Police Officer Lateral

Job Title

Police Officer

Salary

$92,035.46 - $120,471.41 Annually

Location

Covina, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00002

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

01/12/2026

Description

Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn Police Officer and submit a copy of POST Basic Certificate in order to qualify. Applicants not meeting these requirements will be rejected. Hiring Incentive - 3 Installment Payments $10,000 paid upon completion of the fifth full pay period $10,000 paid upon successful completion of field training program $10,000 paid upon successful completion of probationary period Description: Under general supervision, performs tasks and 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; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work; performs other related duties as required.

Essential Functions

(include but are not limited to the following) Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle or bicycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; answers complaints including domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances. Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons. Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer or in a variety of special program areas including schools liaison, K-9 programs, motorcycle traffic patrol, or other specialized areas of assignment. May serve as a detective; coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming and narcotics violations; performs undercover and surveillance activities; conducts registration and tracking of sex offenders; collects, preserves and maintains evidence and property. Obtains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies effectively in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted. Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints. Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent and be 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment. Successful completion of some college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field is desirable. Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn Police Officer and submit a copy of POST Basic Certificate in order to qualify. License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license, and possession of a Basic Certificate from P.O.S.T. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship. Knowledge/Abilities/Skills: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of: Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to: Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; enforce traffic laws; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Additional Information

The Covina Police Department is currently accepting applications for Lateral Police Officer. Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn Police Officer and possess a POST Basic Certificate. This recruitment will be used to establish an Eligibility List, which will be used to fill vacancies as they become available. APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This is a Continuous recruitment, and may close at any time, without notice. For optimal consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early as applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn Police Officer and submit a copy of POST Basic Certificate in order to qualify. Applicants not meeting these requirements will be rejected. For more information on the hiring process visit the Covina Police Department website. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a complete application. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical (which may include a drug/alcohol screening and psychological examinations. The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method. The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.