Police Officer (Lateral)

Salary : $107,140.80 - $130,228.80 Annually
Location : The City of Pinole, CA
Job Type: Full Time Regular Appointment, 40 hour workweek
Job Number: 2026 (1/1-12/31) PO Lateral
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PPEA

City of Pinole - Police Department
Police Officer - Lateral

Are you an experienced law enforcement professional looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve a vibrant community? The City of Pinole is seeking lateral police officers who are committed to public safety, integrity, and community engagement. If you are a POST-certified peace officer ready to bring your skills and experience to a supportive, professional team, we want you on board!
Plus full benefits including retiree medical coverage and a signing bonus, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
Apply today - we are motivated to move laterals through the hiring process expeditiously!

Applicants must submit a valid POST Certificate to be considered a lateral.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of patrol and related duties involving the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances; makes investigations, assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
This class receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or Police Commander, depending upon assignment. No direct supervision is provided, however, direction may be provided to other officers and part-time Cadet, Reserve Officer or volunteer staff on a project basis.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This sworn, working-level law enforcement class performs all non-supervisory assignments found in a municipal police department. While incumbents are normally assigned to a specific geographic area for patrol or traffic enforcement, all functional areas of the law enforcement field, including investigation, are included due to the size and organization of the department. This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first supervisory level in this sworn class series.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events or other congested situations.
• Makes arrests and serves warrants and subpoenas; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the community, including specific targeted groups, such as the elderly or school-age youth.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• Performs and/or coordinates specific program or project areas, such as:

.... Community-oriented policing;
.... School liaison;
.... Project and resource development;
.... Investigations
.... Crime prevention; and/or
.... Field training officer.

• Provides mutual aide to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with departmental policy.
• May perform dispatch duties on a relief or as needed basis.

Knowledge of:

• Law enforcement principles, practices and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, pursuit, apprehension and transportation of suspects.
• Investigation and identification techniques and equipment.
• Rules of evidence regarding search and seizure and the preservation of evidence.
• Courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying.
• Applicable laws, codes, ordinances, court decisions and departmental rules and regulations.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agencies and impact weapons.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Techniques for communication with, in English, dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often when relations may be confrontational or stressed.

Skill in:

• Observing accurately, recalling faces, names, descriptive characteristics, facts of incidents and places.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Preparing clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records and other written materials.
• Making sound, independent decisions in emergency situations.
• Identifying and being responsive to community issues, concerns and needs.
• Operating the equipment of the department in a safe and responsible manner.
• Coordinating and carrying out special assignments.
• Operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol and emergency conditions.
• Monitoring changes in laws and court decisions and applying them in work situations.
• Entering information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by 30 semester units or equivalent quarter units in administration of justice, law enforcement or a closely related field. Completion of an accredited police academy, two years of college level course work as described above and/or volunteer law enforcement experience are desirable.

Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a valid basic certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and possess and maintain firearms qualification.

Working Conditions: Works inside and outside. Must be willing to work over time, extended shifts, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts. May be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations, hazardous situations and all weather conditions. Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation. May travel to sites outside of the City.

Physical Demands: Must maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects, lift and push or pull individuals or objects weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to work in a standard office setting and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to maintain firearms qualification, to read printed materials and a computer screen, discern colors and work in a night setting; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone and radio.
The City of Pinole offers a wide range of benefits. To view our Benefit Package, please visit our
01

PO (Lat/Grad/Trainee): Which classification best describes the position you are applying for:

• Lateral: I have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement (the police academy) and an employing agency's probationary period of not less than 12 months.
• Academy Graduate: I have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement (the police academy) but have not satisfactorily completed a probationary period with an employing agency.
• Trainee or Academy Attendee: I am seeking sponsorship to a police academy or I am currently attending an academy.
• None of the above categories apply.

02

PO POST Certs: Please select the highest valid California POST certificate you possess:

• POST Basic Certificate: The Basic Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess a valid POE, have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Basic Course requirement, and the employing agency's probationary period of not less than 12 months.
• POST Intermediate Certificate: The Intermediate Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess a Basic Certificate and who have acquired the specified training and education points and/or college degree and the prescribed years of law enforcement experience.
• POST Advanced Certificate: The Advanced Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess an Intermediate Certificate and who have acquired the specified training and education points and/or college degree and the prescribed years of law enforcement experience.
• POST Supervisory Certificate: The Supervisory Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess or are eligible to possess an Intermediate Certificate, have earned a minimum of 60 semester units at an accredited college, served for a period of at least two years as a permanent first-level supervisor or higher in law enforcement, and have completed the POST Supervisory Course.
• Management Certificate: The Management Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess or are eligible to possess an Advanced Certificate, have earned a minimum of 60 semester units at an accredited college, served for a period of at least two years as a permanent middle manager or higher in law enforcement, and have completed the POST Management Course.
• Executive Certificate: The Executive Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently employed full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who possess or are eligible to possess an Advanced Certificate, have earned a minimum of 60 semester units at an accredited college, served for a period of at least two years as a permanent agency head with their current employing law enforcement agency, and have completed the POST Executive Development Course.
• Reserve Officer Certificate: The Reserve (Peace) Officer Certificate is awarded, as defined in Commission Regulation 1202 to currently appointed Level 1 Reserve Officers of a POST-participating agency who possess a valid POE, have completed a POST-certified RBC, and have completed a minimum of 200 hours of general law enforcement experience.
• Specialized Certificate: The Specialized Series of Professional Certificates include the Basic through Executive Certificates and completion of the Specialized Investigators Academy.
• I possess a valid law enforcement/peace officer certificate from another state.
• I do not possess a certificate that verifies my authority to perform law enforcement/peace officer work.

03

Are you currently employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency?

• Yes, I am currently employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency.
• No, but I have been employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency within the past 36 months.
• No, and I have NOT been employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency within the past 36 months.

04

How many years of experience do you have with a California Law Enforcement agency?

• Less than 2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 or more years

05

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

Required Question