Police Officer

Police Officer

The Police Officer performs a variety of duties related to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; provides traffic enforcement and control; and carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work. This is an entry / journey level class responsible for performance of the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities. New incumbents may have limited related experience but are expected to learn the full range of duties and responsibilities, perform duties with minimal direct supervision, and exercise sound judgment and discretion in making decisions.

Examples of duties include patrolling assigned areas of the city to preserve law and order, discovering and preventing commission of crimes, and enforcing traffic and other laws and ordinances; responding to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints; conducting initial and follow-up investigations; preparing and serving search and arrest warrants; directing traffic at special events or emergency situations; and providing traffic and crowd control at community and emergency events.

Typical qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a POST-approved police academy, possession of a valid California driver's license, and qualification for or possession of a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. Additional certifications may be required for specialized assignments.

Supplemental information includes the requirement to pass a thorough background investigation, including polygraph testing, and to maintain the same level of security as when first hired as a condition of continued employment. Assignments to the Police Department will require successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment psychological and medical examination prior to employment.