POLICE OFFICER LATERAL

This listing closes on 12/31/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana.

Employer

City of Stockton

Salary

$95,098.28 - $131,574.96 Annually

Location

City of Stockton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time (Probationary)

Job Number

0126-01465

Department

Police

Opening Date

01/01/2026

Closing Date

12/31/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

POLICE OFFICER JOIN THE CITY OF STOCKTON!

View the City of Stockton Police website

INCENTIVES FOR NEW EMPLOYEES:

• Sign on Bonus - $15,000
• Relocation Assistance Reimbursement
• 40 hours of vacation available for immediate use

OTHER INCENTIVES:

• City pays the entire employee share of their health plan contribution

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL HAVE :

• Graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Peace Officer Academy; completed a probationary period with at least one year of service in a California Governmental Law Enforcement Agency;
• If employed most recently in another state, no longer than a 60-day break in service; and
• Ability to provide a copy of their California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate (expiring no sooner than 6 months from date of application).

Experienced peace officers who meet these qualifications may apply now. Any questions regarding whether you meet these qualifications may be directed to the Stockton Police Department at View email address on click.appcast.io Specific information regarding how to submit required information and documentation is available in the supplemental questionnaire portion of the application. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION : BARGAINING UNIT : Stockton Police Officers' Association (SPOA) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS : Classified NOTE: Lateral Entry Police Officers are placed on an unranked eligibility list. Salary upon appointment will be assigned based upon qualifications. Veteran's Preference Points will not be awarded for this position. Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the first working level class in law enforcement, performing all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations. Incumbents may be assigned to patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile, crime prevention, or other police related functions. This class is distinguished from uniformed civilian police-related classes by designation and the responsibilities and authorities associated with designation as a sworn peace officer under the laws of the State. It is further distinguished from Police Sergeant, which both supervises and participates in law enforcement activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observes situations, and deters crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for service.
• Enforces state, local, and federal laws and ordinances; issues verbal warnings and citations; pursues and apprehends suspects and requests assistance as required.
• Investigates juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective.
• Coordinates crime scene control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, overseeing collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.
• Prepares and documents cases, completes reports and records, and prepares and maintains other logs and records.
• Investigates traffic accidents and provides traffic and crowd control as necessary; participates in special details and assignments, including K-9 and related activities; may serve as a field training officer.
• Retrieves, identifies, and returns found property and/or evidence to owners.
• Provides emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and requests additional response.
• Provides information, directions, and other services and assistance to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education :

• Successful completion of a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Peace Officer Academy.
• Graduation from a United States high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate received from a recognized accrediting association.

Experience :

• One year of experience as a law enforcement officer in California and possession of a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.
• Must have satisfactorily completed a probationary period for a Peace Officer classification performing the full range of duties, including patrol, with a California governmental law enforcement agency.

Other Requirements :

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License.
• Must meet, physical, psychological, and background standards, which include polygraph testing and California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Vision requirements are 20/20 for far visual acuity, either corrected or uncorrected. If corrected, no worse than 20/100 uncorrected in each eye separately. For laser surgery, one year minimum elapsed time between surgery and qualifying examination. Color blindness will be cause for rejection.
• Hearing capabilities must be within normal range - 5/5.
• The City of Stockton requires employees in a public safety classification to reasonably respond to emergencies at all times. Employees will be required to maintain primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall in order to timely respond to emergencies and meet the health, safety and welfare needs of the City. New employees have up to three (3) months from date of hire to comply with the requirement. Any interested candidates must be willing to adhere to this requirement throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Peace Officer Certification and firearms qualification.
• Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be twenty (20) years old by the final filing date and twenty-one (21) by the time of appointment.
• Must be a legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Knowledge of :

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts;
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; and
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.

Skill in :

• Observing and accurately recalling places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents;
• Remaining calm and taking appropriate action in tense situations;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;
• Reading, interpreting, and applying complex laws, procedures, and policies;
• Making rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines;
• Preparing clear and concise reports, records, and other written materials; and
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.

Ability to :

• Learn the principles, practices, procedures, laws and ordinances, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.

The Examination : Unassembled Examination (Pass/Fail) - An unassembled examination consisting of an appraisal of training, experience, and work history. ALL APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED FULLY AND SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL CITY OF STOCKTON APPLICATION FORM. (DO NOT STATE "REFER TO RESUME" ON YOUR APPLICATION OR SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE.) INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTALS WILL BE REJECTED AND CANNOT BE REVISED AFTER SUBMITTAL ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. POSTMARKS, FACSIMILES, AND PHOTOCOPIES OF THE CITY'S EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. RESUMES ARE WELCOMED BUT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLY. The information in this announcement concerning the terms and conditions of employment does not constitute either an express or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change. NOTE :

• NeoGov.com: If you selected the option to be notified by e-mail you will receive correspondence via the e-mail address you placed on your application. Some e-mail accounts have been known to place these e-mails in the spam/junk file. Please check your e-mail folders or accept e-mails ending with neogov.com.
• Notification and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed to applicants. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that correspondence is being received.
• After on-line submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received. You should print this notice as proof of filing.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all City of Stockton employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.

BARGAINING UNIT: STOCKTON POLICE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION (SPOA) The City of Stockton offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their eligible dependents in the Stockton Police Officers' Association (SPOA). A summary of the key offerings are listed below. More information can be found on the City of Stockton Benefits Page and the SPOA Memorandum of Understanding . Health Benefits – Choice of Kaiser and Sutter health insurance plans. The City will cover the entire employee's share of the monthly health plan contribution. Dental and Vision Plans – City of Stockton offers the choice of Delta Dental PPO or DHMO plans. The City offers VSP as a Vision plan. The City will cover the entire employee's share of the monthly dental and vision plan contributions. Life Insurance and Long Term Disability - Employees are provided life insurance through Lincoln National Life Insurance Company with life insurance benefits of $50,000 for each employee. For some employee bargaining units, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit is provided. Retirement Program – CalPERS (formula is dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS). The City also offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation 457 Plan through Empower. The City will provide a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution to the deferred compensation 401(a) plan for participating employees up to a maximum of $600.00 per fiscal year. Public Safety does not participate in Social Security. Longevity Pay - The following longevity plan applies: I. Officers who have been employed with the City of Stockton for 5 years will receive 2% longevity pay. II. Officers with 10 years will receive an additional 2%, III. Officers with 15 years will receive an additional 2%, IV. Officers with 20 years will receive an additional 2%, V. Service years will be based on the employee's initial P.O.S.T. certification date if that year is earlier than their most recent hire date with the City. Vacation – All regular status employees, excluding provisional, temporary, and part-time employees, shall accrue vacation leave with pay semi-monthly at the rate of 80 hours per year the first year and a half and progresses up to 189 hours per year up to 25 years. For 25 + years of service, seven (7) additional hours are added for each additional completed year of service. Maximum accruals do apply. Sick Leave - All regular status employees, except provisional, temporary, and part-time employees, shall accrue sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours for each full month of service. All regular status employees, except provisional, temporary, and part-time employees, working less than a full month shall accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Unused sick leave shall accumulate from year to year. Holidays – There are 14 paid holidays per year. Uniform Allowance – Employees receive a uniform allowance of $950 per year. Additional Benefits – Employee Assistance Program, Section 125 Plans, Voluntary Products (Life Insurance, AD&D, Hospital, Accident, Short-term disability insurances), Direct Deposit, Education Assistance NOTE: Employee Benefits are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect, click here to view a link to the "Stockton Police Officers' Association (SPOA)" contract.

01 The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your official employment application. Do not indicate "see resume" as an answer to any of these questions.

• I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

02 Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien and can provide proof that you have applied for citizenship prior to applying for the position of Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you possess a United States high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate received from a recognized accrediting association?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you possess or are able to obtain, prior to employment with the City of Stockton, a valid California Class "C" Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05 If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please provide your Driver's License number and expiration date. If you answered "No" , but have a license from another state, list the state of issuance, driver's license number, and expiration date or write "N/A". 06 Will you be 21 years of age or older at the time of appointment (hire)?

• Yes
• No

07 I understand that I am not eligible to apply if I have been disqualified from the City of Stockton background investigation process for Police Officer within the previous 12 months AND I understand that if I do not submit the requested information/documentation indicated in the following questions that my application will be disqualified without prior notice.

• Yes
• No

08 This position requires a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher) and at least one (1) year of experience as a California law enforcement officer. Do you understand and meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

09 POST Certificate Requirement : To verify that you meet the certificate requirement, you must submit a copy of your California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher) within seven (7) days of submitting this application. Required document may be sent via one of the following: * Attach to on-line application; or * Email - View email address on click.appcast.io.

• I understand failure to provide the required document will result in rejection or disqualification in this process.

10 I am presently employed by a California law enforcement agency as a peace officer.

• Yes
• No

11 OR: If not currently employed, my most recent employer's name and last day worked. 12 OR: I have been employed continuously in another state as a full-time peace officer with no longer than a 60-day break in service between employers.

• Yes
• No

13 Did you successfully complete a probationary period with a California law enforcement agency as a peace officer?

• Yes
• No

14 If you answered "Yes" to question 13, please indicate below, the jurisdiction's name and the number of months of the probationary period. If you answered "No" , please write "N/A". 15 Please indicate all of the following information regarding your experience as a peace officer: 1. Jurisdiction(s) where you have worked; 2. Number of sworn personnel; 3. Your title; 4. Dates employed. 16 Describe how your experience meets the qualification of a Peace Officer performing the full range of duties, including field patrol, with a California governmental law enforcement agency. 17 Please check the specialized police experience you possess:

• Detectives
• Juvenile
• Special Task Forces
• Vice
• Other Specialties

18 Please give a brief description of any items you checked in question 17. If you did not check any, please indicate "N/A". 19 Describe your experience in dealing with gang-related crime activity. If you have not had any experience in this area, please indicate "N/A". 20 Describe your law enforcement experience working with a multi-ethnic population. If you have not had any experience in this area, please indicate "N/A". 21 Describe any community relations experience you have had as a Police Officer. If you have not had any experience in this area, please indicate "N/A". 22 If you were referred to this position by a current Stockton Police Department employee, please indicate the name and rank of the employee in the box provided below. If not referred, please indicate N/A. 23 In an effort to more closely determine effectiveness of advertising for the Police Officer Lateral position, please indicate below the primary source from which you heard about this position.

• Recruiter/Recruiting Table (Please specify in Question #24 below)
• JoinStocktonPD.com
• SPD Now Hiring Poster/Bumper Sticker
• Stocktonca.gov
• Facebook
• Govermentjobs.com
• Instagram
• Indeed
• POST Website (post.ca.gov)
• Referral by City of Stockton Employee (Please specify in Question #24 below)
• Other (Please specify in Question #24 below)

24 If you selected an option in Question 23 asking to further specify ... Please use the space here to explain in further detail. If no further information is needed, please put "N/A" in the box below.

* Required Question

Employer City of Stockton Address 501 W Weber Ave. Building 1 Stockton, California, 95203 Phone (209) 937-8233 (209) 937-8234 Website