Police Officer

Hercules, CA
Hercules Police Department

Salary
$98,709.24 – $114,431.28 Annually

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first working level in law enforcement, performing all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations. Incumbents may be assigned to patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile crime prevention, K-9, or other police-related functions. This class is distinguished from uniformed civilian police-related classes by designation and the responsibilities and authorities associated with designations as a sworn peace officer under the laws of the State. It is further distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which both supervises and participates in law enforcement activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives supervision from the Police Officer designated as an Officer-In-Charge, Police Sergeant, Police Commander, Police Chief, or their designees.

Essential Functions

  • Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observe situations, and deter crime by providing high visibility; notes and reports unsafe conditions.
  • Responds to, and investigates, unusual or suspicious activities, responds to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
  • Directs traffic and investigates traffic accidents.
  • Enforces state, local, and federal laws and ordinances, issues verbal warnings and citations to violators, analyzes facts, clues and evidence and makes investigations to determine law violators.
  • Makes arrests, serves subpoenas and warrants, transports prisoners, and interviews suspects.
  • Prepares evidence and appears in court to give testimony.
  • Searches for stolen property and missing persons.
  • Gives information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, directions and available public services.
  • Operates computers, radios, and other communication equipment.
  • Carries and uses a firearm and other appropriate defensive weaponry.
  • Protects the life, property, public order and constitutional rights of all citizens.
  • Adheres to the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
  • Investigates juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective coordinates crime science control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, overseeing collection and preservation of physical evidence.
  • Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Atypical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities listed above would be:

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area and college level course work in criminology, law enforcement or police science is desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Citizenship Requirement:

Be a United States Citizen (or resident alien with application for citizenship in progress)

General Requirements:

  • Be a high school graduate, or GED equivalent.
  • Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
  • Possess a valid California driver’s license (at time of appointment) and a good driving record.
  • Must be able to obtain required P.O.S.T. certification and maintain firearms qualification.
  • Obtain and maintain a P.O.S.T. basic certificate.

Lateral Entry:
Must meet the general requirements above and be a graduate of a P.O.S.T. approved academy or have a P.O.S.T. basic certificate.