Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Trained

Salary : $89,234.08 - $137,488.00 Annually
Location : City of Fullerton, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-PO-Lateral
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/29/2026


Description
The Fullerton Police Department is dedicated to the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Protection of Life and Liberty, and the relentless Pursuit of Justice.

PREVENT - PROTECT - PURSUE

Looking for a workplace where you are more than a statistic or a cog in the machine?

How about a job that brings enthusiasm and passion back to your daily routine?

Why Fullerton PD ?
The Fullerton Police Department believes in and utilizes a Community-based policing philosophy, which follows the principle that when communities and law enforcement engage in communication and cooperation, we can better serve the community as a whole. As a result, personnel are involved in all aspects of the community, including schools, neighborhoods, and community organizations.

As you already know, law enforcement is a noble and honorable calling that requires integrity, honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serving our community. With a complement of approximately 180 employees, 125 sworn and 55 civilian positions, our department is made up of men and women who encompass these qualities. We pride ourselves on our family environment, where you aren't just another number, but an integral part of our mission.
Rediscover that feeling of excitement and commitment by joining the Fullerton PD.

APPLY TODAY!
Highlights of the newly adopted Memorandum of Agreement include:

• Future across-the-board increases :
  • 4% in July of 2026
  • 4% in July of 2027
• 6% Longevity Pay* after your 5th year of City employment
• 10% Longevity Pay* after your 9th year of City employment - Years of experience with another law enforcement agency counts too!

* See the new Memorandum of Agreement for details, as well as additional benefits information.
The Positio n :

The City of Fullerton is seeking experienced Police Officers to fill multiple vacancies.
Under general supervision, performs sworn police duties in the prevention of crime and the enforcement of law and order; performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, special assignments, and other law enforcement activities, and performs related work as required.

The Police Officer position is a series that includes:
Police Officer I $7,436 - $10,463 per mo.

Police Officer II** $7,622 - $10,725 per mo.

Police Officer III** $8,143 - $11,457 per mo.
**Please refer to the job description to view additional requirements for advancement. Years of sworn law enforcement experience with another law enforcement agency now count toward the service years requirement.
Employment Guidelines
Requirements for a Lateral or Academy Trained Police Officer:

• Graduation from high school; and
• Possession of a valid POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate; or
• Graduation from a POST-certified academy within the last three years; or
• Completion of a POST-sponsored recertification course. This is required if you have not been employed with a California law enforcement agency within the last three years or within three years of graduation from a POST-certified academy.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate City needs. Shift work and work on weekends and holidays is required. Incumbents are subject to overtime and callback.
• Must be able to pass a department pre-employment screening and background.
• Lateral transfers to the classification of Police Officer from other agencies must possess a Basic POST Certificate at the time of City of Fullerton appointment.
• Valid Class C California Driver's License and acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.

Process :
Candidates must attach a valid POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate, proof of completion of a POST recertification course, or proof of completion for a POST academy within the last three years, to the application.
Candidates who successfully pass the application review will be invited to participate in a department interview.
Please click here to review the Police Officer job description in full.

If you have any questions about our Police Department or the hiring process, please contact Corporal Justin Melendez at
Sounds good so far, but what's so great about Fullerton ? So glad you asked...
Fullerton is a vibrant city known for its diverse and welcoming community, rich cultural scene, and charming atmosphere. Nestled in North Orange County, Fullerton boasts a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities, providing residents and visitors with a unique blend of past and present. The city is home to California State University, Fullerton, contributing to a dynamic and youthful energy. With a variety of parks, including the iconic Hillcrest Park, and a bustling downtown area featuring unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, Fullerton offers a lively and engaging lifestyle.
As a government agency and employer, we are committed to providing essential services and maintaining a high quality of life for our residents, while creating a sense of purpose and community impact for employees. The City of Fullerton offers attractive compensation and benefits packages as well as opportunities for professional development and advancement. Our organization has a great range of positions, across various departments, allowing individuals to find roles that align with their skills, education, and experience. Being part of our city also means contributing to the well-being and development of the local community, which fosters a sense of civic pride and responsibility among all employees. We have a work culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, making us a fabulous choice for individuals seeking fulfilling and meaningful employment.
Supplemental Information
Additional Information:


Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and will remain on file for six months from the date received and are reviewed when there is a need to fill a vacancy. After the six-month period, applicants are encouraged to re-apply.

Applicants considered for appointment to Police Officer are subject to an extensive and in-depth background investigation, including a polygraph examination.

All employment offers, including appointment offers to City of Fullerton employees, are conditional based upon the successful completion of a medical examination performed by the City's designated physician, at City expense. Medical examinations are administered to assess an individual's ability to perform the physical and mental requirements of this position. In addition, City of Fullerton employees appointed to safety-sensitive classifications and all new hires will undergo a drug screen.

All new hires, including non-regular City of Fullerton employees, appointed to this position will serve a one-year probationary period.
California Government Code §3100 - 3109 requires that all public employees are to be declared disaster service workers and shall take and subscribe to the related oath or affirmation as required.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you must be a U.S. citizen or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the United States to be eligible for hire.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.
The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact the Human Resources Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io prior to the filing deadline. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

To make sure that our emails are not filtered into your "junk" or "bulk" folder, please add GovernmentJobs.com to your list of trusted senders. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication through U.S. mail.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employees under this classification are represented by the Fullerton Police Officer Association (FPOA)-Safety Unit. For further information please see the appropriate MOA:
Please click for more benefits information.
01


Please select the box which best describes your employment status:

• I am currently employed as a full-time Police Officer
• I have been employed as a sworn Police Officer within the last year and I am eligible for rehire.
• I have been employed as a sworn Police Officer within the last year and I am NOT eligiblefor rehire
• Graduated from a P.O.S.T. certified academy within the last three years
• Other

02


If you answered "Other" to the previous question, please include a brief explanation here. Indicate "n/a" if not applicable.
03


Please describe any additional knowledge, skills and/or abilities which you feel qualify you for the position of Police Officer with the City of Fullerton.
04


APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT - Application CompleteThank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all the information you have provided before submitting your application. Once submitted, you will not be able to make any changes or revisions. Your application submission will be reviewed and evaluated as submitted.

• I have reviewed my application and am ready to submit it as is for your consideration.

Required Question