Police Officer/Lateral Transfer Government Job Dept-Police Full Time

DEFINITION  

Enforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.

SUPERVISION

Receives technical supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level sworn classification.  May provide technical supervision over non-sworn personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Patrols an assigned area in marked/unmarked vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and all terrain/beach vehicles and on foot for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Maintains law and order; answers inquiries and assists the public; responds to requests for police services and takes appropriate actions.

Investigates and prepares reports on offenses, collisions, and other incidents.

Makes arrests, transports arrestees/prisoners, issues citations, and serves warrants and subpoenas.  

Directs traffic.

Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.  

Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of city-owned equipment such as streetlights and traffic control devices.

Practices and maintains proficiency in the use of firearms and other police weapons and equipment.

Attends training courses as required by P.O.S.T and the Chief of Police.

Analyzes recurring patrol and specialized problems/hazards in collaboration with supervisors, peers, and service clientele.  Participates in developing long-term resolutions to law enforcement related problems and issues.

Responds to calls for police service, major traffic collisions, and other emergencies.  

Performs other duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES

Knowledge of:

Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control

Principles of grammar and composition

Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Follow written and oral instructions

Follow applicable safety rules and regulations

Make decisions under pressure, including life threatening situations

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner

Be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of residents, guests, and visitors to the City

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department

Interact and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populations

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level

Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.

Experience:

• One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.
• Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
• Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship.  Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.

• Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.  

• Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.

• Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

       

HOW TO APPLY:  Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed on-line City application with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

An on-line City application and required supplemental questions must be completed to be considered for this position.  All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates considered to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Candidates invited to participate in the Police Department’s testing process will participate in the following:

Background Investigations:  Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The investigation is used to determine a candidate’s moral character and suitability for employment in law enforcement.  The investigation shall include but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal record, polygraph, driving history, credit history, military record, previous record(s); and references.

Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough medical examination, including a treadmill stress test and drug screen to determine if they meet the City’s medical standards for the position of Police Officer/Lateral Transfer.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community.  As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive.  Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.  We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees.  Join us!