Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Officer is a journey-level sworn position responsible for enforcing laws and ordinances, with full arrest and citation powers under the California Penal Code. Officers work under general supervision from higher-level sworn personnel, receive assignments and special instructions from higher-ranking officers, and may train new employees. They do not have ongoing supervisory responsibilities. Officers may patrol designated city areas on foot or in vehicles; respond to dispatched and citizen requests; investigate crimes and accidents; gather evidence, interview witnesses, make arrests, issue citations, and prepare reports. The role also includes community engagement and collaborative problem solving, first aid, court testimony, traffic control, emergency response, searches for missing persons, and driving under hazardous conditions. Some assignments may involve plainclothes investigations or vice and narcotics suppression. Lateral-entry candidates must be currently employed full-time as a sworn peace officer at a California POST-recognized law enforcement agency and have two years of full-time sworn peace officer experience at a California POST-participating department or agency. Candidates must also meet the stated education and certification requirements and pass the applicable selection and background processes. Lateral hires must complete 12 months of probation at a satisfactory performance level before gaining permanent status.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Currently employed as a full-time sworn peace officer in a California POST-recognized law enforcement agency, with two years of full-time sworn peace officer service in a California POST-participating department or agency.
Possession of a valid California POST Basic Certificate or Basic Course Waiver issued by the State of California, or successful completion of the Sacramento Police Academy as a City of Sacramento Police Officer Recruit or Community Service Officer. For basic academy graduates, the certificate or waiver must be received within three years of the appointment date.
At least 21 years of age by the date of appointment.
Valid California Class C driver license at the time of appointment.
Free of felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.
Ability to communicate clearly in English, orally and in writing; read and interpret complex technical documents; and understand and carry out instructions.
Ability to observe, remember, record, and recall pertinent facts; read maps; and apply laws, policies, court decisions, and investigative principles to determine appropriate courses of action.
Ability to work impartially and communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to analyze problems and act effectively in stressful or emergency situations, evaluate and de-escalate volatile situations, and present material orally to diverse groups.
Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and City employees.
Ability to use firearms safely and accurately; climb barriers, jump obstacles, and perform strenuous physical activities; and control resisting subjects using the minimum force necessary to effect an arrest.
Ability to use in-car mobile data computers, in-car video and audio recording devices, body cameras, electronic mapping and GPS equipment, and specialized tracking equipment.
Skill in driving under hazardous conditions, using ancillary police weapons and weaponless defense, and providing first aid, including CPR.
Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment when assigned; facial hair must be shaved when it interferes with the safe fit of the equipment.
Successful completion of the required background investigation, including criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph, psychological test, credit check, and review of drug use history.
Submit a complete online City of Sacramento employment application and supplemental questionnaire; provide proof of required certification and/or license.

Responsibilities

Patrol assigned areas on foot, motorcycle, or in a patrol vehicle to preserve order, prevent crime, discover criminal acts, and make arrests.
Respond to radio-dispatched calls and citizen requests involving accidents, domestic disputes, law violations, and disturbances.
Conduct investigations; gather evidence; interview witnesses; take statements; make arrests; issue citations; and prepare written reports.
Promote community-based policing and collaborative problem solving with citizens and other stakeholders.
Represent the department at community events, participate in engagement activities, and build and maintain relationships with community members.
Provide first aid to injured or sick people.
Testify in court at criminal hearings and trials.
Provide traffic control at accident scenes, fires, and congested areas.
Conduct follow-up investigations and suppress vice or narcotics activities, including while working in plain clothes when assigned.
Conduct identification line-ups and attend community meetings to discuss crime problems.
Evaluate and control violent situations and people, using de-escalation tactics when appropriate.
Order and direct emergency equipment at accident and disaster scenes.
Search for missing persons.
Drive vehicles under hazardous and emergency conditions.
Train new employees in proper police procedures.
Perform related duties as assigned.