Police Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level)

About the role

The City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles is a dynamic and thriving community known for its Mediterranean climate, rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views. The city is also home to a vibrant downtown area, excellent schools, and a welcoming business environment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas of the City in a radio-equipped car, motorcycle, or on foot, to preserve law and order, observe suspicious situations, report suspicious criminal activity or hazardous conditions, deter crime by providing high visibility, and enforce traffic and other laws.
• Respond to calls for service for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, and related incidents.
• Prepare and maintain reports, daily logs, and records of activities such as arrests made, investigations conducted, and documentation of illegal incidents.
• Interact and work with diverse groups of people within the department and the community to render service, and provide information and assistance.
• Testify in courts and at hearings, prepare and present case evidence, and respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.
• Administer roadside sobriety tests and evaluate subjects for evidence of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Secure crime scenes and evidence; interview suspects, victims, and witnesses; collect and preserve evidence; and conduct investigations.
• Perform a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public.
• Make arrests and serve warrants and subpoenas; take individuals into custody and transport them as required.
• Provide emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for service and request appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of modern police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques.
• Knowledge of modern criminal law and criminal procedures including the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies and rules pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence.
• Knowledge of techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Ability to accurately observe and recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents and places.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment in a safe and responsible manner under patrol and emergency conditions.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports, records, and other written materials.
• Ability to monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations.
• Ability to gather and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make proper recommendations.
• Ability to administer first aid and CPR.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successfully completed a POST Basic Academy prior to appointment.
• 60 semester units or equivalent from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
• Four years of active military duty service may be substituted for 30 college units.
• Weight should be proportional to height.
• Must be 21 years or older at time of appointment.
• Must pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and POST medical examination.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony in the State of California or of an act in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in California.
• Vision must be correctable to 20/30 both eyes with normal color acuity.
• Must have a valid California Class C driver license or higher and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's insurance policy.

Benefits

The City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

Pay

The starting salary for this position is $63,000 per year, with potential for advancement based on performance and experience.

Schedule

The 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.