Police Officer – Lateral/Academy Graduate

Novato, CA
Novato Police Department

Salary: $88,220.76 – $107,076.12 Annually.

Position Summary:

To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work and other special assignments; and to perform a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.

Receives general supervision from higher level police personnel.

Essential Functions:

  • As a patrol officer, patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, county, and state laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, death, and other criminal incidents.
  • Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and other required emergencies; observe, monitor and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; issue traffic citations; assist and advise motorist and enforce traffic safety laws.
  • When assigned, serve as a police detective; coordinate and conduct complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gambling, and narcotics violations.
  • When assigned, serve as crime prevention officer; participate in the development and promotion of crime prevention, activities, such as citizen watch and security survey programs; work with citizens to complement programs; make public presentations; maintain program statistics and reports.
  • Collect and preserve evidence at scene of crime and/or accident; lift fingerprints; draw sketches; take photographs.
  • When assigned, serve as school resource officer; provide information and assistance to local school staff and students; make group presentations; maintain program statistics and reports.
  • Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complaints and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
  • Serve warrants and subpoenas; keep up-to-date on laws and procedures required for processing warrants; retrieve and request information involving arrests and subpoenas; file complaints and perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
  • Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
  • Prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
  • Check buildings for physical security.
  • Search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners.
  • Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
  • Administer first aid as necessary.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Perform self defense tactics.
  • Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
  • Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places.
  • Learn to use and care for firearms.
  • Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
  • Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
  • Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
  • Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions in an independent manner.
  • Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade, preferably supplemented by 30 units of college level course work.
  • Possession of an appropriate P.O.S.T. certificate.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.