POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL AND ACADEMY GRADUATE

THE COMMUNITY

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 24,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

THE DEPARTMENT AND POSITION

El Cerrito Police Department is a modern, well-managed department providing police services to a community of 24,000 residents. The department offers many opportunities for professional growth including : Investigations, Field Training, Hostage Negotiation Team, Special Response Team, and K9.

This position requires an ability to learn and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures; carry out oral and written directions; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and meet the on-going physical requirements of the position.

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

Essential Functions

• Patrols City by vehicle or by foot to observe, investigate and report suspicious or hazardous conditions.
• Answers calls for protections of life and property and enforcement of City, County, and State laws.
• Conducts investigations of disturbance and potential criminal incidents. Includes : makes arrests as necessary, apprehends suspects using weapons, interview victims and witnesses, interrogates suspects, gathers and preserves evidence, completes case reports.
• Testifies in court to present evidence and provide information pertaining to court proceedings.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters related to apprehension of offenders and investigation of offenses.
• Takes on special assignments to meet department needs. Includes : takes charge of juveniles or delinquents and works on cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles; handles missing persons cases.
• Directs traffic and vehicle flow to ease congestion during accidents or times of emergencies.
• Serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents to individuals as per department needs.
• Assists in special studies of crime prevention or department problems to improve overall functioning of department.
• Provides information to general public to answer questions, assist in community crime prevention programs, and provide public education.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Administer first aid as necessary.
• Coordinate and conduct complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice and narcotics violations.
• Participate in all normal enforcement activities including enforcing local and State laws, issuing citations, making arrests, administering first aid, and transporting prisoners.
• Perform undercover and surveillance activities.
• Interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.

Academy Graduate Police Officer applicants must have graduated from a California POST Academy. Lateral Police Officer applicants must possess and submit a copy of a current Basic POST Certificate. All applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions of the position, as determined by a thorough City pre-placement physical examination; meet vision requirement of not less than 20 / 100, correctable to 20 / 30; possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.; must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien with an application for citizenship completed at least one year prior of date of application (citizenship must be obtained no later than three years after date of application or disqualification will result); have a valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record; and be free of felony convictions.

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