Police Officer Entry – Level

Vernon, CA
Vernon Police Department

Salary: $91,145.60 Annually

Position Summary:

Under basic supervision, provides swift, professional, responsive, and courteous police services for the Vernon Police Department (VPD); responds to calls for service, enforces laws and ordinances, and maintains peace and safety in the community; basic duties include patrol, interventions, investigations, and traffic regulation.

Essential Functions:

  • Enforces state and federal laws, and City regulations; performs work according to VPD policies to enforce laws, preserve peace, solve problems, and provide for a safe residential and business environment through community policing; duties will vary according to job assignment.
  • Provides community-oriented police services, and improves the quality of life in partnership with the community; works with citizens to address the issues of safety, crime, and neighborhood problems; assures citizens are treated with courtesy and respect for individual liberties.
  • Preserves the peace of the community through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance, and arrest; utilizes all lawful means to improve the quality of life by recognizing and resolving problems.
  • Patrols the City, looking for unusual and suspicious activities and persons; recognizes criminal activities and suspects, and uses reasonable cause to stop vehicles and initiate contact with persons of interest.
  • Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; investigates, documents, and resolves citizen complaints, traffic incidents, crimes, and dangerous and illegal activities; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases; provides scene security for emergency services personnel.
  • Responds to citizens’ requests for assistance, enforces traffic regulations and safety issues, apprehends violators, and assures public safety; applies laws and regulations fairly and consistently.
  • Investigates crimes and accidents; secures and processes crime and accident scenes, and identifies and collects evidence; arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners.
  • Completes detailed reports and required paperwork; testifies in court as directed.
  • Maintains VPD vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
  • Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations.
  • Performs specialized functions in areas of expertise, including training, D.A.R.E., canine, and other special enforcement, assessment, surveillance, intervention, and investigative teams.
  • Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
  • Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND completion of training and Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certificate.
  • A valid California State Driver’s License is required.
  • Must maintain Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certification.
  • Upon hire must participate in and successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of Field Training.
  • Additional technical training and certifications may be required.