Police Officer - Entry

City of Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Santa Barbara is currently accepting applications for the Police Officer-Entry Level position within the Police Department. As a Police Officer-Entry Level, you will attend a P.O.S.T.-certified Police Academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system, training in various laws and procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, physical fitness and related duties. The mission of the Police Department is to operate under a community-oriented policing philosophy, create and maintain a safe community where people can live in peace without the fear of crime. Work in a department where character counts, performance and excellence are celebrated, a place that helps employees develop and grow, and an environment that listens, learns, invites and inspires new ideas. The Santa Barbara Police Department supports community-oriented policing. The City of Santa Barbara is a certified partner with the Veteran's Administration for On-The-Job Training / Apprenticeship Programs, which may offer educational assistance to Veterans and other eligible individuals while they pursue approved training programs.

Requirements

• Basic oral and written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to meet physical and psychological standards.
• Ability to make accurate observations.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and oral directions and established police procedures.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with individuals while explaining and enforcing laws.
• Ability to document and communicate details and recognize hazards and crime problems.
• Ability to learn applicable Federal, State, and Municipal Codes and motor vehicle codes.
• Ability to learn basic Police Officer standards of conduct and public relations.
• Ability to learn maintenance of firearms and all police-related equipment.
• Ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to assess situations accurately and apply interpersonal skills and police training to diffuse and/or resolve stressful or potentially volatile situations.
• Possess a California Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Weight proportionate to height, normal hearing and color vision.
• Vision of at least 20/100, correctable to 20/25 (20/200 correctable to 20/25 with soft contact lenses).
• Excellent health.
• Must meet physical and psychological standards required to perform Police Officer duties.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• No history of personal or criminal conduct which may affect suitability for employment as a Police Officer.

Nice To Haves

• The ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Attend a P.O.S.T.-certified Police Academy for 24 weeks, including classroom and physical training.
• Upon successful completion of the academy, be promoted to Police Officer.
• Patrol assigned area in a police car, on a motorcycle, or on foot.
• Enforce Federal, State, and Municipal laws and ordinances.
• Issue warnings and citations for violations.
• Respond to a variety of calls for public service.
• Maintain constant radio contact with the communications center.
• Conduct preliminary investigations.
• Testify in court.
• Apprehend, arrest, and book suspects.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Hiring Bonus up to $10,000
• Successful Police Academy Graduates may be eligible for additional pay, depending on qualifications and specialty.
• Educational assistance to Veterans and other eligible individuals while they pursue approved training programs (through VA partnership).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED