Police Officer - Lateral

Salary : $139,739.83 - $161,766.32 Annually
Location : Los Altos, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 202300147
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/10/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: POA


Description
Join our team of dedicated public safety individuals who all believe in

serving our community with compassion and civility!
Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service. This position involves engaging in diverse assignments such as traffic enforcement, community-oriented policing, and specialized roles like Investigative Services, SWAT, and K-9 Officer positions. Entry-level applicants will undergo training at a POST-approved academy and transition into a field training program upon graduation, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful start to their law enforcement career.

The Police Officer position may be filled by a lateral transfer from a Police agency with patrol or investigative experience. Lateral applicants will enter into the field training program immediately upon appointment.
About the Los Altos Police Department:

The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 33 sworn officers and 18 professional staff dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.
Learn more about our Los Altos Police Department
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. This applicant pool may be used to fill other vacant positions on an as-needed basis.
Please ensure the required POST Certification is attached with your application. Once your application is reviewed you will be asked to complete a personal history statement as the next step in the process. Please review and sign the release of information authorization found and attach the signed copy to your application.

Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot
2. Answers calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws
3. Participates in criminal investigations
4. Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses
5. Conducts physical arrests of criminal suspects

Follow this link to view the entire job description: Police Officer

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• Patrol and/or investigative experience with a law enforcement agency is required
  • Patrol and/or investigative experience with a California law enforcement agency is highly desirable
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology and Police Officer procedures is desirable

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a US high school diploma or US G.E.D. equivalent is required
• An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Must possess a POST Basic Certificate
  • This certificate is awarded to currently full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement and the employing agency's probationary period

Supplemental Information
IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, and a can-do attitude; communicates effectively and proactively, both verbally and in writing; enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Requires work, which may be strenuous and hazardous; includes working rotating shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person's race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
01


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a High School diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you possess a valid California Drivers License and have a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have an Associate Degree or have you completed 60 semester units of college level courses?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a POST Basic Certificate and have attached it to your application?

• Yes
• No

06


Please indicate your years of Patrol and/or Investigative work experience with a law enforcement agency.

• 0 Years of Experience
• 1-2 Years of Experience
• 2-3 Years of Experience
• 3-4 Years of Experience
• 4-5 Years of Experience
• 5-6 Years of Experience
• 6+ Years of Experience

Required Question