Police Officer

Augustine Casino•Coachella, CA

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 preserving peace and order throughout the Tribal Reservation and other authorized areas. The position requires an understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governmental authority, jurisdictional limitations, cultural traditions, and the responsibilities of providing law enforcement services in Indian Country. Officers are expected to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals. Officers conduct patrols and investigations, respond to service calls and emergencies, enforce laws within authorized authority, preserve and document evidence, prepare reports, and coordinate with other law enforcement and emergency response agencies when appropriate. They maintain required records, equipment, training, certifications, and eligibility for access to law enforcement information systems. Duties are performed consistent with applicable law, Tribal legal protections, departmental policies, and the officer’s training and legal authority.

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 the 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, continuing training qualifications, and eligibility for required law enforcement information-system access.
Complete department communications and on-the-job training; CLETS training and certification; FBI CJIS Security Awareness training; NCIC and other criminal justice information-system training as required; Augustine Gaming License/background requirements; and other department-required communications and emergency-management training.
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.
Maintain eligibility for required Tribal, gaming, law enforcement, and criminal justice information-system background, security, and access requirements throughout employment.

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, residential communities, businesses, and designated areas.
Enforce applicable Tribal laws, ordinances, and regulations within established jurisdictional authority, maintaining a visible presence to deter crime and promote safety.
Respond to calls for service, complaints, disturbances, suspicious activity, and emergencies; investigate potential violations and take authorized enforcement action.
Conduct lawful stops, searches, detentions, and arrests when authorized; identify and report public safety hazards and potential threats.
Provide security at Tribal governmental meetings, community celebrations, special events, and other authorized activities; conduct building checks 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; identify, interview, and document statements from involved parties; collect, preserve, document, and transfer evidence according to procedure.
Prepare incident reports, investigative narratives, supplemental reports, and supporting documentation; maintain confidentiality of sensitive investigations and protected records.
Coordinate investigations with Tribal, Federal, State, County, and other law enforcement agencies when authorized and appropriate; assist investigative personnel with follow-up, evidence collection, and case preparation.
Provide testimony in Tribal, Federal, State, or other courts when legally required.
Ensure investigations and enforcement actions comply with applicable law, constitutional requirements where applicable, and Tribal legal protections.
Respond to medical emergencies, fires, collisions, natural disasters, and other critical incidents; provide first aid, CPR, and other emergency assistance consistent with training and certification.
Establish incident perimeters, implement protective measures, assist with evacuations and emergency notifications, and coordinate response activities with emergency services and neighboring agencies.
Use de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques, apply incident command procedures during significant emergencies, and protect the safety of the public and responders.
Complete required incident, arrest, citation, investigation, and activity reports accurately and on time; maintain records of enforcement actions, patrol activities, evidence, and equipment.
Operate department-approved communications systems, mobile data terminals, and records management systems; attend briefings, meetings, training, and assigned departmental activities.
Follow the chain of command and 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; understand jurisdictional boundaries, commission limitations, applicable Tribal law and court orders, and relevant Federal Indian law, including applicable provisions of the Indian Civil Rights Act.
Recognize when notification, referral, or coordination with other agencies is needed; maintain familiarity with applicable cross-deputization agreements, memoranda of understanding, and intergovernmental agreements.
Exercise arrest, detention, search, seizure, and citation authority only as permitted by law and authorized commissions; respect Tribal governmental procedures and relationships with Tribal Courts and other justice system components.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with training and legal authority.