Police Officer (Lateral)

Salary : $95,492.29 - $120,966.78 Annually
Location : City of Folsom Police Department, 46 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA
Job Type: Full Time Permanent
Job Number: 26-00024
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/31/2026 11:59 AM Pacific


Definition
THIS RECRUITMENT WILL REMAIN CONTINUOUS UNTIL FILLED
Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application, but must be attached.

PLEASE ATTACH ANY DEGREES OR TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION.
Anchored in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - 20 miles east of Sacramento and about 1.5 hours from Lake Tahoe - the City of Folsom is comprised of beautiful parks and trails, and boasts excellent schools, family-orientated neighborhoods, and outstanding shopping, dining, and cultural options. Folsom is a high-tech, forward-looking city, with firms ranging from small to large international corporations. Folsom's schools were recognized among the best in Sacramento County. Niche recently released its list of the Best in America for 2025, and Folsom swept the honors with seven elementary, two middle, and two high schools making the list.
The City of Folsom is currently recruiting for Police Officers (Lateral) to join the Folsom Police Department . This position performs sworn law enforcement and crime prevention duties involved in the protection of life and property; performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities; and performs other related duties as assigned.
The Police Officer (Lateral) base salary range is $95,492.29 - $120,966.78 annually,plus a n additional 6% Holiday Pay differential effective at date of hire . College degrees and POST certificates may additionally increase the educational/certification pay to a total maximum of 12.5%. The City offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability programs, CalPERS retirement and Social Security, and generous paid leaves, significantly contributing to the total compensation package. Folsom is the only city in the Sacramento-metropolitan area contributing to both CalPERS and Social Security retirement for Police Officers, paying the full employer-share of the CalPERS rate.
To visit the City of Folsom's Police Department web page, click here

In addition to the benefit of working in a wonderful, supportive community, police officers can also receive:

• On-duty workout time
• Bilingual pay (after passing a proficiency test) 2.5%
• FTO pay 5%
• Detective Incentive Pay 5%
• Traffic Officer Incentive Pay 5%
• Veteran Incentive 2.5%
• 4/10 or 3/12.5 work schedules
• Special assignments such as bicycle, K-9, investigations, motors, mounted, school resource, and SWAT

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives direct supervision and training from a patrol training officer during field training period. Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher level sworn staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Police Officer (Lateral) is the journey-level classification in the Police Officer class series. It is designed for applicants who are currently working for a recognized law enforcement agency, have successfully completed the probation period for that agency, and possess a State of California Basic POST Certificate.

Examples of Essential Duties
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Patrol an assigned area on rotating shifts, in an automobile, other vehicle, or on foot for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations; issue citations; perform security patrols, traffic control, investigations; administer first aid and request medical attention when necessary.
• Investigate crimes including felonies, misdemeanors, and City ordinances; conduct follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift; seek out and interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; search crime scenes for clues and evidence, collect, package, and preserve evidence.
• Handle emergency situations without assistance.
• Detect, pursue, apprehend and arrest or detain persons involved in crimes or misconduct; confront and arrest violent combative subjects; transport prisoners.
• Patrol City streets, parks, commercial, and residential areas to secure and protect property and to preserve the peace and enforce the law; participate in community crime prevention programs and activities.
• Perform crowd control, regulate vehicle flow at fires, parades, and other incidents or congested situations.
• Respond to hostage situations, barricaded subjects and other extremely hazardous situations; respond to natural and man-made disasters.
• Perform duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Attend and successfully complete required training including firearm qualification.
• Prepare a variety of written reports; operate a mobile data computer.
• Make public appearances and presentations at City Council and other civic organization meetings to actively develop and foster community partnerships; demonstrate leadership within the organization and community.
• Provide information and direction to the public.
• Make presentations at schools; plan and conduct field trips and police department tours for students.
• Appear and testify in court when subpoenaed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Employment Standards
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under "Distinguishing Characteristics."

Knowledge of:

• Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques.
• Criminal law and criminal procedures with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the search and seizure and preservation of evidence.
• Offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.
• Basic self defense tactics.
• Interview techniques and public contact techniques.
• Modern office methods and techniques.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Write clear, concise and comprehensive reports using correct English and grammar.
• Read and understand department policies, instruction, laws and regulations.
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Gather and evaluate facts and evidence.
• Draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations.
• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.
• Qualify in the use of firearms.
• Learn the use and care of equipment.
• Meet the physical requirements established by the Department.
• Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use computer and related software.
• Effectively problem solve and interact professionally with diverse community members.
• Exercise fairness in all pursuits regardless of a subject's race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
High School Diploma, G.E.D, or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.


Experience:
At least one (1) year of recent, full-time sworn law enforcement experience in a recognized law enforcement agency.


License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:

• Possession of a valid State of California Basic POST Certificate or equivalent which has been accepted by the State of California.
• Must be 21 years of age or older by the filing deadline.
• Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license or higher and have the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.

Other Requirements:
Must pass interviews, background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) test, criminal history review, psychological evaluation, medical evaluation, and must not have any felony convictions.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical :
Work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time, at a desk or in a patrol vehicle; walk, stand, climb, jump and run during patrol activities; bend, squat, crawl and kneel during inspection of crime scenes or conducting building searches; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; based on current POST entry level requirement drag a body for 25 feet; continuously wear utility belt and other police equipment of 30 pounds; occasionally arrest violent combative subjects; wear CBRN gas masks and protective clothing; vision (may be corrected) includes close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus to operate office equipment and computer screens; hearing (may be corrected) of conversations in person, by telephone, and at meetings.


Environment:
Incumbents in this class must be willing to work a variety of shift schedules including 10 and 12.5-hour shift configurations; work irregular hours, holidays and weekends. Work outside exposed to wide temperature swings and inclement weather; low to moderate noise level; exposure to fumes, odors, dust, airborne particles and bodily fluids.
The City of Folsom offers a wide range of employee benefits. Click here for a summary of benefits for our Police Officers. For specific benefit information, refer to the labor agreements (MOUs) of each bargaining unit.
01


These supplemental questions are an important first step in our screening process. Failure to provide complete responses may result in your application not being considered. In addition, the successful candidate is made a conditional offer subject to background check, which requires DOJ fingerprint clearance and a pre-employment physical, including screening for drug and alcohol use. The City follows federal law; candidates testing positive for THC do not pass the background screening. By checking the box below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the above information.

• I have read and understood background and screening process.

02


The salary range for this position (44P) is $95,492.29 - $120,966.78 with the City typically hiring at step 1, with rare occasions of hiring at a slightly higher starting step. By checking the box below, you acknowledge your understanding of salary paid for this position.

• I acknowledge understanding of salary paid for this position.

03


Are you in a familial, cohabitant, or amorous relationship with any current employee of the City of Folsom? Examples of these relationships include: spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin, grandparent, great-grandparent, grandchild, or great-grandchild. Relations may be by blood, marriage, adoption, or domestic partnership, including in-law, step- and half-relationships. (If yes, please answer the next question.)

• Yes
• No

04


Please list name of relative, relationship and department that your relative works in. (If not applicable, please type N/A)
05


What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Did not complete high school or GED
• High school graduate or equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

06


Why you are interested in joining the Folsom Police Department as a Lateral Police Officer?
07


Do you possess a valid State of California Basic Post Certificate or equivalent which has been accepted by the State of California?

• Yes
• No

08


How many years of full-time experience do you have performing sworn law enforcement duties for a recognized law enforcement agency?

• None
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 2 to 3 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• 4 to 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years experience

09


Are you 21 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

10


Per requirements listed in the job posting, have you attached a current resume to your application?

• Yes
• No

11


Per requirements listed in the job posting, have you attached a valid State of California POST Basic Certificate, and any other POST certificates?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have any comments to share regrading your application and attachments? If not, put "N/A".
Required Question