Police Officer - Full-time

About the Department

Application Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

A limited number of applicants who most closely meet the needs of the position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related qualifications will advance in the selection process. Applications will be screened to ensure all required documents are submitted and are complete; incomplete applications or those missing required materials will be disqualified. Qualified applicants will undergo an initial evaluation of the standard online City application and a review of the Personal History Statement (PHS). Candidates who successfully pass these screening steps will be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a panel interview and a final departmental interview. Candidates who move forward will be subject to an extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and physical examination. Upon completion of all post-conditional offer assessments, the Chief of Police will review the results and make the final determination regarding a formal job offer. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to modify any component of the selection or examination process.


To qualify as a Lateral, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

• Currently employed or formerly employed within the last three years as a law enforcement officer in a California law enforcement agency and possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.
   
• Currently employed or formerly employed within the last three years as a law enforcement officer in a law enforcement agency outside of California and passed the California P.O.S.T Basic Course Waiver examination.
   
• Formerly employed as a law enforcement officer over three years ago in a California law enforcement agency and have completed the California P.O.S.T. Requalification process.

*You must attach a copy of your California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, your California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver, or proof of completion of the California P.O.S.T. Requalification process to your online application to be considered to move forward in this recruitment.

• Current enrollment in a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy.  
• Attach proof of enrollment to your online application
  
  

*Prior to a conditional job offer, you will need to submit a copy of your graduation certificate from a California Basic P.O.S.T Academy. 

*You must attach a copy of your graduation certificate from a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy OR proof of completion of the California P.O.S.T. Requalification Process to your online application to be considered for this recruitment. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

DEFINITION
 
Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of patrol and related duties involving the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances; makes investigations, assists in the preparation of cases, and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
               
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No supervision of staff is exercised.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This is a sworn journey-level law enforcement class that performs all assignments found in a municipal police department. While incumbents are normally assigned to a specific geographic area for patrol or traffic enforcement, all functional areas of the law enforcement field, including investigation, youth services, administration, and training, are included. Incumbents may be armed and may be assigned to work in uniform or plain clothes. Shift schedules and job assignments may be changed periodically to assure the maximum delivery of effective police service. This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first supervisory level in this sworn class series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff on an assigned shift.

Position Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious, criminal activity, or hazardous conditions, and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities, and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations, and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Provides information, directions, and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public, including speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.
• Observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations.
• Makes arrests and serves warrants and subpoenas; takes individuals into custody and provides for the safety and welfare of juveniles and adults in custody, to include the transport of detainees for medical clearance and/or transport to a longer-term facility as required.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; coordinates and maintains crime scene activities, including conducting interviews of suspects, victims, and witnesses and collecting and preserving evidence.
• Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; works to resolve cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting, and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Provides mutual aid to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Prepares and maintains reports, logs, records, and accurate files.
• Serves writs, warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• May perform and/or coordinate specific programs or projects, including community-oriented policing, project and resource development, investigations, and crime prevention.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Oversees the use and care of equipment as required.
• Provide public presentations as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY YOU MUST:

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid California Drivers' License with an acceptable driving record.
• United States High School Diploma or general education diploma (GED) which may be waived if you have a college degree from an accredited college within the United States.
• No felony, domestic violence, misdemeanor assault convictions or currently on probation or parole.
• Have graduated from a POST Basic Police Academy within the last 3 years OR an attached letter uploaded to your application that you are currently enrolled and or attending the Police Academy.
• Be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination (including drug testing), and psychological examination.

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR LATERAL:

• Currently employed as a Police Officer in the State of California.
• Possession of a Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).
• Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Law enforcement principles, practices, and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, and pursuit, apprehension, and transportation of suspects.
• Investigation and identification techniques and equipment.
• Rules of evidence regarding search and seizure and the preservation of evidence.
• Courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, procedures, and court decisions relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the area of assignment, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agents, and impact weapons.
• Techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol, pursuit, and emergency conditions.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the area of assignment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the City in contacts with the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

 
Ability to:
 

• Observe accurately; recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents and places.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports, records, and other written materials.
• Identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns, and needs.
• Coordinate and carry out special assignments.
• Monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations.
• Enter information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.
• Make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate the equipment and vehicles of the department in a safe and responsible manner.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Other Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands