POLICE OFFICER

About the role

Under direction, to perform a variety of peace officer duties in the protection of life and property; and to do related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates ongoing good moral character with no felony convictions; must be physically fit;
• Patrols an assigned area of the City by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle to prevent and detect criminal activity;
• Enforces local ordinances, and State and Federal laws; maintains law and order;
• Responds to calls relating to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other required duties;
• Prepares reports of activities performed, and unusual incidents observed;
• Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents, deaths, vehicle accidents, disturbances, and hazardous situations;
• Coordinates and conducts detailed investigations of reported or observed criminal activity including violent crimes, child abuse, property crime, vice and narcotic violations;
• Assists and advises motorists; enforces traffic safety laws by issuing citations and warnings;
• Interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; collects, preserves, and maintains evidence, found property, and property for safekeeping or destruction;
• Interrogates suspects, and makes arrests; searches and transports suspects;
• Serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies and presents evidence in court;
• Provides backup assistance to other officers and personnel;
• Inspects premises in assigned area for security;
• Responds to demonstrations, riots, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, and other extremely hazardous situations;
• Observes, reports, and takes appropriate action on hazards and malfunctions of public equipment such as street lights and traffic control devices;
• Maintains required proficiency with firearms and other authorized police equipment;
• Attends and successfully completes required training courses and classes as directed;
• Wears and maintains appropriate uniforms and other specialized equipment;
• Relieves senior officers when requested;
• Operates emergency vehicle in compliance with all laws and regulations;
• Operates all assigned communication equipment;
• Works special assignments and details;
• Works various shift assignments;
• Works overtime with little or no notice;
• Maintains and contributes to the public welfare by engaging in education, assistance, and positive public contacts;
• Performs duties in conformance with departmental orders and directives.

Requirements

• Knowledge of criminal codes; investigative techniques; rules of evidence; laws of arrest; court procedures; crime prevention methods; first aid; traffic and crowd control;
• Skill in interacting and communicating tactfully and effectively with a culturally diverse population in stressful and difficult situations;
• Skill in gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion;
• Skill in discerning potentially dangerous situations;
• Skill in making independent judgments and decisions based upon the appropriate applications of policies, procedures, experiences, and training;
• Physical agility and stamina to perform essential functions;
• Ability to learn, comprehend, and apply department and police policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations and literature;
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action;
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations and with respect for the rights of others;
• Ability to operate a computer terminal;
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English at an appropriate level;
• Ability to learn standard radio broadcasting procedures of a police radio system;
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency on the exercise of defensive tactics and the use and care of firearms and other issued equipment;
• Ability to physically overcome resistance while chasing or apprehending suspects;
• Ability to operate and control emergency vehicles in a safe manner under all weather conditions;
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions while exposed to the elements;
• Ability to stand at a fixed post for extended periods of time unable to rest at will;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent and one of the following:

• Graduation from a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified law enforcement academy and graduation date cannot be more than one year from the date employment application is submitted to the City.
• Graduation from a California POST-certified law enforcement academy and currently employed in good standing with a California law enforcement agency as a sworn police officer (lateral).
• Currently employed as a sworn police officer or previously employed as a sworn police officer within the last three years and eligible for re-hire (lateral).

Out-of-state officers must complete the POST Basic Course waiver process prior to application.

Skills

See Requirements section above for skills required.

Benefits

The City of Burbank offers a $20,000 Lateral Signing Bonus for qualified Police Officer – Lateral hires. $10,000 is paid upon hire, and $10,000 is paid upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Special Conditions & Requirements

• At least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• A United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship by the last day for filing.
• Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions.
• Must be physically fit.
• Must successfully complete a required medical examination that includes a psychological suitability examination.
• A valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent at time of appointment.

Schedule

Candidates who pass the minimum qualification phase will be invited to the physical agility test on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 9am. Candidates may be required to reside at a location from which they can report to work within one hour. This requirement will not be imposed until six months after the affected employees have completed their initial probationary period.