Police Officer - Lateral or Academy Graduate

Police Officer

Come join our amazing team! Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please read the entire job announcement and hiring bonus language.

Colton is excited to offer a hiring bonus to all new hire Police Officers. Here's how it works:

- $2,500 at the time of hire

- $2,500 at the completion of FTO and six (6) months

- $5,000 after completion of the probationary period

- $5,000 after one year on, passed probation

Total bonus = $15,000!

Definition: Under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant or other higher level police personnel, performs the full array of duties and responsibilities assigned to classes in the Police Officer series including responding to all calls for service from the public, patrolling City streets and enforcing Federal, State and local laws; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; occasionally assists in the training of less experienced police officers; performs a variety of other tasks in support of the City's law enforcement efforts.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Police Officer is the journey level class responsible for responding to the full array of calls for service from the public and enforcing all federal, state and local laws. The position is responsible for the protection of life and property and utilizes a variety of methods and techniques to meet that responsibility. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Police Corporal/Detective in that the latter assumes lead supervisory responsibilities on a routine basis and/or is assigned to a specialized investigative function.

Supervision Exercised: May occasionally exercise technical and functional supervision over sworn and non-sworn staff.

Essential Functions:

Essential Functions: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Perform the full array of duties and assignments assigned to classes in the Police Officer series including patrolling assigned areas of the City and monitoring and controlling traffic conditions.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Patrol the City and respond to all calls for service from the public; answer calls for the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, death, domestic abuse and all other calls; conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of crime.
• Make arrests as is appropriate; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; search and transport suspects to detention facilities; fingerprint suspects.
• Prepare detailed reports of arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas; stay abreast of new and existing laws and procedures for processing warrants; retrieve and request information involving arrests and subpoenas.
• Monitor and enforce City traffic laws; stop drivers and advise them if they are in violation of established laws; issue citations as is appropriate.
• Check public and private sector buildings and facilities; make observations and investigate any suspicious activity in and around buildings and facilities.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Perform a variety of duties specific to assigned areas of responsibility which may include canine handler duties, field training officer duties, detective duties, identification officer duties, community relations duties and/or supervisory duties.
• As a Canine Handler, perform investigations, apprehend suspects, back up officers and suppress criminal activity with the aide of a canine; train and care for canines.
• As a Field Training Officer, train new officers in police duties including traffic enforcement, safety, report writing and department policies and procedures; supervise, train and prepare schedules for reserves.
• As a Police Detective, coordinate and conduct complete and detailed follow-up investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property and crimes involving vice, gambling and narcotics violations.
• As a Identification Officer, collect and preserve evidence at the scene of the crime and/or accident; lift fingerprints; draw sketches; take photographs; and perform other duties necessary for the attainment of evidence.
• As a Community Relations Officer, develop and present educational crime prevention programs to the public and at schools; promote, organize and implement programs to improve relations between the Police and the community.
• As a Police Officer assigned to the Problem Orientated Policing Program, perform a variety of focused police functions upon a specific area of criminal activity or problem area, which may include apartments, gangs or traffic areas.
• As a POP officer, research, gather and analyze information pertinent to assigned area of responsibility; forward gathered information to patrol officers and other officers as is appropriate; perform all other police functions within assigned area of responsibility.
• As a POP Officer assigned to traffic, research, gather and analyze information and evidence directly related to traffic collisions and other traffic related problems; make determinations as to the cause of the accident.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Respond to questions and concerns from the general public; provide information as is appropriate and resolve complaints.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience: A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent to a high school diploma and specialized training in policing. License/Certificate: Possession of a valid class C California driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid and appropriate POST certificate. Note: Specialized assignments may require specialized license or certificates, as determined by the department.

Additional Information:

Recruitment and Selection Process: Interested candidates must complete an application through governmentjobs.com. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as the recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review period. An application review will take place periodically while the recruitment is open. Candidates that have the knowledge, skills and abilities that best meet the City's needs will be invited to participate in an oral board interview. Successful candidates will have their name certified to an eligibility list. The list will be used to fill the current vacancies. Candidates considered for hire, will undergo a thorough background investigation and medical exam.