Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Eureka • Police Department, CA

102d • $5,746 - $6,984

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of patrol and related duties involving the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of Federal, State and local laws and ordinances; makes investigations, assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• One (1) year of experience working with the public.
• A T-score of 48 or higher on the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB).
• Valid certificate showing completion of a California POST Basic Training Academy.
• Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of college-level course work and/or volunteer law enforcement experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public.
• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate.
• Makes arrests and serves warrants and subpoenas; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
• Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes as assigned including conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
• Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
• Serves writs, warrants, subpoenas and other legal documents.
• May perform and/or coordinates specific program or project areas, such as: community-oriented policing; school liaison; project and resource development; investigations; crime prevention; and/or field training.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

Benefits

• Base salary will increase by 3% in July 2025 with another 3% increase in 2026.
• Opportunity for additional 5% specialty assignment pay.
• 7% FTO specialty assignment pay.
• Utilization of a take-home car while on duty.
• Uniform Allowance of $1,000 per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees