Police Officer (Lateral or Academy Complete)

Ventura, CA
Ventura Police Department

Salary: $46.02 – $55.94 Hourly.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, performs regular law enforcement, criminal investigation, crime prevention, and traffic control and enforcement duties. May perform duties in specialty assignments such as: motorcycle officer, K-9, major crimes investigations, special investigation, SWAT and field tactical units. This position wears a uniform and works rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and is subject to call-back.

Essential Functions:

  • Responds to public service calls, crime victims, traffic hazards, stray animal reports and other related misdemeanors and felony incidents. Performs community-based policing with a familiarization between law enforcement and community residents. Handles radio and telephone dispatches and appears at scenes of disorder and crime. Patrols assigned areas in police car to enforce law and provide protection to citizens and property. Discovers and prevents the commission of crimes and enforces laws and ordinances.
  • Acts as desk officer on assigned shift and receives complaints. Dispatches personnel and equipment. Solves problems collaboratively. Directs and controls traffic, crowds, bicyclists, skateboarders and special event congestion, or other emergency situations.
  • Responds to and investigates traffic accidents. Interviews witnesses and obtains information. Enforces traffic and parking regulations. Issues citations and/or makes arrests as needed.
  • Investigates all crimes involving property, violence, narcotics, burglary, grand theft, automobiles, stolen or counterfeit checks or credit cards, felony identity and forgery crimes, embezzlements, and any fraud resulting in economic loss. Conducts initial crime investigations, interviewing and arresting persons suspected of committing criminal acts. Searches suspects, vehicles, residences, buildings, open outside areas such as fields, riverbeds, hillsides, and schools for evidence, contraband and lost or missing persons.
  • Directs and controls traffic, crowds, bicyclists, skateboarders, and parade congestion during special events or other emergency situations. Responds to and investigates traffic accidents. Interviews witnesses and obtains information.
  • Serves arrest warrants and subpoenas. Makes arrests for crimes committed. Controls and mitigates people under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Assists in receiving, searching, booking, fingerprinting, and supervision of prisoners. Testifies in juvenile, civil, traffic, and municipal courts, and at parole and DMV hearings.
  • Processes and stores evidence and property found at various crime scenes. Maintains records and enters data into computer. Obtains criminal intelligence information relating to criminal activities. Conducts information searches.
  • Enforces vehicle codes; provides traffic related education; manages sobriety checkpoints/saturation patrols; and investigates serious and fatal injury collision investigations.
  • May provide emergency first aid to victims at emergency scenes until medical personnel arrive. May utilize a trained dog in the enforcement of City laws and regulations. May work as a motorcycle officer.
  • Prepares a variety of written reports on activities and operations, such as accident reports, court reports and operational reports.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to completion of high school.
  • College coursework in behavioral or social science, criminal justice, or a related field is desirable.
  • LATERAL applicants: Must possess a California POST Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Certificate and have one year experience as a Police Officer with a California agency.
  • ACADEMY-TRAINED applicants: Must have successfully completed a California POST Certified Basic Academy.
  • ACADEMY-IN-PROCESS applicants: Must be currently enrolled in a California POST Certified Basic Academy program and be within three months of graduation.
  • License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required at time of hire.
  • Certificate: Possession of a California POST “Basic” certificate is required at time of hire.