Police Officer Entry - Level

About the role

This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list for the Vernon Police Department to be used for future vacancies. This recruitment is for recent California State Police Academy graduates. This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time with or without prior notice.

Responsibilities

• Enforces state and federal laws, and City regulations
• Provides community-oriented police services, and improves the quality of life in partnership with the community
• Works with citizens to address the issues of safety, crime, and neighborhood problems
• Preserves the peace of the community through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance, and arrest
• Utilizes all lawful means to improve the quality of life by recognizing and resolving problems
• Patrols the City, looking for unusual and suspicious activities and persons
• Recognizes criminal activities and suspects, and uses reasonable cause to stop vehicles and initiate contact with persons of interest
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Investigates, documents, and resolves citizen complaints, traffic incidents, crimes, and dangerous and illegal activities
• Interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases
• Responds to citizens' requests for assistance, enforces traffic regulations and safety issues, apprehends violators, and assures public safety
• Applies laws and regulations fairly and consistently
• Investigates crimes and accidents
• Secures and processes crime and accident scenes, and identifies and collects evidence
• Arrests law violators
• Transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork
• Testifies in court as directed
• Maintains VPD vehicle and equipment according to Department standards
• Affords support to other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations
• Performs specialized functions in areas of expertise, including training, D.A.R.E., canine, and other special enforcement, assessment, surveillance, intervention, and investigative teams
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Completion of training and Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certificate
• A valid California State Driver’s License
• To maintain Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certification
• To participate in and successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of Field Training
• Additional technical training and certifications may be required
• Physical Demands And Working Environment: Standard office environment, and in the field on patrol; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet VPD standards

Qualifications

• Completed application packets will be reviewed and only those applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process, which may include a panel interview
• Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position
• To view the complete job description, please visit our website at www.cityofvernon.org

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long term disability insurance
• Retirement Benefit: Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Cafeteria Benefits Plan: The City offers a monthly allowance towards the purchase of a HMO, PPO or HSA medical plan for the employee and their family members. Any remaining amount can be used towards the purchase of a HMO or PPO Dental plan and Vision coverage for dependents. Vision coverage is included at no cost to the employee
• Supplemental Insurance plans are available
• In Lieu" Holidays: Police Officers & Police Sergeants eligible for holiday time in an amount equal to the number of observed holidays multiplied by the employees' paid hours per shift, credited on July 1
• Bilingual pay: Safety employees in eligible positions who successfully demonstrate proficiency in speaking a foreign language is eligible to receive an additional $300 per month
• Vacation: 1st year thru 4th year 120hrs. 5th year thru 9th year 140hrs. 10th year thru 14th year 170 15th year thru 24th year 185 25th year and above 190 Sick Leave: 80 hours of sick leave per calendar year, accruing at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period
• Tuition Reimbursement: $2,200.00 is available to those who satisfactorily complete job related college courses
• Other Benefits: Police employees work a 3/12 schedule. In addition, the City offers premium pay, POST certificate pay. In addition, the City offers paid parental leave, bereavement leave and jury duty
• Miscellaneous Benefits: The City provides an interest-free loan program for the purchase of a computer, corrective eye surgery and a hearing aide device