Experienced Police Officer; Lateral

Overview

We have an opening for the position of an Experienced Police Officer (Lateral) in the City of Escondido Police Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, refer to the job description available from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website. The City of Escondido is committed to providing top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location.

Check out the Escondido Police Department here.

Testing Dates:
Physical Agility/PIQ:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Oral Interviews:
Monday, March 2, 2026

Under general supervision, patrols a beat or sector; enforces laws and ordinances and makes arrests; protects life and property and performs related duties as required. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties or may be required to perform additional duties to address business needs.

• Patrols assigned areas by car, bike, motorcycle or on foot.
• Answers calls for assistance, including investigation of crimes, deaths; accidents and injuries; conducts initial and follow-up investigations.
• Enforces, controls and directs traffic when appropriate.
• Stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of the law and enforces traffic violations; warns drivers against illegal practices.
• Performs arrests for all criminal violations of law.
• Testifies in court in connection with the prosecution of offenders.
• Serves warrants and subpoenas.
• Administers first aid in emergency cases.
• Answers complaints on such problems as domestic disturbances, obnoxious animals, health code and local ordinance violations.
• Investigates suspicious circumstances.
• Takes custody of stolen, lost or found property and evidence.
• Performs crowd control, parade or riot work.
• Takes crime prevention measures and assists in controlling problems of juvenile delinquency; performs detective work in criminal investigation and identification work.
• Transports prisoners to be booked at county jail.
• Furnishes information and directions to the public.
• Submits complete written reports on all cases investigated.
• Participates in required training courses and programs.
• Supervision may be exercised over non-sworn positions.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as assigned.

Knowledge of
:
The principles, methods, materials, equipment, and techniques of peace officers; crime scene procedures; recent developments and sources of information on peace officers; state and federal statutes and case law; police department policies, procedures, rules, regulations and unit functions; occupational hazards and safety; office procedures and computers; customer service principles;
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to
:
Prepare clear and concise police reports; interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations; analyze emergencies and adopt quick, effective actions; respond to inquiries from the public; lift and move objects; maintain composure; provide high-level customer service; operate office equipment and software; appreciate community diversity; communicate clearly in writing and speaking; establish effective working relationships; type and enter data at 30 net words per minute.

Fingerprinted and a search made of local, state and national fingerprint files; not convicted of a felony; good moral character as determined by a background investigation and medical/psychological evaluations; authorized to work in the United States; must be at least 21 years of age at appointment.

Education/Experience
:
High school graduate or equivalent. One year (full-time) of experience with a California Enforcement Department and possession of a Basic POST Certificate. Requalification requirements apply if RBC training was not recent. The three-year period is determined from last date of employment as a California Peace Officer or last completion of a basic course or last issuance of a basic course waiver by POST.

Written test may be waived.

License or Certificate
:
Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license at time of appointment.

The following are requirements…