Police Officer (Lateral)

Police Officer Lateral

The City of Hayward is accepting applications for Police Officer Lateral. Police Officers at the City of Hayward perform a wide variety of law enforcement assignments including but not limited to : patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court and providing information to the public.

Hayward has been routinely billed as one of the most diverse cities in the state of California. We're proud of that. We thrive on the vibrant mix of cultures and customs that makes Hayward such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Unlike many other Bay Area cities, Hayward remains accessible, affordable and primed for growth. People are beginning to see Hayward for everything it has to offer : a warm and inviting climate, easy access to three international airports within 20 minutes, affordable real estate, superior water resources, well-run city government, considerable open space and a host of recreational opportunities. Add an educated workforce, a wide range of housing options and one of California's most diverse populations, and you have the ingredients for an unparalleled location : Hayward, the Heart of the Bay.

The Hayward Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the city by maintaining partnerships with its diverse community, together creating safe and cohesive neighborhoods. We pledge to safeguard the lives and property of the people served, and to reduce the incidence and fear of crime. We do this by treating all people fairly and equitably; and by being ethical, honest, responsive, and professional in the services we provide. We are accountable to one another and to the community. The Hayward Police Department is comprised of a staff of 197 sworn personnel and 124 professional staff. The Department supports a Community Policing philosophy and offers excellent promotional and special assignment opportunities.

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following :

Patrols the assigned area on foot or in patrol vehicle, makes routine security checks, inspects places of possible disorder and keeps alert to discover suspect circumstances or persons.

Operates a patrol car, motorcycle, or other vehicle

Responds to radio and telephone dispatches and appears at scene or disorder or crime.

Resolves disputes, admonishes individuals, responds to accidents and provide emergency first aid.

Arrests and cites violators of laws and ordinances.

Investigates calls and complaints.

Investigates traffic accidents.

Prepares and documents cases; write reports; serve warrants and subpoenas; and testifies in court.

Writes citations.

Investigates conditions hazardous to life or property.

Coordinates crime scene control; makes initial investigations of crimes and crime scenes.

Assists Detectives and other investigators in crime investigation.

Watches for suspicious cars, curfew violators and wanted persons.

Operates two-way radio equipment.

Takes fingerprints and photographs and processes evidence

Assists in booking and jailing prisoners.

Processes and transports prisoners.

Directs traffic.

Questions suspects and witnesses.

Provides information, directions, other services and assistance to the public.

Inspects patrol cars / motorcycles, equipment and weapons to ensure proper operation.

Prepares for and participates in planned events; stands and directs traffic at collision scenes and demonstrations; controls crowds; and cooperates with City, State and other agencies to secure areas at special events or crime scenes.

Participates in special details and assignments.

May serve as a field training officer.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

One (1) year in a law enforcement agency within the last thirty-six (36) months and possession of a current Basic California P.O.S.T Certificate.

High school diploma or equivalent (possession of an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desirable).

Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

Free of any felony convictions.

Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law.

21 years of age at time of appointment.

Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20 / 30.

Must pass a background investigation.

Must meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards.

Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of :

Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.

Public relations in law enforcement.

Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations.

Safe vehicle operation.

Principles of first aid.

Ability to :

Learn principles, practices, procedures, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.

Read and interpret laws, ordinances, regulations and Department policies.

Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.

Drive a vehicle safely.

Write clear, concise and accurate reports.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces, descriptive characteristics and details of incidents.

Perform physical tasks inherent in the work of a Police Officer.

Be courteous but firm with the public when needed.

React quickly and calmly under emergency and stressful situations.

Make sound decisions.

Develop skill in the use of a firearm.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time.

Probationary Period

Two (2) Years

Selection Procedure

Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application, a copy of a Basic POST Certificate and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications. Be sure to scan and attach a copy of your Basic POST Certificate to your on-line application. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered. Based on the information provided, those best qualified may be invited to the next phase of the process, which may include a pre-background questionnaire and an oral, practical, and / or written examination. The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department. Those candidates ranking highest on the eligible list will be granted a selection interview where they will be interviewed by the Personnel and Training Administrator of the Hayward Police Department. At that time, candidates will need to bring a copy of a police report they authored documenting a self-initiated arrest (felonies preferred). Those candidates deemed most highly qualified from the selection interview may be invited to interview with the Chief of Police. Final selection and job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive police background investigation, including personal history, prior job performance and activities that may negatively affect job performance, as well as a medical examination and psychological examination. Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov / Government Jobs and the City of Hayward. Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits Overview

This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include :

• Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 5