Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate)

Police Officer

We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about a career in law enforcement to serve our beautiful seaside community!

The Position: Under general supervision of a Police Corporal, Sergeant, or Watch Commander, performs in an assigned area of responsibility, responds to calls, observes violations, and enforces public safety and traffic laws, regulations and ordinances; performs crime prevention and investigation work to protect life and property; discusses problems, complaints and violations with citizens, residents and visitors; testifies in court hearings; assists other officers and performs special detail work as needed; and does other work as assigned. Solves community related problems and prepares comprehensive written and dictated reports.

The Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis but please apply early for first consideration! All interested candidates must submit a completed online application in order to be considered. Applications will be screened carefully and selected candidates will be invited to participate in an evaluation process which will include the following:

• Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)
• Oral Panel Interview

Candidates must successfully complete the P.A.T. with a score of 75 points or higher to proceed to the Oral Panel Interview.

Those who successfully complete both testing components will be placed on an eligibility list. A pre-background interview will be scheduled upon successful completion of the panel interview stage. The appointing authority will review all job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the city.

Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a thorough background security investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, and pre-employment physical examination including a drug test.

Examples of Duties

• Responds quickly and correctly in emergency situations and makes field decisions in accordance with departmental policies and procedures in any given law enforcement assignment.
• Patrols assigned district by automobile, motorcycle/bicycle, ATV, or on foot in order to prevent and detect crime activity and enforce laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Responds to radio communications, computer prompts or citizen requests and investigates reported disorders, observed violations, and related incidents.
• Notes and reports traffic problems, abandoned or damaged vehicles, and other safety hazards.
• Issues verbal warnings or written citations for parking, moving, and municipal violations.
• Investigates traffic accidents and directs and controls the flow of traffic at the scene of accidents, signal failures, special events, natural and unnatural catastrophes in adverse weather conditions.
• Investigates and prepares reports on complaints, accidents, offenses and damages to property; interviews witnesses and suspects.
• Restores order and maintains peace at public gatherings or in conflict situations.
• Collects and preserves physical evidence in accordance with department policy and laws.
• Observes and reports conditions conducive to crime activity.
• Provides information and assistance to the public in a respectful manner.
• Pursues and apprehends suspects.
• Makes arrests and advises suspects of rights.
• Prepares crime and arrest reports and documents other situations such as traffic accidents and civil disputes.
• Appears in Court to testify regarding arrests or other law enforcement activity and case evidence and civil cases.
• Searches and transports prisoners.
• Completes booking (e.g., digital camera, fingerprinting).
• Administers emergency first aid to injured or incapacitated persons until medical personnel are present.
• Participates in classroom and field training exercises.
• Treats Citizens, suspects and fellow employees with respect.
• May be recalled to duty to respond to emergency situations.
• May perform the duties of Acting Police Sergeant or Field Training Officer as directed.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
• *Please note all Academy Graduates spend their initial probationary year in field training.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by completion of a police academy and training program is required. Proof must be attached for Academy Graduate applicants. College course work in criminal justice, administration of justice or a related field is desired.

Experience:

Lateral: Successful completion of a probationary period with another law enforcement agency and possession of a current California P.O.S.T. Basic certificate is required. Out of state applicants must possess a California Basic P.O.S.T. waiver.

Academy Graduate: Some experience or on-the-job training involving public contact work or the enforcement of public safety rules and policies is desired.

License/Certificate Requirements: Must obtain a valid Class C California driver's license and provide evidence of an acceptable driving record. May be required to obtain a M1 license following hire, if assigned as a Motor Officer.

Additional Requirements: Ability to successfully pass a background security investigation, polygraph examination, and successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and psychological screening as a condition of employment. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Any candidates selected for hire must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of hire.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Laws from the California Penal Code, Business and Professions Code, Health & Safety Code
• State motor vehicle codes, traffic safety regulations and municipal ordinances
• Police science principles
• Police department policies, practices and procedures
• Theories of human behavior
• Federal and state laws, statutes, local ordinances and Court decisions governing arrest and custody of prisoners, search and seizure, rules of evidence, and privacy rights
• First aid techniques
• Safety rules and procedures
• Criminal investigation, crime prevention principles and techniques
• Self defense methods and physical restraint techniques
• Radio codes and communications procedures
• Disease control methods and techniques
• Community related problem-solving techniques

Ability to:

• Operate a police motor vehicle skillfully and safely
• Use firearms and other weapons
• Read and interpret State Motor Vehicle Codes and traffic safety laws and local ordinances
• Accurately recall the circumstances under which criminal, civil or traffic violations occurred for testimony purposes
• Obtain knowledge of City geography, street layouts and traffic and crime patterns
• Read and interpret maps to determine locations of calls
• Work effectively in team response situations
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations
• Communicate clearly and concisely in conveying commands
• Operate two-way radio following proper communications procedures
• Maintain alertness and concentration in emergency situations
• Accurately recall names, faces and details regarding crime incidents
• Follow proper safety rules and procedures
• Work under variable weather conditions
• Properly use tools to gain access to buildings
• Communicate and work cooperatively with co-workers, supervision, and public and private representatives
• Relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political, racial and ethnic backgrounds and age groups
• Understand and carry out oral or written commands and instructions
• Complete clear and accurate police reports and work activity records
• May operate an audio or video recorder during field enforcement work
• Operate computers
• Operate and make independent decisions without direct supervision
• Make decisions without undue delay in emergency situations
• Thoroughly investigate field assignments as reflected in complete reports

City of Laguna Beach: With seven miles of City beaches and towering hills with captivating Pacific views, Laguna Beach residents enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Southern California. The City of Laguna Beach hosts millions of visitors to its world-famous arts festivals and beautiful beaches. Services provided to its resident population of approximately 23,000 include police, fire, marine safety, recreation, parks, public works, community development, parking, transit and animal control. The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions (Support Services, and Investigative and Field Services), and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with