Police Officer; Lateral

Police Officer (Lateral)

Competitive pay. Potential for initial pay to match experience. Eligible for POST certification pay, accelerated leave accrual rates.

Under direction of Police Sergeant, patrol an assigned area, enforce laws, maintain order, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, perform special assignments.

• Enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances related to public safety.
• Patrol assigned area, detect and prevent crime; may operate motorcycle or bicycle as part of a special assignment detail.
• Respond to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life and property; investigate suspicious vehicles or persons.
• Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses; book property and evidence; perform basic crime scene investigation; testify in court regarding facts and circumstances.
• Provide first aid and assist in emergencies; execute field and follow‑up investigations.
• Participate in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs.
• When assigned to a detail, coordinate scheduling and training of reserve police officers, traffic, field training officer, K‑9, detective, SWAT, gang, school resource, or other special assignments.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the efficient functioning of the work unit and the City.

• Traffic Detail:
  Enforce traffic codes, prepare traffic and collision reports, coordinate with DMV and Courts.
• Field Training Officer Detail:
  Organize, coordinate, and provide training related to law enforcement surveillance, traffic stops, and departmental reporting.
• K‑9 Detail:
  Assist in searches of suspects and property; train animals; conduct exercises; maintain animals and activity records.
• Detective Detail:
  Conduct crime scene investigations, prepare warrants, coordinate property and evidence collection, and testify in cases.
• SWAT Detail:
  Respond to hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, and other high‑risk incidents.
• Gang Detail:
  Monitor and investigate gang associations; testify in cases.
• School Resource Detail:
  Visit public schools, prepare educational presentations, maintain communications, and counsel students on lawful conduct and community standards.
• Reserves Detail:
  Track and coordinate scheduling and training of reserve police officers.
• Other Details:
  Provide escorts or guard services for public activities or meetings.

• Valid, current driver’s license.
• BASIC POST certification.
• Must currently be a sworn Police Officer and have passed probation in current agency.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Age 21 years or older.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Good character and reputation.
• Vision requirements: uncorrected 20/100, corrected 20/30, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Psychological assessment, integrity test, polygraph examination, and background investigation may be required.
• Fingerprinting and records check in State and Federal bureaus.
• First aid, CPR, and protective equipment certifications required for specialty assignments.

• Work outside weather conditions; operate specialized equipment in patrol unit.
• Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, inclement weather, and loud noises.
• Use of safety helmets, armored vests, earplugs, utility belts, and other specialized equipment.
• Threat of injury and life‑threatening hazards as part of police safety operations.
• Manual handling: reach with hands and arms; climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry police safety gear; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, or crawl; pull and carry persons; lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The City of Placentia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, other non‑job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.