Police Officer

Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians•Coachella, CA

10d

About The Position

The Tribal Police Officer protects life, property, public safety, and the general welfare of the Tribal community by enforcing applicable Tribal laws, ordinances, and other laws within the officer’s legally established jurisdiction and authority. The role includes proactive patrol, crime prevention, criminal investigations, emergency response, traffic enforcement, community engagement, and maintaining peace and order on the Tribal Reservation and in other areas under authorized jurisdiction. Officers are expected to understand Tribal sovereignty, governmental authority, jurisdictional limitations, cultural traditions, and the distinct responsibilities of law enforcement in Indian Country, while demonstrating integrity, sound judgment, accountability, professionalism, and respect for individual rights and dignity. The officer patrols Tribal lands and designated facilities; responds to calls and emergencies; investigates potential violations; takes enforcement actions only within authorized legal authority; and helps secure, document, and preserve crime scenes and evidence. The position involves preparing reports, maintaining records, coordinating with Tribal and other law enforcement agencies, assisting with case preparation, and providing court testimony when required. Officers also provide emergency assistance, support disaster response, use de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques, and coordinate with emergency services and partner agencies. The position requires compliance with departmental policies, applicable law, Tribal legal protections, and the limits of the officer’s commission and jurisdiction. Officers must understand relevant Federal Indian law, including applicable provisions of the Indian Civil Rights Act, and recognize when to notify, refer, or coordinate with other agencies. Employees must complete and maintain the training, certifications, clearances, and information-system access requirements applicable to their assignment. Employment is contingent on satisfying applicable Tribal, gaming, law enforcement, and criminal justice information-system background and security requirements and maintaining eligibility for required system access.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
High school diploma or GED required.
Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain eligibility to operate Tribal Government vehicles.
Possess or obtain law enforcement certification required by the employing Tribe and applicable law.
Successfully complete required firearms qualification and proficiency assessments if the position is armed.
Obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and other required emergency-response certifications.
Successfully complete required background investigations and suitability evaluations.
Successfully complete training at a California POST or federal Indian Police Academy, and a department field training program.
Maintain all required commissions, credentials, and continuing-training qualifications.
Complete required communications, on-the-job, emergency-management, and criminal justice information-system training applicable to the assignment, including CLETS, FBI CJIS Security Awareness, and NCIC training as required.
Successfully complete applicable pre-employment screening, which may include criminal history and background investigation, reference verification, driving history review, drug screening, medical and physical fitness evaluations, psychological suitability evaluation when required, and verification of firearm eligibility if applicable.
Successfully complete required Tribal, gaming, law enforcement, and criminal justice information-system background and security requirements, and maintain eligibility for required system access.
Understand Tribal sovereignty, jurisdictional limits, applicable Tribal laws, and relevant Federal Indian law as needed to exercise authority lawfully.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a related field.
Previous law enforcement, military police, corrections, security, or public safety experience.
Graduation from a California POST-certified basic academy, or an equivalent out-of-state academy eligible for a POST Basic Course Waiver.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine and directed patrols of Tribal lands, facilities, communities, businesses, and other designated areas.
Enforce applicable Tribal laws, ordinances, and regulations within established jurisdictional authority.
Maintain a visible law enforcement presence to deter crime and promote community safety.
Respond to calls for service, complaints, disturbances, suspicious activity, and emergencies.
Investigate potential violations and take appropriate enforcement action within authorized legal authority.
Conduct lawful stops, searches, detentions, and arrests when authorized.
Identify and report public safety hazards, suspicious conditions, and potential threats.
Provide security at Tribal government meetings, celebrations, special events, and other authorized activities.
Conduct building checks, property inspections, and security patrols of designated facilities.
Follow departmental policies for patrol operations, officer safety, emergency vehicle operations, and field activities.
Secure and preserve crime scenes and identify, interview, and document victims, witnesses, suspects, and other involved parties.
Collect, preserve, document, and transfer evidence according to established procedures.
Prepare accurate incident reports, investigative narratives, supplemental reports, and supporting documentation.
Coordinate investigations with Tribal, Federal, State, County, and other law enforcement agencies when authorized and appropriate.
Assist investigative personnel with follow-up investigations, evidence collection, and case preparation.
Provide testimony in Tribal, Federal, State, or other courts when legally required.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive investigations, criminal justice information, and protected records.
Ensure investigations and enforcement actions comply with applicable law, constitutional requirements where applicable, and Tribal legal protections.
Respond to medical emergencies, fires, vehicle collisions, natural disasters, and other critical incidents.
Provide first aid, CPR, and other emergency assistance consistent with training and certification.
Establish incident perimeters and implement protective measures; assist with evacuations, emergency notifications, and disaster response.
Coordinate emergency activities with fire departments, emergency medical services, emergency management personnel, and neighboring agencies.
Use de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques when responding to behavioral or emotional crises.
Apply incident command procedures during significant emergencies and protect the safety of victims, community members, officers, and responders.
Complete required incident, arrest, citation, investigation, and activity reports accurately and on time.
Maintain accurate records of enforcement actions, patrol activities, evidence, and assigned equipment.
Operate department-approved communications systems, mobile data terminals, and records management systems.
Attend mandatory briefings, staff meetings, training sessions, and departmental assignments; follow the chain of command.
Report significant incidents, misconduct allegations, safety hazards, and policy violations through appropriate channels.
Maintain accountability for issued equipment, uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and other Tribal Government property.
Recognize and respect Tribal sovereignty, governmental procedures, Tribal Courts, and justice-system relationships.
Understand jurisdictional boundaries and apply Tribal laws, ordinances, and court orders only within authorized authority.
Understand relevant Federal Indian law, including applicable provisions of the Indian Civil Rights Act, and maintain familiarity with cross-deputization agreements and intergovernmental arrangements.
Recognize when incidents require notification, referral, or coordination with Federal, State, or other agencies.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with training and legal authority.