Police Officer (Academy Enrolled)

Location: Buena Park, California, United States. View Map Job Bulletin Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. Please thoroughly review the entire job bulletin before submitting your employment application. Police Officer Salary Up to $137,467 annually (plus Academy Costs/expenses while a Recruit). 5% salary increase effective July 4, 2026. Signing Bonus: $10,000. Successful Candidates will be paid $3,334 of the Signing Bonus at the time of hire, $3,333 after completion of a Field Training Program and 18‑Month Probationary Period, and $3,333 at the completion of a second year of service. About the City of Buena Park Police Department Here you can become a police officer. The City of Buena Park Police Department offers a work environment unmatched in Orange County, with new state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a community‑oriented proactive approach to crime prevention. Services and Units Patrol Services, Traffic/Enforcement, K9 Unit, and SWAT Youth Explorer Program, School Resource Officer Program, and the Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) Volunteer Program Crime Prevention, Investigative Services Bureau, and Forensics Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, Gang Unit, Community Impact Team (CIT), Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (G.R.I.P.) Crimes, Persons Unit/Property Unit and the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force (OCATT) Our Philosophy The philosophy of Community Oriented Policing is practiced by all Buena Park Police Personnel. The department believes in investing in partnerships with the community and actively pursues opportunities for community education. Through the development of unique teams, such as the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF) and Community Impact Team (CIT), the department has had a significant impact on crime and built strong community trust. State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities and Equipment 24/7 expansive employee gym with locker room facilities for both men and women Large patrol equipment storage lockers located near police cars On‑site weapons training facility State‑of‑the‑art tactical equipment High‑Tech Dispatch Center Latest computer technology with a focus on paperless processes Dictation services available for report writing Working Environment and Career Growth Education and advancement are encouraged and rewarded through generous training opportunities and robust promotional opportunities. Opportunities for advanced investigation and collaboration with detectives are available. Work schedules include a 3/12 week and Special Event overtime such as Knott’s Berry Farm and community events. Training and Academy Career‑minded individuals enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Police Academy with the sponsorship of the department will be considered for promotion to Police Officer upon graduation. Eligible candidates currently enrolled in the Academy, having completed a minimum of five weeks, may be appointed in a non‑sworn capacity and considered for promotion after graduation. Eligibility for Application Applications for this position will only be accepted upon recommendation from the City of Buena Park Police Department. Essential Functions After completion of the Police Academy, the essential functions below are typical work performed by a Police Officer. Apply today if you are ready to meet the challenges described in this job bulletin. General Purpose Under general supervision, patrol an assigned area, enforce public safety laws, codes, and regulations, maintain order, prevent, detect and investigate crime, and carry out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and do related work as required. Differentiating Characteristics The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant, who serves as a first‑line supervisor with responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel on a shift or section. Essential Functions Enforce federal, state, and local laws related to public safety and law enforcement. Patrol assigned area in vehicle or on foot to detect and prevent crime and maintain law and order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of a special assignment detail. Prepare citations, arrest reports, crime reports, daily observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports. Respond to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life, property and public assistance; appear at crimes and scenes of disorder and determine proper course of action; investigate suspicious vehicles or persons; observe situations related to stolen cars, traffic violations, and proper flow of traffic. Give verbal warnings and issue citations; inspect premises; assist in investigation of crimes; conduct preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths or other types of incidents involving possible violation of public safety laws and codes. Question suspects, interview victims and witnesses; book property and evidence; perform basic crime scene investigation; testify in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; complete field and follow‑up investigations. Takes written statements; examine conditions of accident scenes; clear scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; note and report traffic hazards; provide first aid for injured persons or request medical attention. Reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspect establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings; assure that proper licenses and permits are in effect. Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; monitor status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders. Develops and maintains positive relations with citizens, business owners, and other members of the community. Participates in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs. Receives, searches, books, fingerprints, and takes custody of prisoners; guards and transports prisoners; provides meals and completes daily records. When assigned to Reserves details, tracks and coordinates scheduling and training of Reserve Police Officers. When assigned to Traffic detail, enforces specialized traffic and motor vehicle codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations. When assigned to Field Training Officer detail, organizes, coordinates, and provides officer training in the field related to proper law enforcement surveillance, handling of traffic stops, preparation of departmental reports, and related tasks; completes training records and employee progress reports at regular intervals. When assigned to K‑9 detail, assists in searches of suspects and properties; trains animals and conducts exercises in proper pursuit and control methods; feeds and maintains animals in accordance with health and safety standards; prepares related activity records. When assigned to Detective detail, conducts crime scene investigations and pursues cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification, and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the court system; conducts covert patrol; writes and executes search warrants; coordinates property and evidence collection with police support staff; testifies in cases. When assigned to SWAT detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety. When assigned to Gang detail, monitors and investigates associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determines means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; testifies in cases. When assigned to School Resource detail, visits public schools, prepares and makes educational presentations, maintains communications with school officials, works with District staff on attendance and truancy; counsels students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations. Provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, or meetings. Qualifications Guidelines Knowledge of: Police science principles, practices and professional standards; Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications; State laws, Penal Codes, Traffic Codes, Civil Codes, statutes, court decisions and case law; Local codes and ordinances, departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, criminal acts, arrest and custody of prisoners or contraband; Criminal investigation methods, identification methods; Crime prevention principles, use of police records, and law enforcement practices; Self‑defense methods and physical restraint techniques; Radio codes, transmission procedures and communication techniques; Principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, and related police services, including specialty assignments; Communicable disease control methods and techniques; proper care and maintenance of property and equipment; effective customer service techniques. Ability to: Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, firearms and weapons; Interpret and apply state public safety laws, codes, and local ordinances; Prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records; Analyze solutions to law enforcement problems; Convey clear instructions or execute commands; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other divisions, police management, city departments, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public; Communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; Accurately recall circumstances regarding traffic incidents or crime reports; Exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self‑control in provocative or confrontational situations; Think logically and maintain alertness in emergency situations; Relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political and racial backgrounds and age groups. Physical and Mental Demands Physical Demands: Frequent use of hands to handle or operate tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry police safety gear; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, or crawl; walk, sit, and run; pull or carry persons in emergency situations; administer first aid; fight in self‑defense; lift, carry, and move persons, equipment, or objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more. Mental Demands: Use written and oral communication skills; read, interpret data, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; remain calm and use effective judgment in dangerous situations; interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff and other organizations. Work Environment Employee frequently works outside weather conditions and in a patrol unit, may operate specialized equipment. Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, inclement weather, loud noises such as sirens, alarms, and diesel engines. Positions require safety helmets, armored vest, earplugs, utility belts, protective and life‑saving equipment. Positions are subject to threat of injury and life‑threatening hazards. Education/Training/Experience Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment. Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent. Completion of 60 semester level units related to general education or police science is highly desirable. Vision: 20/100, correctable to 20/20; normal color vision and depth perception. Physical: Height and weight in correct proportion to meet city standards. Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required prior to enrollment in the Academy. Driver License: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance required. Experience: No law enforcement experience required. Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements Successful completion of the police academy. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification within one year of assignment. Satisfactory completion of Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) certification required within three years of assignment to this classification. Ability to work extended hours. Employees who become department employees on or after January 1, 1987, must refrain from smoking tobacco or any other non‑tobacco substance at any time on or off duty. Psychological assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, character assessment, credit rating, fingerprinting, and record checks as per state and federal requirements. Applicant Information & Exam Weight Applicants must file a concise and complete application online through the Human Resources Department web page at Applications may be accompanied by a resume; however resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a city employment application. All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education will be invited to participate in the selection process. Selection may include oral interview, written exams, physical agility testing, and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list valid for up to one year. The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability. The City of Buena Park Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy requires that all applicants undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment. Benefits Salary Range: Seven steps from entry to step seven with approximately 5% increase per step. Retirement: CalPERS. Employee pays member contribution. Vacation: Ten working days per year for first five years; additional after five years. Sick Leave: Accumulated at eight hours per month. Holidays: Eleven holidays per year plus one floating holiday. Education Reimbursement: $5,000 per calendar year beginning January 1, 2024 plus cost of books. Additional Pay: Bilingual Pay: $300/month Longevity Pay: 3% base salary adjustment annually for 20‑24 years; 5% for 25+ years Shift Differential: $175/month Uniform Allowance: $800 annually Medical Insurance: Several plans available; city pays flat rate portion of premium. Dental Insurance: Three plans available; city pays flat rate portion of premium. Vision Insurance: One plan available; employee pays premium. Life Insurance: Coverage based on bargaining unit; premiums fully paid by city. Long‑Term Disability: Fully paid by city. Other Benefits: 3/12 and 4/10 work schedules available. Hours and days off vary by assignment. Full Flexible Cafeteria Plan Employee Gym Employee Assistance Program – available to all city employees and immediate families. Optional Benefits: Deferred Compensation 457 Plan and Scholar Share 529 College Savings Plan. Accident Insurance, Cancel Insurance, Short‑Term Disability Insurance, and more. Closing Date/Time Continuous #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers In Government