Police Officer (Lateral / Academy Graduate)

City of Fountain Valley•Fountain Valley, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County, California. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized, full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community, dedicated to protecting life, property, and public safety. With City events like our Summerfest and Concerts in the Park, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within 15 miles radius of the city, providing many options for a rich work-life balance. The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate the courage to protect life and property in our community; the duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve public trust. Headed by Chief of Police Craig Heredia, the Police Department is comprised of dedicated sworn and non-sworn professionals, including 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 40 Police Officers, a Support Services Manager & Support Services Supervisor, Dispatchers (full and part-time), a Crime Analyst, an Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Cadets, Police Services Officers, and administrative staff. Are you looking to do meaningful police work in a department where your voice matters, your leadership is visible, and your work truly impacts the community you serve? Join a tight-knit Southern California police department where professionalism, trust, and balance are more than buzzwords - they're how we operate every day. We are currently recruiting experienced lateral police officers and recent police academy graduates who are motivated, community-oriented, and ready to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking agency.

Requirements

Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy.
Must have current or prior sworn law-enforcement experience (with successful completion of probationary period) for lateral candidates.
Out-of-State applicants may meet California’s Regular Basic Course (academy) training requirement by completing the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver for lateral candidates.
Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy within the last 3 years for academy graduates.
If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required.
Must provide a copy of your academy's official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the academy with your application.
If currently enrolled in California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy but have not yet graduated: Must provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application.
Must have and maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff.
High School graduation or equivalent or possession of a General Education Development Test (GED) certificate is required.
Graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy at the time of appointment within the last 3 years or have successfully completed the P.O.S.T. basic course waiver examination process is required.
Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license (or equivalent).
Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions.
Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Candidates must have normal hearing acuity.
Candidates must have a vision of 20/70 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, and normal color vision.
Candidates must have height and weight in accordance with age, sex, and frame.
Police Officers must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Associate of Arts or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Protect life and property in our community.
Provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner.
Take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve public trust.
Engage proactively with the community.
Build relationships with community members.
Solve problems creatively.