Police Officer
Lateral or POST Pre-Service, or Current POST Academy Attendee
Salary: $84,348.00 – $102,516.00 Annually
Essential Functions
To be considered as a Police Officer Lateral, applicants must have been a full-time California Police Officer or a California Level I Reserve Officer within the past three years
To be considered a Police Officer Pre-Service, applicants must have graduated from a POST approved basic police academy within the past three years
To be considered a Police Officer Academy Attendee, applicants must be currently attending a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy. Candidates must satisfactorily pass all of the requirements that lead to the possession of the California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in addition to passing all phases of the background process. Appointment to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the academy and background process then followed by final review by the Police Chief.
The South Pasadena Police Department utilizes a community-oriented approach for the delivery of police services. We serve based on a partnership with the community, an understanding of neighborhood problems, and the community’s expectations of police service. Officers will be tasked with problem resolution within their assigned area, as well as for response to calls for service citywide. The city’s size (3.4 square miles) and population (25,000 residents) allow for individual interaction with the supportive residents and businesses we serve. Police Officers assigned to patrol shifts work a 3-12 schedule.
Under general supervision, protects of life and property, prevents crime, arrests criminals, and generally enforces laws and ordinances. Responsible for designated beat areas. Works assigned shifts. May be assigned to patrol by driving or walking. May be assigned to the Detective Bureau or traffic enforcement. Reports to a Sergeant or a Corporal.
Examples of Duties
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by employees in this class. An employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties, which are not listed below.
Patrols a designated area of the city in a vehicle or on foot, as needed. Enforces motor vehicle operation and parking regulations, the penal code and city ordinances. Prevents commission of crimes and inspects, reports, and corrects conditions which may lead to crime or delinquency. Conducts complete traffic accident, criminal, complaint and other investigations. Writes reports on investigations. Collects and preserves evidence. Interviews witnesses. Testifies in court. Apprehends crime suspects and/or makes arrests. Performs jail booking procedures, including fingerprinting and photographing of prisoners. Receives complaints and reports, and provides the public with information and directions. Gives first aid in medical emergencies. Mediates and arbitrates disputes. May be assigned to traffic enforcement, bicycle regulation and safety education, or the general traffic safety program. May train new recruits. May perform background investigations of applicants. May act as dispatcher in his/her absence. May lock or unlock park gates and other city property, depending on shift. Performs other related duties as required.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Qualification Guidelines
Employment Standards
Education/Experience:
A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution. College level course work in Administration of Justice desirable. Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate desirable. Possession of California Driver’s License Class “C” or higher.
Lateral Applicants must attach a copy of their Basic P.O.S.T Certificate.
Pre-Service Applicants must attach a copy of their CA Basic P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate of completion.
Academy Attendees must attach proof of enrollment at a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy to your online application in order to begin the recruitment process. Prior to any conditional job offer you will need to submit a copy of your graduation certificate from a California Basic P.O.S.T Academy.
Knowledge of and Ability to:
Ability to comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents including a daily log, vehicle check and arrest reports. Ability to prepare vehicle checks, crime reports, complaints, accident reports, death reports, injury reports, traffic citations and shift logs using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Ability to comprehend a variety of reference books and manuals including Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Duty Manual, Municipal Code, Health and Safety Code, and City map. Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, suspects, crime victims, other agencies, and the general public, both verbally and in writing. Ability to operate automated office machines including a telephone and personal computer and/or typewriter. Ability to operate a variety of police equipment and tools, such as vehicle, BAC measurement instruments, radio, baton, firearm, flashlight, aerosol chemical agents, and handcuffs. Ability to be proficient with lethal and less lethal weapons. Ability to use clerical and police supplies, including roll-a-tape, flares, crime scene tape, stencils, citations and forms. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to calculate decimals, ratios, percentages and fractions. May require the ability to calculate and apply principles of geometry. Ability to apply principles of influence systems such as mediating disputes and teaching various community groups in crime prevention and traffic safety education. Ability to use independent judgment in periodically non-routine situations, responding to alarms, making arrests and handling domestic disputes.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Physical Demands:
Drive a vehicle safely under various conditions (including emergencies). Lift, carry, drag, pull, and push objects of varying weight and size. Stand, walk, and run for extended times over various distances and conditions such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls. Observe and recognize people, activities, vehicles, street signs, and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during the day and night. Objectively use only that force necessary to control situations and persons, including combative or fleeing suspects. Use a variety of lethal and less lethal weapons safely and proficiently. Administer first aid and CPR.
Working Conditions
Ability to work in an outdoor environment, subject to heat and cold, noise, toxic agents, smoke and violence. Must be able to work shift work, including overnight hours and on weekends, holidays, and for extended hours when needed.
Special Requirements
Candidates shall be either a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship on or within three years before the date of appointment as a peace officer.
Selection Process
1. PELLETB (Lateral exempt)
2. Oral Board Interview
3. Pre-Background Investigation
4. Physical Agility Exam
5. Polygraph Examination
6. Background Investigation
7. Police Chief’s Interview
8. Psychological and Medical Examinations
Applicant must be of good moral character with no felony convictions.