Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate)

Overview Under direction and supervision of the Police Sergeant, Corporal, or Police Officer, this position patrols the assigned area maintaining order, enforcing laws and ordinance, preventing crime, protecting life and property, investigating crimes and vice, and performing related work. Sound judgment is necessary as much of the work is performed without direct supervision and decisions affecting life and property must often be made in critical moments. Responsibilities Respond to calls for service regarding accidents, crimes, threats, alterations, and requests for aid. Patrol an assigned area of the City to maintain law and order. Respond to emergencies as directed by radio and telephone. Investigate unusual or suspicious conditions. Apprehend suspects, driving safely at high speeds, chasing suspects on foot, climbing over obstacles, physically arresting suspects, utilizing self‑defense and control techniques and firearms when appropriate. Serve subpoenas, warrants, testify in court, mark and store evidence, make arrests as prescribed by law, and confer with City/District Attorney’s office. Enforce traffic laws, direct traffic, issue citations and warnings. Investigate traffic accidents and accident scenes. Assist in difficult criminal investigations and conduct less difficult investigations independently. Administer first aid to injured persons. Search and book prisoners. Interview, interrogate and record statements from witnesses, suspects and victims. Identify relevant facts and prepare written reports on incidents and cases assigned. Guard prisoners and question suspects. Write reports of daily activities and actions taken. Investigate vice conditions. Analyze facts, clues and evidence to determine law violators and their whereabouts. Note and report unsafe or hazardous conditions. Prepare evidence and appear in court. Search for stolen property and lost persons. Provide information to the public regarding laws, ordinances and directions. Assist school crossing guards. Attend training school courses. Officer may be assigned to motorcycle traffic enforcement, radio communications dispatcher, desk and records detail, jail operations, bicycle operations, youth services, or community services. Assume responsibility for ensuring duties are performed safely and efficiently. Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation requires. Qualifications Knowledge : Good customer service practices. Skills : Word processing general correspondence, spreadsheets and reports using a personal computer. Meet minimum Police Department standards for firearm proficiency. Abilites : Read, understand, and explain technical material consisting of laws, regulations, and departmental policies concerning the protection of life, property and maintenance of law and order. Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action, considering hazards and circumstances. Understand oral and written directions. Prepare accurate, detailed and factual reports in a clear, legible, and precise manner. Maintain cooperative relationships with fellow employees and the public. Possess personal courage, physical endurance and agility. Work nights, weekends, days and holidays and remain available for calls; report for duty in any emergency. Work under strict discipline, remain poised and controlled in threatening or violent situations. Deal calmly with angry, upset and frightened people. Work overtime as requested. Handle confidential information with discretion. Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Establish smooth working relationships, resolve interpersonal conflicts. Develop necessary skills through on‑the‑job training and meet or exceed performance standards for the classification. Education and Experience Guidelines Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE. Graduation from a POST‑approved California Law Enforcement Training Academy and pass appraisal by Police Management. General Requirements Age: Must be 21 years of age at time of hire (sworn police position only). Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship at least one year before employment application. License: Valid California Class C Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record. Special Requirements for Lateral Entry/Academy Graduate: California Lateral Police Officers: Employed as a full‑time law enforcement officer for at least one year with a California agency and possess a valid active POST Basic Certificate. Out‑of‑State Lateral Police Officers: Employed as a full‑time sworn officer with an out‑of‑state agency, completed an out‑of‑state POST basic academy, and completed the California POST Waiver Course. California Academy Graduate (Pre‑): Graduated from a POST‑certified academy and possess a valid California POST Academy Certificate. Incoming laterals must pass a Police Department background check. Requires wearing uniforms. Physical Requirements: Meet approved physical and pre‑placement medical standards; uncorrected vision 20‑70 or corrected 20‑20, normal color vision, normal hearing; may require physical strength and agility test. Bilingual Pay: Employees who qualify and are certified to speak Spanish may be eligible for bilingual pay. #J-18808-Ljbffr