. 3% at 55 (if coming from another PERS agency)
• 4/10 plan for sworn personnel
• Preloaded 80 hours vacation upon hire.
• Preloaded 80 hours sick time upon hire.
• 7% Longevity Pay for employees with ten (10) years of sworn law enforcement service

OUT-OF-STATE LATERAL APPLICANTS: Assistance through the recertification course may be available.

The City of Santa Maria is the largest city in the Santa Barbara County (located on the central coast) with a population of over 100,000. This growing department currently has 180 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Come join our hard working and innovative team!

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws; may work rotating shifts to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or special projects.

The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

WHAT WE DO:

• Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work.
• Controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws.
• Performs security patrols, first aid, detection, investigations, and arrests of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
• Carries out duties in conformance with local, state and federal laws and ordinances.
• Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas, etc.
• Performs work requiring good physical condition in a safe and effective manner and under all conditions; safely drive a vehicle under a variety of conditions; etc.
• Uses firearms and other weapons safely and accurately.
• Handles difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
• Responds to emergency radio calls; investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc.
• Takes appropriate law enforcement action including interrogations, evidence preservation, etc.
• Conducts follow-up investigations; prepares cases and testifies in court proceedings.
• Prepares a variety of reports.
• Undertakes community oriented police work; assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION: Police Officer

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Ideally, One year of recent law enforcement experience (preferably in California); and
• Graduation from high school;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Federal, State and local laws and ordinances, particularly with reference to arrest, rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure, and preservation and presentation of evidence; community-oriented policing; etc.
• Police procedures, and the management of programs of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies; preservation and presentation of evidence in criminal cases; analyze situations effectively; etc.
• Communicate effectively both oral and written forms; learn the community and organizational procedures and maintain effective relationships; etc.
• Effective customer service and oral and written communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
• Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Desired other licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:
  • P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City, which includes polygraph, medical, and psycholo