POLICE OFFICER

Police Officer

Employer: City of Imperial (CA)

Salary: $64,521.60 - $86,465.60 Annually

Location: Police Department, 424 South Imperial Ave, Imperial CA, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2026-026

Public Service: Police Department

Opening Date: 08/05/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Career Description: Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment; may provide functional and technical supervision and training if serving as a Field Training Officer; perform a variety of law enforcement activities during and assigned shift including patrol functions, traffic regulation and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; respond to and conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; respond to calls for service and assistance in the protection of lives and property; identify, apprehend and arrest criminals.

Duties: Essential duties and responsibilities include performing a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions and traffic regulation; providing a variety of services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of City citizens and visitors; responding to citizen complaints; driving patrol vehicle in an assigned area; observing conditions and activities for potential or actual harm to persons or property, disruption of public order or other violations of the law; identifying traffic violations and suspicious or criminal activities including misdemeanors and felonies; responding to emergency situations and observed or reported harmful or illegal conditions and activities by conducting investigations or taking appropriate action; conducting follow-up investigations as needed; detecting, apprehending, arresting and transporting suspected or convicted criminals; enforcing traffic laws; preparing and issuing tickets for violations; investigating traffic accidents and determining causes; administering drug and alcohol testing as appropriate; arranging for additional emergency and patrol vehicles as necessary; conducting preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; inspecting crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence; conducting subpoena and warrant services; performing vehicular and pedestrian traffic control at the scene of emergencies or public functions; observing, interviewing and interrogating victims, witnesses and suspects; searching suspects for drugs, weapons and other illegal articles; administering Miranda admonishments; conducting surveillance as required; presenting evidence and testifying in court as requested; providing care for juveniles and adults in custody; responding to a variety of calls from citizens in need of first aid, information and general assistance; providing direction or information to individuals or groups for the purpose of preventing, subduing or alleviating harmful, dangerous or illegal situations; performing traffic and crowd control duties as needed; preparing a variety of detailed and concise police reports related to crimes, investigations, incidents, traffic accidents and assigned activities; maintaining records and logs related to daily activities; preparing search warrants and other required documents related to criminal activity as assigned by the position; serving as an informational resource to the public concerning law enforcement activities; responding to inquiries and providing detailed and technical information concerning related services, crimes, laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; conducting periodic security checks of public and business dwellings, and private residences; communicating with other law enforcement agencies, City personnel, the public and various outside organizations to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; collaborating with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of various crimes as appropriate; operating and maintaining a variety of specialized equipment such as law enforcement vehicles, firearms, handcuffs, restraints, batons, flashlights, radars, two-way radios, pepper spray, tasers and sirens; providing first aid, CPR and rescue services at crime scenes, accidents and other emergency situations as needed; attending and participating in various meetings and trainings as assigned; planning and conducting oral presentations at public or special events as directed; operating standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Qualifications: Required qualifications include education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or equivalent GED, one (1) year experience involving public contact. College-level coursework in criminal justice, public administration or related field is desired. Valid California Class C driver's license and evidence of a safe driving record. Valid and appropriate law enforcement certification including basic P.O.S.T. certification. Successful completion of designated law enforcement academy. Valid First Aid and CPR certification. Knowledge of principles, practices, procedures and techniques used in law enforcement. Applicable Municipal, State and Federal criminal, traffic and related laws, ordinances and codes. Self-defense techniques. Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Crime scene identification, investigation, evidence collection and preservation practices, procedures and techniques. Operation of a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles, firearms, two-way radio and related department issued equipment. Record-keeping and report preparation techniques. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Health and safety regulations. Legal and defensive driving practices. First aid and CPR procedures. Ability to perform a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions and traffic regulation. Interpret, apply and enforce Municipal, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. Respond to crime and emergency scenes and take immediate and appropriate action. Detect, properly subdue, apprehend, search and arrest suspects and prisoners. Investigate crimes and inspect crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence. Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and modern law enforcement techniques. Make careful observations, remember and record important details such as color, time of day, mode of dress, and physical descriptions of individuals. Properly use firearms, police communications equipment, radar, two-way radios and other department issued equipment. Operate a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles and equipment. Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Observe health and safety regulations. Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports. Utilize and maintain a variety of specialized equipment including firearms. Administer first aid and CPR as necessary. Work independently with little direction. Observe legal and defensive driving practices. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Additional Information: Working conditions include indoor/outdoor environment. Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Evening, weekend or variable hours including emergency call-out. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate various law enforcement equipment. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Climbing stairs, ladders and over obstacles. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. Walking and running over rough or uneven surfaces. Seeing to patrol and read a variety of materials. Sitting or standing or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects or individuals as assigned by the position. Physical agility and stamina. Exposure to possible fights and confrontations. Contact with dissatisfied or hostile individuals. Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Hazardous chemicals. Communicable diseases. Traffic hazards. Explosives and firearms. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed.