Police Officer Lateral

Salary : $104,582.40 - $137,467.20 Annually
Location : Buena Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Benefited)
Job Number: 26-00003
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

JOB BULLETIN
Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS and may close without prior notice. Please thoroughly review the entire job bulletin before submitting your employment application.
***The City of Buena Park Police Department is seeking Qualified Police Officer Lateral Applicants!***THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO HAVE A CALIFORNIA BASIC P.O.S.T CERTIFICATE AND ONE YEAR EXPERIENCE WORKING AS A POLICE OFFICER WITH A CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
Police Officer Salary up to $137,467 Annually5% salary increase effective July 4, 2026

AND

***$12,000 SIGNING BONUS***Successful Police Officer Lateral Candidates will be paid $4,000 of the Signing Bonus at the time of hire, $4,000 after completion of a Field Training Program and 12-Month Probationary Period, and $4,000 at the completion of a second year of service.
Law Enforcement is at its finest here at the City of Buena Park Police Department. with new state-of-the-art facilities and a community-oriented proactive approach on crime, the City of Buena Park Police Department offers a work environment unmatched in Orange County.

Would you like to be part of a team that believes in investing in partnerships with the community, proactive crime prevention, community education, and overall effective police work? If so, the City of Buena Park Police Department features the following services;

• Patrol Services, Traffic/Enforcement, K9 Unit, and SWAT
• Youth Explorer Program School Resource Officer Program, and the Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) Volunteer Program
• Crime Prevention, Investigative Services Bureau, and Forensics
• Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, Gang Unit, Community Impact Team (CIT), Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (G.R.I.P.)
• Crimes, Persons Unit/Property Unit and the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force (OCATT)

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of Community Oriented Policing is practiced by all Buena Park Police Personnel. The Buena Park Police Department believes in investing in partnerships with the community and actively pursues opportunities for community education. Through the development of unique teams, such as the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF), Community Impact Team (CIT), as well as teams of officers working in specific problem areas, the Buena Park Police Department has been able to have a significant impact on crime and build strong community trust.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment
The Buena Park Police Department is proud of its state-of-the-art facility built in 2009. Our facilities were built with the future of police work in mind.

• 24/7 Expansive Employee Gym with impressive locker room facilities for both men and women
• Large patrol equipment storage lockers located near police cars
• On site weapons training facility
• State-of-the-art tactical equipment
• High Tech Dispatch Center
• The latest computer technology with the focus on paperless processes
• Dictation Services available for report writing

Working Environment Encourages Career Growth
Education and advancement are encouraged and rewarded through generous training opportunities and robust promotional opportunities. Proactive police work is encouraged through opportunities for advanced investigation and collaborative relationships with detectives as a regular course of business for Buena Park Police Officers. Alternative work schedules, such as a 3/12 work week and Special Event overtime opportunities, such as Knott's Berry Farm and Community Events, are also available.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area, enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations, maintains order, prevents, detects and investigates crime, and carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which serves as a first-line supervisor, and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift or section. Police Officers may be assigned to special assignments, such as motors, traffic, K-9, detective, SWAT, field training officer, jail, bike team, VIP handling, reserves, and similar details.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

1. Enforces federal and state laws and regulations, and local ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement.
2. Patrols an assigned area of the city, in a motor vehicle or on foot in order to detect and prevent crime and maintain law and order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of special assignment detail.
3. Prepares citations, arrest reports, crime reports, daily observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.
4. Responds to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life, property and public assistance; appears at crimes and scenes of disorder and determines proper course of action; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; observes situations related to stolen cars, traffic violations, and proper flow of traffic.
5. Gives verbal warnings and issues citations; inspects premises; assists in the investigation of crimes; conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths or other types of incidents involving possible violation of public safety laws and codes.
6. Questions suspects, interviews victims and witnesses; books property and evidence; performs basic crime scene investigation; testifies in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; completes field and follow-up investigations.
7. Takes written statements; examines conditions of accident scenes; clears scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; notes and reports traffic hazards; provides first aid for injured persons or requests medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures.
8. Reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings and assures that proper licenses and permits are in effect.
9. Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; monitors status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders.
10. Develops and maintains positive relations with citizens, business owners, and other members of the community.
11. Participates in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs.
12. Receives, searches, books, fingerprints, and takes custody of prisoners; guards and transports prisoners; provides meals and completes daily records.
13. When assigned to Reserves details, tracks and coordinates the scheduling and training of Reserve Police Officers.
14. When assigned to Traffic detail, enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations.
15. When assigned to Field Training Officer detail, organizes, coordinates, and provides officer training in the field related to proper law enforcement surveillance, handling of traffic stops, preparation of departmental reports, and related tasks; completes training records and employee progress reports at regular intervals.
16. When assigned to K-9 detail, assists in searches of suspects and properties; trains animals and conducts exercises in proper pursuit and control methods; feeds and maintains animals in accordance with health and safety standards, and prepares related activity records.
17. When assigned to Detective detail, conducts crime scene investigations and pursues cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the court system; conducts covert patrol; writes and executes search warrants; coordinates property and evidence collection with police support staff; testifies in cases.
18. When assigned to SWAT detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety.
19. When assigned to Gang detail, monitors and investigates associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determines means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; testifies in cases.
20. When assigned to School Resource detail, visits public schools, prepares and makes educational presentations, maintains communications with school officials, works with District staff on attendance and truancy issues, and counsels students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations.
21. Provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, or meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES
Knowledge of:
Police science principles, practices and professional standards; Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications; state laws, Penal Codes, Traffic Codes, and Civil Codes, statutes, court decisions, and case law; local codes and ordinances, departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, criminal acts, arrest and custody of prisoners or contraband; criminal investigation methods, identification methods; crime prevention principles, use of police records, and law enforcement practices; self-defense methods and physical restraint techniques; radio codes, transmission procedures and communication techniques; principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, and related police services, including specialty assignments; communicable disease control methods and techniques; proper care and maintenance of property and equipment; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:
Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, firearms and weapons; interpret and apply state public safety laws, codes, and local ordinances; prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records; analyze solutions to law enforcement problems; convey clear instructions or execute commands; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other divisions, police management, city departments, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; accurately recall circumstances regarding traffic incidents or crime reports; exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations; think logically and maintain alertness in emergency situations; relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political and racial backgrounds and age groups.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee is expected to climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps, carry police safety gear; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat or crawl, as well as walk, sit, and run. Sensory demands include talking, hearing, and using smell. This position must be able to pull and carry persons in emergency situations, administer first aid, and fight in self-defense. Employees are expected to grasp and carry power and hand tools, and lift, carry, and move persons, equipment, and push, pull or drag objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; remain calm and use effective judgment in dangerous situations; and interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff, other organizations, police safety personnel, school representatives, and the public, and other interfaces depending upon the position assignment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee frequently works in outside weather conditions, and in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment when assigned to patrol. The work involves exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, and inclement weather, as well as loud noises such as, but not limited to, sirens, alarms, and diesel engines.
These positions require the use of safety helmets, armored vest, earplugs, utility belts, and other specialized equipment as well as certification in protective and life saving equipment. These positions are subject to the threat of injury and life threatening hazards as part of police safety operations.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE
High School graduation or G.E.D. is required. Completion of up to 60 semester-level units related to general education and police science is highly desirable. Must have a California Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate AND one year experience with a California Law Enforcement Agency. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
Successful completion of the police academy. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment within one year of assignment.
Satisfactory completion of Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) certification is required within three years of assignment to this classification.
Ability to work extended hours in order to meet shift needs, complete reports, attend meetings, or conduct police business.
Employees who become department employees on or after January 1, 1987, shall, as a condition of their continued employment, refrain from smoking tobacco or any other non-tobacco substance at any time on or off duty. Violation of this condition of employment shall be deemed good cause for dismissal.
Vision: No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected and freedom from uncorrectable color blindness. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Age: Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States OR permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has already applied for citizenship.

Psychological: Applicants must undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position.

Polygraph Examination: Applicants will be administered an integrity test, and a polygraph examination.

Background Investigation: Applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved background Investigation.
Character: Applicants must be of good character and reputation. Applicants will be fingerprinted and records checked in both state and federal bureaus. Applicants must not have a record of conviction of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses. Credit rating, if established, must be satisfactory.

APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT
Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department web page at as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.

All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to oral interview and/or written exams, physical agility testing, and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. The list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.

The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.

The City of Buena Park Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy requires that all applicants undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment.
Below is a list of key benefits offered to Police Sworn employees of the City of Buena Park. This list is a summary of benefits. They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.

SALARY RANGE: Composed of seven (7) steps - Entry step through step seven (7) (Except management positions). Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.

RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employee pays member contribution.

VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service. Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit. Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation.

HOLIDAYS: An average of eleven (11) holidays per year, plus one (1) floating holiday.

EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT: $5000 per calendar year beginning January 1, 2024 plus the cost of books.

ADDITIONAL PAYS:

• Bilingual Pay - $300.00 per month
• Longevity Pay
  • Employees with 20-24 years of service receive a 3% base salary adjustment annually
  • Employees with 25 years of more of service receive a 5% base salary adjustment annually
• Shift Differential - $175.00 per month
• Uniform Allowance - $800.00 annually

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium. The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according to their bargaining unit agreement. This benefit is voluntary.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available. The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary.

LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit. Premiums are fully paid by the City.

LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City. Police sworn personnel are not eligible.

OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.

OTHER BENEFITS:

• 3/12 and 4/10 work schedules available. Hours and days off will vary based on assignment.
• Full Flexible Cafeteria Plan
• Employee Gym
• Employee Assistance Program - Available to all City employees and their immediate families.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS:

• Option to participate in Deferred Compensation 457 Plan and Scholar Share 529 College Savings Plan.
• Option to purchase other insurance such as Accident Insurance, Cancel Insurance, Short-term Disability Insurance, and more.

01

I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Leaving items blank or noting "See Resume" are not acceptable.

• Agree
• Disagree

02

Employees who become department employees on or after January 1, 1987, shall, as a condition of their continued employment, refrain from smoking tobacco or any other non-tobacco substance at any time on or off duty. Do you understand that violation of this condition of employment shall be deemed good cause for dismissal if you should be employed by the City of Buena Park?

• Yes
• No

03

What is your highest level of education completed?

• No Diploma
• High School or G.E.D.
• Some College - 59 units or less
• Some College - more than 60 units
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

04

Do you have a valid California class C driver's license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you currently employed as a sworn California Police Officer

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of experience do you have working as a Police Officer with a California law enforcement agency?

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year experience
• 1 to less than 2 years experience
• 2 to less than 3 years experience
• 3 to less than 4 years experience
• 4 to less than 5 years experience
• 5 years or more experience

07

Have you satisfactorily completed and hold certification for any of the following Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) certificates? (Check all that apply)

• Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate
• Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate
• Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate

08

I understand that as part of the qualifying process for Police Officer, I will have a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, a physical examination including controlled substances screening, and a thorough background investigation. I will also be required to complete a detailed personal history statement. Any falsification of information or failure to meet the standards listed above will result in my disqualification.

• By clicking here, I submit my electronic signature acknowledging that I have read and understand the qualifying process for Police Officer.

Required Question