Police Officer (Lateral)

About the role

The Salinas Police Department invites motivated individuals who are current sworn law enforcement officers to apply for the Police Officer Lateral position. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to serve the Salinas community and be a part of a hard-working team at the cutting edge of law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Patrols in a police vehicle or on foot, responding to calls for service.
• Responds to accidents and renders first aid.
• Prepares and documents cases, completes reports, and maintains other records.
• Conducts investigations, including search area for suspects or evidence.
• Pursues and apprehends suspects, transports, supervises and assists in processing detainees and other individuals in custody.
• Participates in various in-service training, legislatively mandated and California P.O.S.T. mandated training.
• Collaborates and works with a wide range of internal departments and external agencies.
• Performs related special assignments or other related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Must have completed a valid POST police academy.
• Be in good standing with California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
• Must have completed a police academy in state of residency.
• Currently be employed as a sworn law enforcement officer with at least one year of experience.

Qualifications

Knowledge of: City, State and federal laws, statutes, ordinances, and court decisions as pertinent to assigned duties. Police department policies, practices, regulations and procedures. Law enforcement and crime prevention principles, practices and techniques. Human behavioral theories, principles, methods and practices. Geographic layout and demographic characteristics of the City. Current methods and practices of criminal identification and investigation. Criminal law with particular emphasis on rules of apprehension, search, seizure, arrest and prosecution of persons. Narcotics investigation techniques. Departmental organization and the functions of the various Divisions. Community issues and concerns. Principles of community oriented policing. First Aid.

Skills

Properly handling individuals exhibiting problem behavior, and situations presenting disorder and/or danger to self or others. Carrying out orders from supervisors and other senior officers. Working effectively with a variety of coworkers and members of the public from a cross section of educational and socio-cultural backgrounds. Demonstrating physical ability and stamina appropriate to perform the duties of the position. Reading and interpreting complex technical documents, such as laws, ordinances and court decisions. Showing compassion and empathy towards others. Communicating verbally in a clear concise manner under stressful conditions. Writing clear and comprehensive reports.

Benefits

First 15 lateral officers hired on or after April 5, 2024, will receive a $40,000 hiring incentive. $10,000 will be paid at time of hire, $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the department's field training program and $10,000 paid one year from the completion of the field training program, and $10,000 two years from completion of the field training program. An eligible City of Salinas employee who refers a lateral candidate will receive $2,500.

Pay

Salary steps apply for Full-Time Regular positions only.

Schedule

Shifts may vary based on department needs.