Police Officer Recruit

About the role

The City of Paso Robles Police Department is seeking candidates for a non-sworn, training-level classification. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority but will attend a six-month P.O.S.T. Certified Academy. Upon graduation, they will be appointed as a Police Officer, starting at step 1 of the wage range ($46.16 per hour).

Responsibilities

• Attends and successfully completes a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course, Requalification Course, or other required POST-approved training program.
• Participates in classroom instruction, practical exercises, physical conditioning, and skills-based training in areas including criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, traffic enforcement, report writing, emergency response, firearms, defensive tactics, community policing, and officer safety.
• Learns applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Completes written assignments, examinations, reports, presentations, and practical performance evaluations as required.
• Demonstrates proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, communications, and other required law enforcement skills.
• Participates in scenario-based exercises designed to develop decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking abilities.
• Maintains physical fitness standards and participates in required conditioning programs.
• Adheres to academy rules, regulations, standards of conduct, and departmental expectations.
• Observes departmental operations and participates in ride-alongs, orientation activities, and other learning opportunities as assigned.
• Performs limited non-sworn administrative, customer service, and support duties in preparation for future sworn responsibilities.
• Provides courteous and professional service to members of the public and department personnel.
• Learns the principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of law enforcement, public safety, and community service.
• Department policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Fundamental concepts of criminal law, traffic laws, and the criminal justice system.
• Principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.
• Basic investigative, observation, and problem-solving techniques.
• Principles of effective customer service and public relations.
• Report writing, recordkeeping, and documentation practices.
• Effective oral and written communication techniques.
• Basic computer systems and software applications used in law enforcement training and operations.
• Safe work practices and personal safety principles.
• Physical fitness principles, conditioning techniques, and defensive tactics fundamentals.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Basic principles and practices of law enforcement, public safety, and community service.
• Department policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Fundamental concepts of criminal law, traffic laws, and the criminal justice system.
• Principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.
• Basic investigative, observation, and problem-solving techniques.
• Principles of effective customer service and public relations.
• Report writing, recordkeeping, and documentation practices.
• Effective oral and written communication techniques.
• Basic computer systems and software applications used in law enforcement training and operations.
• Safe work practices and personal safety principles.
• Physical fitness principles, conditioning techniques, and defensive tactics fundamentals.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Skills

• Successfully complete a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course, Requalification Course, or other required POST-approved training program.
• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Learn and demonstrate proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, communications, and other law enforcement skills.
• Successfully complete academic coursework, written assignments, examinations, practical exercises, and physical fitness requirements.
• Observe, learn, retain, and apply technical information, instructions, procedures, and training concepts.
• Analyze situations, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions within established guidelines.
• Remain calm, focused, and effective in stressful, emotionally charged, or rapidly changing situations.
• Observe, recall, and accurately report facts, events, names, locations, and other details.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports and written materials.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with instructors, peers, supervisors, department personnel, and members of the public.
• Interact tactfully, professionally, and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Provide courteous, responsive, and professional customer service.
• Maintain physical fitness and successfully perform the physical requirements of academy and law enforcement training.
• Operate computers and standard office software applications related to assigned duties.

Benefits

A housing allowance is available for qualified candidates. Upon graduation and award of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy certificate, incumbents will be appointed to the position of Police Officer, assigned step 1 of the wage range ($46.16 per hour), and assume the benefits associated with the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA) bargaining unit. After six months at step 1, incumbents will be eligible for evaluation to step 2 ($48.96 per hour). Details of the POA benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Pay

• Academy: $38.63 per hour
• Starting Officer: $46.16 per hour

Schedule

Details regarding the schedule will be provided upon acceptance of an offer of employment.