Police Officer

Overview

We are pleased to announce an opening for the position of Police Officer with the City of Canyon Lake. Retired law enforcement professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. This position qualifies as a Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) eligible role, allowing qualified retirees to work without impacting retirement benefits through agencies such as CalPERS, OCERS, SBCERA, and other recognized retirement systems.

Under general supervision, the Police Officer performs a variety of law enforcement and crime prevention duties to protect life and property, maintain public order, enforce laws and ordinances, and build community relationships. Duties include patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes and traffic accidents, making arrests, and preparing detailed reports. Police Officers also participate in crime deterrence and community policing activities.

The Police Officer is a fully sworn peace officer position and is the entry-level classification in the sworn law enforcement series. It is distinguished from higher-ranking positions such as Police Sergeant, or Lieutenant by the absence of supervisory responsibilities. Officers may work independently or as part of a team under the direction of a Police Chief’s designee and are expected to use sound judgment and discretion in handling routine and emergency situations.

• Patrols assigned areas by vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect criminal activity, ensure public safety, and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Respond to calls for service, including disturbances, crimes in progress, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and other incidents.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes, gathers evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and prepares detailed police reports.
• Make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, and transport prisoners as necessary.
• Enforce traffic and parking regulations; issue citations and direct traffic as needed.
• Testify in court and prepare necessary documentation for legal proceedings.
• Engage in community policing efforts by building relationships with residents, local businesses, and community organizations to identify and solve public safety concerns.
• Provide assistance and information to the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Participate in training sessions, firearms qualifications, and ongoing professional development as required by POST and department policy.
• Maintain and properly uses departmental-issued equipment, including firearms, radios, vehicles, and protective gear.
• May be assigned to specialized units such as traffic, investigations, or field training officer, depending on department needs.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet operational needs, consistent with applicable laws.

At the discretion of the City Manager or their designee, adjustments to the job description may be made to address changing organizational requirements, provided such changes do not substantially alter the overall nature, essential functions, or classification of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge:

• Basic principles, practices, and procedures of modern law enforcement and public safety.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including the California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, and applicable municipal codes.
• Departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Community policing and crime prevention strategies.
• Techniques for conducting preliminary investigations and writing clear, concise reports.
• Defensive tactics, arrest and control techniques, and the lawful use of force.
• Safe operation and maintenance of police vehicles, firearms, and other…