Police Officer

Overview

You must have taken and passed the Police Officer Recruit examination for further consideration. To take the examination, .

Please note:

a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

Applicants applying to this posting will be hired as a Police Officer Recruit and must successfully complete a twenty-four (24) week P.O.S.T. Basic Course Police Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from a P.O.S.T. Basic Course Police Academy, a Police Officer Recruit meeting the requirements of the Police Officer classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Police Officer. For more information regarding the Police Officer Recruit or Community Service Officer II positions, please visit the following links:
Police Officer Recruit Classification Specification:  Community Service Officer II:

To provide services through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. The Police Officer classification is a journey level classification with full arrest and citation powers under the California Penal Code. Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Officer Recruit by its full police authority; the Recruit is a training-level classification with no police authority. Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant by supervisory responsibilities, with the Sergeant directing work of subordinate personnel on a continual basis.

Police Officers receive assignments and special instruction from higher ranking officers who also review the Police Officer's work.

General supervision is provided by higher level sworn personnel. Depending on assignments, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Patrol a designated area of the city on foot, on a motorcycle, or in a patrol car, jeep or van to preserve order, prevent crime, discover criminal acts, and make arrests.
• Answer radio dispatched or citizens' requests for police services at accident scenes, domestic disputes, law violations, and peace disturbances.
• Conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, take statements, make arrests, write citations and/or make written reports at crime or accident scenes.
• Promote and ensure a community-based policing philosophy and strategy, emphasizing collaborative problem solving with citizens and other stakeholders.
• Attend, participate, and represent the department at community events; participate in community engagement activities; build and maintain relationships with community members.
• Provide first aid to injured or sick subjects.
• Testify in court at criminal hearings and trials.
• Provide traffic control at accident scenes, fires, and congested areas.
• May work in plain clothes to conduct follow-up investigations, and to suppress vice or narcotics activities.
• Conduct line-ups for identification of suspects.
• Attend community meetings to discuss crime problems.
• Evaluate and control violent situations and persons; emphasize de-escalation tactics when appropriate.
• Order and direct emergency equipment at accident and disaster scenes. Search for missing persons.
• Drive vehicles under hazardous and emergency conditions. Train new employees in proper police procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Federal, state, and city codes and ordinances relating to law enforcement.
• Modern approved principles and procedures of police work.
• Department rules and regulations.
• General Orders and directives.
• City streets and principal locations.
• Court and evidence procedures.
• Court decisions affecting police practices.
• Radio procedures.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation tools.

• Communicate in English clearly to individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and in public and court settings.
• Write clearly, accurately, concisely, and legibly in English.
• Read and interpret complex technical documents in English.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Observe, assimilate, remember, record, and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Read maps and mapped information.
• Apply knowledge of laws, statutes, court decisions, department policies, and investigation theories to determine actions.
• Work impartially with diverse populations and environments.
• Analyze problems and take effective action in emergencies and stressful situations.
• De-escalate tense situations when appropriate.
• Plan and present material orally to diverse groups.
• Deal courteously but firmly with the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and City staff.
• Use firearms safely and accurately.
• Engage in physical activity, climb barriers, and perform strenuous activities as needed.
• Control resisting subjects with the minimum force necessary to effect an arrest.
• Use modern computer equipment including in-car MDCs, body cameras, and GPS equipment.

• Driving under hazardous…