Entry-Level Police Officer

About the role

This sworn, working-level law enforcement class performs all non-supervisory assignments found in a municipal police department. While incumbents are normally assigned to a specific geographic area for patrol or traffic enforcement, all functional areas of the law enforcement field, including investigation, youth services, administration, and training are included.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Serves as a community policing officer, performing community outreach, speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot, bicycle or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.
• Maintains traffic flow and enforces traffic laws; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorist with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
• Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes as assigned including conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
• Works with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Coordinates and carries out special assignments; oversees the use and care of equipment as required.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
• Serves writs, warrants, subpoenas and other legal documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and One (1) year of experience working with the public. Two (2) years of college-level course work and/or volunteer law enforcement experience is desirable.
• Licenses: Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.
• Physical Demands: Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects; vision to maintain firearms qualification and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone, often when relations may be confrontational or stressed.
• Environmental Conditions: Must be willing to pass a detailed background investigation. Must be willing to work extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Law enforcement principles, practices and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, pursuit, apprehension and transportation of suspects.
• Skills: Investigation and identification techniques and equipment; rules of evidence regarding search and seizure and the preservation of evidence; courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying; applicable laws, codes, ordinances, court decisions and departmental rules and regulations; safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agencies and impact weapons; techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Abilities: Observe accurately, recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, facts of incidents and places; interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances; prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records and other written materials; identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns and needs; coordinate and carry out special assignments; monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations; enter information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work; make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines; operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol and emergency conditions; operate the equipment and vehicles of the department in a safe and responsible manner; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Benefits

• Opportunity for additional 5% specialty assignment pay, 7% FTO specialty assignment pay and utilization of a take-home car while on duty plus other applicable benefits such as Uniform Allowance of $1,000 per year.

Pay

$6,100 - $7,415 Monthly (DOQ) without certifications
$6,527 - $7,934 for candidates who hold POST Intermediate Certification
$6,954 - $8,453 for candidates who hold POST Advanced Certification

Schedule

Shift schedules and job assignments may be changed periodically to assure the maximum delivery of effective police service.