Police Officer (Lateral)

Police Officer

Hiring Incentive Program! Lateral officers are eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $20,000, a housing assistance loan of up to $60,000, a moving allowance of up to $10,000, additional vacation leave, and vacation accrual rate enhancement! This recruitment is for lateral police officers. To be considered a lateral officer, candidates must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be currently employed as a peace officer by a state police agency at the time of application
• Have at least two years of experience, including one year of patrol officer experience with a municipality, Sheriff's Office, or equivalent
• Possess a California POST Basic Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver at the time a conditional offer of employment to the position of police officer.

Note: Officers that meet the first two criteria, but do not meet the third, may be eligible to be hired as a police officer recruit and receive all of the applicable wages and benefits associated with that position, including sponsorship through a POST requalification course.

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Performs the full range of law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety duties to protect life and property and preserve peace and order within the community.
• Patrols assigned areas by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime, enforce laws and regulations, identify suspicious activity, and respond to public safety concerns.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, assesses situations, and takes appropriate enforcement, investigative, conflict resolution, or public assistance actions.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations involving criminal activity, traffic collisions, and other incidents; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; gathers, documents, processes, and preserves evidence.
• Enforces federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations, including traffic and parking laws.
• Directs and controls traffic at collisions, fires, special events, and emergency incidents.
• Makes arrests; serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents; transports and processes individuals in custody in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and department procedures.
• Administers field sobriety tests and evaluates individuals for impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
• Secures and manages crime scenes to maintain scene safety and preserve the integrity of evidence and investigative processes.
• Prepares clear, accurate, thorough, and legally sufficient reports, records, citations, and related documentation.
• Operates law enforcement vehicles, firearms, communications systems, computers, and specialized police equipment safely and effectively.
• Provides information, assistance, and service to the public; responds to questions, concerns, and complaints in a professional and courteous manner.
• Testifies in court, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; prepares and presents reports, evidence, and related documentation as required.
• Provides basic emergency medical aid, CPR, and first aid until relieved by medical personnel.
• Maintains a visible presence within the community and participates in community policing, crime prevention, and public outreach activities to promote public trust and positive relationships.
• Inspects and maintains assigned vehicles, weapons, equipment, and uniforms to ensure proper condition and operational readiness.
• Coordinates and cooperates with allied law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, City departments, schools, and community organizations as needed.
• Attends briefings, meetings, training programs, and continuing education activities to maintain and enhance proficiency in law enforcement techniques, legal updates, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, investigations, and related areas.
• Promotes safe work practices and complies with departmental safety procedures, policies, and regulations.
• May serve in specialized assignments or collateral duties, including field training, investigations, traffic enforcement, school resource services, special events, community engagement, emergency preparedness, or other departmental programs.

This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. Will be required to work weekends, holidays and/or irregular hours.

This is a continuous recruitment. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now! Applications received will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological examination, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at Following appointment, a probationary period of twelve (12) months for is required as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.