Police Officer - Pre Service

The City

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves. For events and attractions, visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

View the Municipal Equity Index for related information.

This position works at the Palm Springs Police Department providing services in the enforcement of laws including the protection of persons and property, the prevention of crimes, the control of traffic flow and enforcement of State and local traffic regulations, and performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

• Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and prevent crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
• Respond to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
• Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contraband and missing persons.
• Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; interview witnesses to gain additional information.
• Process and store evidence and property; maintain records and enter data into computer systems as necessary.
• Investigate organized crime and gang activities; collect intelligence and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.
• Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents.
• Conduct a variety of investigations including narcotics, property and person crimes; interview witnesses and suspects; prepare reports and follow up on investigations.
• Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
• Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.
• Develop, conduct and participate in training exercises; stay abreast of current crime trends and policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.
• Perform unique duties of assigned units such as SWAT, K-9, bicycle, and mounted police; assist other investigators and divisions as needed.
• May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of the immediate supervisor.
• Provide news releases to the media and conduct television interviews for public awareness.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee invitation to continue in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the Work Experience section of the application; other sections will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience equals 12 months of full-time work; full-time means at least 36 hours per week or 1,872 hours in 12 months.)

Qualifications noted as desirable or preferred are not included as part of the minimum requirements.

Completion of (or current enrollment in) a California POST Certified Police Academy, or previously employed as a Police Officer within California, within twelve months of application. Must successfully pass the academy prior to the completion of a background investigation. No experience is required.

High School Diploma or equivalent education, supplemented by completion of a California POST Certified Police Academy is required.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Completion of the last 36 months (or current enrollment in) a California POST Certified Police Academy, or previously employed as a Police Officer within California, within twelve months of application.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid CPR certificate.

• Cannot be related to any other employee in the Palm Springs Police Department.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Incumbent will be enrolled in the DMV Pull Notice Program to monitor driving record.
• Must plan to reside within 1 hour driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening, and a physical and drug screen.

The following work environment and physical conditions are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. This position works in an emergency police services…