Police Officer

About the role

The West Valley–Mission Community College District is recruiting for one sworn Police Officer position. The role provides general law enforcement services across the district’s two colleges—West Valley College in Saratoga and Mission College in Santa Clara—on rotating 4/10-hour shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Officers patrol on foot, bicycle, or in vehicles, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, conduct investigations, enforce laws, and protect life and property while fostering a safe campus environment for students, staff, and visitors. Duties are guided by district and departmental policies, mission statements, and applicable laws, including the California Penal and Vehicle Codes.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, including hazardous conditions, accidents, and crimes.
• Patrol campus areas by vehicle, foot, or bicycle; conduct surveillance and security checks of buildings, vehicles, and persons.
• Secure and protect crime and accident scenes; collect, preserve, and document evidence; interview witnesses and principals.
• Perform traffic enforcement, issue citations, administer sobriety tests, and investigate DUI incidents.
• Make arrests using approved techniques and equipment; detain and restrain suspects; guard prisoners.
• Conduct criminal investigations, including narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.
• Direct traffic at public events and accidents; perform crowd control as needed.
• Appear in court to present evidence and testify; write clear, accurate reports and law enforcement bulletins.
• Administer first aid and coordinate emergency medical response.
• Engage in community outreach and public relations; deliver presentations to student, faculty, and community groups.
• Participate in specialized assignments, investigations, and required training; maintain proficiency with firearms, tactical equipment, and department systems.
• Collaborate with allied agencies and maintain cooperative working relationships with campus and community stakeholders.

Requirements

• Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in administration of justice or a related field.
• Entry-level applicants: no prior law enforcement experience required.
• Lateral applicants: one year of responsible, non-probationary law enforcement experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Basic POST certificate; must maintain certification to continue employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law (CA Gov. Code Section 1031).

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of California law enforcement practices, criminal investigative techniques, evidence handling, and first responder principles.
• Ability to assess situations, interpret laws, apply appropriate force, and communicate effectively with diverse campus populations.
• Physical ability to wear up to 40 pounds of duty gear, perform searches, make arrests, and operate emergency vehicles.
• Proficiency with law enforcement databases (RIMS, ARMS, CLETS, CJIC) and modern office/software tools.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and customer service in a multicultural academic environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to community service and strategic readiness.
• Current employment with a California law enforcement agency and experience in uniformed patrol and investigations.
• California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate.
• Educational background in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field.

Benefits

• Employer-contributed medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
• 15 paid holidays plus one floating holiday annually.
• 80 hours of vacation leave accrued annually; 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually.
• Shift differential (2.5%–5%), POST Intermediate/Advanced certificate pay (3%–5%), specialty assignment pay (5%), and bilingual pay.
• $1,000 longevity award annually after 10 years of service; $1,500 annually after 15 years.
• CalPERS retirement: 3%@55 for Classic Members; 2.7%@57 for New Members.

Pay

• Salary range: $9,997.92–$13,689.42 per month (Steps A–I).
• Entry-level placement (Steps A–C): $9,997.92–$11,056.58 per month.
• Lateral placement (Steps D–F): higher steps may be authorized based on qualifications and experience.