Police Officer (Academy Graduate/Lateral Entry)

Salary : $96,537.14 - $129,369.00 Annually
Location : Police Services Department, 700 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-00012
Department: Police Services
Division: Field Services
Opening Date: 09/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt


The Organization
The City of Coronado is Accepting Applications for the Position of

Police Officer

"To provide superior public safety services to enhance the quality of life for the community". - Police Department Mission Statement
Why work for the City of Coronado?

You have a meaningful career with a public agency that values its employees in a community that supports its Police Officers and the work they do to keep Coronado safe. Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, and Respect, are the values at the core of our agency. We utilize our philosophy of community-oriented policing to foster relationships and find solutions for problems in our community.
The Coronado Police Department offers amazing benefits and a variety of career opportunities to further enhance your skills. Specialty sworn positions include Investigations, Regional Task Forces, and the Traffic Unit. In addition, the Department is staffed by an outstanding support network of Administrative Staff, Police Service Officers, Police Dispatchers, Evidence Technicians, and Records Office Specialists. Our Police Officers protect life and property, promote and preserve peace through citizen cooperation, enforce municipal, state, and federal laws, and deliver police-related services.
The following are pay incentives that are available for those who are eligible:

• Lateral Police Officer Bonus: $20,000
• Police Academy Graduate Bonus: $10,000
• Referral Bonus of $2,000 for referring a successful lateral police officer

For full details of the eligibility requirements and bonus installments, click the following link:

The Position
Coronado Police Officers perform general police work in the presentation of crime and the enforcement of law and order. Officers perform traffic enforcement control and carry special assignments in specialized phases of police and emergency work. Incumbents generally drive a police vehicle in carrying out duties but may be assigned to special details as needs arise. Police officers may be called upon to establish order in extreme conditions and in conditions of emergency.
The ideal candidate will be a community service-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, trust, and confidence in performing skilled police work. The ideal candidate will also possess a strong ability to exercise considerable judgment and initiative to partner with the community to identify and resolve issues of concern and maintain peace, safety, and order.

Minimum Requirements
Lateral Entry:

Lateral applicants must meet one of the following three requirements:

• Possession of a California Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate and have been employed as a sworn full-time Peace Officer in the state of California within two years from the date of the offer of employment;
• Successfully complete the P.O.S.T. requalification course if more than two years have passed since employed as a sworn full-time Peace Officer in the state of California;
• Out-of-state lateral applicants must possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver and have been employed as a sworn full-time Peace Officer within two years from the date of the offer of employment;

Academy Graduates:

Applicants must be in the final phase of an Accredited P.O.S.T. Academy at the time of application. Candidates must have successfully completed the academy and possess an Academy P.O.S.T. Certificate prior to an offer of employment.
To view the full job description, click the following link: Police Officer

Candidate Selection Process
Application Review:

Copies of any CA P.O.S.T. certificates, P.O.S.T. Waivers, or Academy Graduation Certificates MUST be attached to your application for consideration. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to submit a Personal History Statement (PHS) and other required forms for review.
Examination Process:

Applicants considered most qualified after the application review process will be invited to participate in the next phase of the process, which will consist of an oral panel interview (pass/fail). Candidates must obtain a score of 100% in all components of the examination in order to pass and be placed on the eligibility list.
Candidate Selection Process:

Select candidates will be subject to successful completion of a polygraph examination and a thorough law enforcement background check conducted by a licensed background investigator prior to the final interview.
Final Interview:

The final candidates will be invited to a final interview with the Chief of Police and if successful, will be issued a conditional offer subject to the successful completion of a psychological examination and a medical exam, including a drug screen.
Additional Information:


All candidates who successfully obtain a 100% in the exam process will be placed on an eligibility list for a period of at least six months. The City of Coronado participates in E-Verify, and all new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Individuals with disabilities who will require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the examination process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of the request.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in the City's Child Abuse and Neglect Training and Reporting policy as a condition of employment. A copy of the policy is provided upon request and at the time of pre-employment.

Supplemental Information

THE CORONADO COMMUNITY:
Rich in history, natural beauty, and a charming ocean village atmosphere, Coronado is most deserving of its royal "nickname" - The Crown City.
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand.
This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5 square miles, is home to some of the world's most pristine beaches, 18 public parks, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a public pool, and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated bicycle paths.
This vibrant, thriving community welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually to soak up the sun and the sand while enjoying the lush surroundings and village appeal of Coronado. With 15 hotels, including amongst them three world-class resorts, 1,900 hotel rooms, and many highly acclaimed restaurants, this island community has a resident and Navy population of approximately 23,000 as well as a flourishing tourist population. Coronado is also home to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado (NASNI) Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB), and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, supported by nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel.

WHAT CORONADO HAS TO OFFER:

• A rich benefit package contributes to the total compensation value. Benefits include voluntary retirement savings/deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, group term life and short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and more.
• The Retirement Benefit Formula for Classic CalPERS hired prior to January 1, 2013, is Members is 3% at 50. The current employee contribution rate is 10.5%.
• The Retirement Benefit Formula for PEPRA CalPERS Members, hired after January 1, 2013, is 2.7% at 57. The current employee contribution rate is 13%.
• The City provides Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance in an amount equal to a one-time annual salary or $50,000, whichever is greater, at no cost to the employee.
• The City provides short- and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income. Employees that earn over the maximum benefit of $5,000/month available under the long-term disability plan, have the option to purchase enhanced long-term disability insurance.
• Valuable experience and engaged leadership in a supportive community environment.
• Education incentive is cumulative. P.O.S.T. certification incentive pay is available to Police Officers; Intermediate P.O.S.T. - 5% of base pay; Advanced P.O.S.T - 5% of base pay.
• $2000 Tuition Reimbursement and $1200 of Uniform allowance.
• Access to community pool and gym.

TO VIEW AN AERIAL TOUR OF OUR CROWN CITY, CLICK HERE
Annual Leave:

Coronado Police Officer's Association (CPOA) employees accrue annual leave (combine vacation and sick leave) at the following rates:

• 144 Hours per Year: 0-5 Years of Service
• 192 Hours per Year: 5-10 Years of Service
• 216 Hours per Year: 10-19 Years of Service
• 232 Hours per Year: 20 + Years of Service

Lateral Service Credit:

Accrual Rates are based on years of full-time law enforcement experience including service time spent with other agencies. New safety employees must submit proof of prior service time within 30 days of appointment for time to be recognized.
Retirement:

Enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:
2.7% @ 57 PERRA Members

Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement System Plan after January 1, 2013, are considered new members. The City provides the "2.7% @ 57" formula for new members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service and a consecutive 36-month compensation period. PERRA employees currently pay 13% (pre-tax) toward the retirement contribution, which is determine by CalPERS each fiscal year based upon the actuarial report.
3% @ 50 Classic Members

Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan prior to January 1, 2013, with no break in service or a break in service of less than 6 months are considered Classic Members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service and the single highest year of compensation. Employees pay 10.5% (pre-tax) toward the retirement benefit.
Additional Retirement Benefit:

Deferred Compensation

Employees are eligible to join the ICMA-RC 457 deferred compensation plan. This plan allows employees to set aside pre-tax wages for retirement.
Cafeteria Benefit Plan:

The City provides a Cafeteria Benefit Plan that can be used to help cover the cost of medical, dental, vision, supplemental life insurance, and ancillary benefits. The City participates in CalPERS Group Health Benefits, which offers several options including HMO and PPO plans. Cafeteria allotment is dependent on medical plan enrollment.
Medical Enrollment Tier

2026 Monthly Cafeteria Allotment

Employee + Family

$2,298

Employee + 1

$2,068

Employee Only or Waive

$1,379
Holidays

Essential personnel, primarily those employees working in Dispatch or Patrol, but defined more specifically as those employees scheduled without regard to Holiday and work on one of the recognized holidays listed above, shall be paid a holiday premium of ½ their regular rate of pay for all hours worked on the holiday.
Life Insurance:

The City provides group term life insurance and AD&D in an amount equal to $25,000. In addition to the basic group life insurance provided by the City, employees may purchase up to $500,000 of supplemental life insurance. Coverage over $150,000 is subject to approval by the insurance provider. Employees may also elect to supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouse/registered domestic partner and child(ren).
Employee Assistance Program:

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential evaluation and up to 6 free counseling visits for employees, family members and anyone residing in the home of an employee.
Tuition Reimbursement:

Each fiscal year $2000 is available for reimbursement for costs such as tuition fees, books, and other required materials for approved courses leading to a college degree. Reimbursement is made upon written verification of satisfactory completion of coursework. All expenses in excess of $2000 per year so long as the employee remains employed with the City.
Both regular college courses leading to a degree and non-graded classes or short- term seminars that benefit the employee in performance of City work are eligible for reimbursement. Employees are able to utilize this benefit for repayment of student loans. Reimbursement may be requested for any eligible unreimbursed expenses incurred on or after July 1st of current fiscal year.
Education Incentive:

P.O.S.T certification incentive pay is available to Police Officers, Police Corporals, and Police Sergeants, represented by the CPOA. The rates are as follows:

• Intermediate P.O.S.T - 5% of base pay
• Advanced P.O.S.T - 5% of base pay

Uniform Allowance

All sworn Police personnel will receive an annual uniform allowance of $1,250 payable in August of each year. Newly hired personnel will receive $1,200 in the form of credit at one or more area uniform stores available prior to the first day of employment.
Shift Differential Pay
Coronado Police Department provides shift differential pay to recognize the challenges of working non-traditional hours. Officers assigned to the overlap shift receive a 2.25% pay differential, while those working the night shift earn a 3.25% differential, ensuring fair compensation for critical coverage during evenings and overnight hours.

Longevity Pay
The City recongizes and rewards long-term dedication through longevity pay. Employees recieve a lump sum payment for every five years of uninterrupted service, beginning at $1,000 and increasing over time to as much at $3,000.
For more information regarding benefits and retirement CLICK HERE
For more information regarding Coronado Police Officer's Association (CPOA)
01


Please select the option that best describes your education as it relates to successful completion of an accredited California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Academy. Any certifications must be attached to your application for consideration.

• I have graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Academy.
• I am currently enrolled/attending a California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Academy.
• I am an out of state applicant currently in possession of a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver Certificate.
• I am in the process of obtaining a California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver Certificate but have not yet achieved the certification.
• Not Applicable

02


If you have graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Academy, please add the location and date of graduation. If you are currently enrolled but have not yet graduated, please add the location and your scheduled Academy completion date.
03


If you are currently in the process of obtaining a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver Certificate, please indicate the scheduled date of your exam or if the date is still to be determined.
04


Please select the following option that best describes your additional training. Any certifications must be attached to your application for consideration.

• I currently possess a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate.
• I currently possess a valid California P.O.S.T. Intermediate Peace Officer Certificate.
• I currently possess a valid California P.O.S.T. Advanced Peace Officer Certificate.
• Not Applicable

05


Do you have experience as a peace officer in the State of California, or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you currently a peace officer with a municipal police agency or similar? If yes, please answer Question #6. If no, please skip to Question #7.

• Yes
• No

07


If you are currently employed as a peace officer with a municipal police agency, or similar, have you completed probation?

• Yes
• No

08


Please indicate the length of your experience as a peace officer.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 4-6 years
• 7-10 years
• More than 10 years

09


Do you possess any of the following specialty training certificates related to law enforcement? Check all that apply, you must also attach a copy of the certifications to your application.

• Not Applicable
• Advanced Collision Investigations
• Basic Investigations
• Drug Recognition Expert
• I possess another specialty training certificate not listed above

Required Question