Police Officer - Lateral (2026)

The Position

Please note: Do not apply to this position if you are not a current or previous law enforcement officer. This is not a police recruit position. For more information on the Carlsbad Police Department, visit If you are an out of state lateral, you must obtain a POST waiver prior to your hire date. Please follow the link below for more information or to apply for a POST waiver: Out of state and Northern California applicants are eligible to interview virtually, which is the first step in the recruitment process (contingent on qualifications/experience). Under general supervision, this position will perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and do related work as assigned.

You belong in Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection process:

• Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are categorized as "Highly Qualified" will continue in the selection process.
• Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
• Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
• Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a required lie detection polygraph screening.
• Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
• Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.
• Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration.

Key Responsibilities

Patrol city on radio, car or on foot; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, holdups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents. Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders. Prepare reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed. Serve warrants and subpoenas. While on patrol, stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary. Check buildings for physical security. Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners. Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations. Administer first aid in emergency situations. As assigned by the Police Chief, participate as an investigative officer in a comprehensive program involving juvenile delinquency and the investigation of alternative methods for handling juveniles in the criminal justice system. Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.

Qualifications

Ability to:

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the city.

Experience & Education

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent. Special requirements: Must meet the standards established for peace officers as defined by California Government Code Section 1031. Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License. Obtain a Peace Officers Standards and Training Basic Certificate.

Benefits

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2.7% @ 57 (retirement formula may vary depending on prior California public sector service), Bilingual Pay, Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays, Paid vacation, Computer purchase loan, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition reimbursement, Uniform Allowance. A detailed list of our benefits can be found here: Carlsbad Benefits.