Police Officer - Academy Trained

Police Officer Position

Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS. Apply early. This position may close at any time without notice. The La Habra Police Department is seeking Academy trained individuals, or those currently attending the academy, who are testing for the purpose of becoming a sworn Police Officer. Would you like to be a part of a team that believes in investing in partnerships with the community, proactive crime prevention, community education, and overall effective police work? If so, APPLY TODAY.

ABOUT THE CITY: The City of La Habra is a vibrant Southern California community, strategically located in the northwest corner of Orange County. Today the City is home to a population of over 63,000 residents within La Habra's 7.3 square miles. A friendly and diverse community, La Habra is conveniently located within an hour's drive of many beaches, mountains, and desert recreation areas. The City is known for the Corn Festival, Citrus Fair, Tamale Festival and the jewel of La Habra, its Children's Museum. While the City has planned for and encourages measured growth, it retains a small town feel and lives up to its heritage as "A Caring Community."

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Since 1925, the La Habra Police Department has been dedicated to providing the residents of this community with a safe environment in which to live and work. This commitment to service is a tradition upheld by the men and women who serve La Habra and is reflected in all aspects of the department's day-to-day operations. In addition to the regular duties of traffic and law enforcement, the La Habra Police Department strives to assess the needs of the City and, working in partnership with area residents, successfully address those concerns. Since law enforcement and public safety are a citywide concern, we actively seek the involvement of community members in all aspects of policing and welcome their participation.

The La Habra Police Department features:

• Patrol Services (3/12.5 work schedule).
• SWAT: North County SWAT.
• Traffic: Motors; Commercial Enforcement; Fatal Accident; Reconstruction Team.
• General Investigations: Robbery; Homicide; Family Crimes; Property and Economic Crimes.
• Special Investigations: Gangs and Narcotics.
• Regional Task Force.
• School Resource Officers.
• Canine (Two Handlers)
• Explorer Advisor.

ABOUT THE POSITION: 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.

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.)

• 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.
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of:

• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and written communication.
• Report writing procedures.
• 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 La Habra and the location of important buildings and streets.
• Investigative procedures and techniques.
• Standard business software.
• Basic traffic safety practices.

Skill and 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.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Meet and maintain the physical requirements established by the La Habra Police Department.
• Operate a computer.
• Read and interpret vehicle codes, regulations, and department policies.
• Issue citations when violations are observed.
• Analyze situations and respond with a reasonable course of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Work any shift, including weekends and holidays.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Basic Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy within the last twenty-four (24) months from date of application submission OR current enrollment with good class standing in a full-time basic police academy certified by the CA Commission on P.O.S.T. Experience: No previous sworn law enforcement experience required. In addition to Academy training, any related work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential function of the position is helpful. Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment.

• Height in proportion to weight;
• Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness;
• Hearing within normal limit; and
• United States citizen or an applicant for citizenship within the past year.

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 La Habra. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 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, fine finger dexterity, use of both hands, 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, La Habra city employees