Police Officer - POST Grad or Lateral Transfer

City of Atascadero • Atascadero, CA

14d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Atascadero is hiring Police Officers, including POST academy graduates and lateral transfers, to serve with the Atascadero Police Department. Under general supervision, the officer patrols an assigned area to prevent crime and enforce laws, carries out special assignments, participates in community-oriented policing, and performs related duties. Candidates who are not yet certified as law enforcement officers will attend a POST-certified Law Enforcement Academy. Officers work assigned rotating shifts and may be assigned to programs such as canine, traffic, investigations, or school resource officer duties. The department describes its approach as proactive, drawing on predictive analytics, community policing, and early intervention. It also offers an employee wellness program intended to support physical and mental well-being.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Have weight proportionate to height, vision correctable to 20/20 with applicant-supplied corrective lenses, and normal depth perception.
• Possess a Certificate of Completion from an accredited basic POST Academy.
• Possess or be eligible for a valid First Aid Certificate issued by the American Red Cross and have completed an approved CPR course within one year of appointment.
• Meet all current requirements of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
• Meet the Department’s Fitness for Duty standards as defined in its Policy Manual.
• For lateral applicants: possess a Basic POST Certificate and have at least two years of full-time experience with a California law enforcement agency, as defined in Section 830.1 of the California Penal Code.
• Be free from physical, emotional, or mental conditions—including bias against protected or other listed characteristics—that might adversely affect the exercise of peace-officer powers.
• Be able to analyze situations quickly and effectively; interpret criminal law, department policy, and procedures; provide training or guidance as needed; and identify and take control of situations requiring intervention.
• Be able to interact effectively with community members, liaison groups, representatives, government agencies, coworkers, and management.
• Be able to organize and prepare clear, concise, comprehensive reports using basic typing and personal computer skills.
• Be able to communicate clearly in English, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and maintain effective cooperative relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.
• Be able to address culturally sensitive issues and work collaboratively with diverse individuals, groups, and organizations.
• Be able to use firearms, react quickly and calmly in emergencies, and exercise sound judgment in encounters and relationships with the public.
• As trained and required, be able to operate patrol vehicles, police radios, radar guns, handguns and other weapons, batons, handcuffs, first-aid equipment, cellular telephones, and computers with records-management and word-processing software.
• Be able to meet the department’s physical standards.
• Be a United States citizen or hold Permanent Resident status.
• Be available to return to duty when required during an emergency or disaster, including while off duty, as a designated Disaster Service Worker.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, and enforce City, County, and State laws.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations; respond to calls for service; make field contacts; complete forms; and serve warrants and subpoenas.
• Work traffic accident scenes and perform general police functions.
• Make arrests when necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; and gather and preserve evidence.
• Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners.
• Testify and present evidence in court.
• Coordinate and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in investigations and offender apprehension.
• Write reports and field notes, participate in staff development, and attend briefings and training sessions.
• Assist the public, answer questions, administer first aid, respond to medical-assistance calls, and maintain positive relationships with the public.
• Participate in or receive rotating assignments to special programs such as canine, traffic, investigations, or school resource officer duties.
• Attend or schedule community meetings and activities, and build communication with citizen groups and individuals.
• Participate in community-based policing and collaborative partnerships to develop solutions, build trust, and promote positive interactions between law enforcement and community members.
• Coordinate police activities within an assigned beat or geographic area and collaborate with other City departments.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health coverage
• Employee wellness program with access to fitness resources, mental health support, wellness workshops, and other initiatives promoting work-life balance

What This Job Offers

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