Lateral Police Officer

Salary: $94,383.85 – $114,724.16 Annually

Position Summary:

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 Federal, State, and local 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.

Essential Functions:

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious, criminal activity, or hazardous conditions, 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.
• Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public, including speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.
• Observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorist with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles; 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.
• Assists in receiving, searching, booking, fingerprinting, and transporting prisoners.
• 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.
• Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes as assigned including conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
• Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; works to resolve cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.
• Assists City Attorney or District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting, and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• When assigned to Investigations, conducts follow-up on all criminal investigations; collects field evidence; registers sex and narcotics offenders; responds to discovery requests; maintains pawn slips and field interview cards; may act as a Watch Commander in the absence of a Police Sergeant.
• When assigned as Field Training Officer, conducts training to ensure new Police Officers can perform their work competently and independently.
• When assigned to K-9 Patrol, with assistance of canine: searches buildings for hiding suspects; tracks suspects, lost children and adults; conducts demonstrations at schools and community gatherings in order to promote positive community relations; attends assigned monthly K-9 training.
• When assigned as a Motorcycle Officer, patrols on a Police motorcycle and assumes primary responsibility for traffic enforcement; maintains the Police motorcycle.
• When assigned as D.A.R.E. Officer, serves as an instructor for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program at elementary and middle schools; promotes the D.A.R.E. program at special events; oversees the D.A.R.E. budget; Serves as a school resource officer; instructs juvenile safety-related programs.
• Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Provides mutual aid to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Prepares and maintains reports, logs, records, and accurate files.
• Serves writs, warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• May perform and/or coordinates specific program or projects, including community-oriented policing, school liaison, project and resource development, investigations, and crime prevention.
• May conduct collateral department field training.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Oversees the use and care of equipment as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Specialized training in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintenance of valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by the American Red Cross.