Police Officer (Pre-Service)

City of Azusa•Azusa, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Officer (Pre-Service) is an entry-level sworn peace officer position for applicants currently attending or graduated from a California POST-certified Police Academy at their own expense. The role includes completing a prescribed training program for newly hired officers, City of Azusa field service training, and the City’s internal training academy. Officers rotate through different Police Department functional areas for comprehensive training and professional development. Depending on academy status, in-academy applicants are paid at the Police Officer Trainee pay range of $6,765.96–$8,224.06 per month, and academy graduates are paid at the Police Officer pay range of $8,457.43–$10,280.06 per month. Upon graduation, an in-academy candidate may be promoted to probationary police officer. The position works under general supervision and receives supervision from a designated sworn police officer; it exercises no supervision. The officer patrols assigned areas, responds to calls and emergencies, enforces laws, conducts investigations, makes arrests, preserves evidence, prepares reports, and may testify in court. Work takes place in an office and in the field, with exposure to firearms, inclement weather, potentially dangerous people, and violent situations. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.

Requirements

Currently attend or have graduated from a California POST-certified Police Academy; candidates must pay for the academy themselves.
In-academy applicants must submit proof of current enrollment in a POST academy with their application; academy graduates must submit proof of a POST Basic Academy Certificate.
High school diploma or GED, or an approved equivalent or qualifying degree.
Six months of paid or volunteer work dealing with the public.
Possess or be able to obtain a Class C California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record; a valid, current California driver's license is required for the selection process.
Possess a POST Basic Certificate and complete a California POST-approved police academy, or be enrolled in a POST-approved police academy.
Meet the City's standards for physical stature, endurance, and agility and be able to perform the physical tasks required of sworn law enforcement personnel.
Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment and at least 21 years old at the time of employment; applicants must be at least 20.5 years old at the time of application.
Have no felony convictions and be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation and submit to fingerprinting for criminal-record checks.
Be free of physical, emotional, or mental conditions that might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers.
Pass the oral interview, administration interview, background investigation, medical evaluation, drug screening, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and Chief of Police or designee interview.
Know modern law-enforcement practices and techniques, patrol, investigations, public relations, report writing, vehicle and penal codes, laws of arrest, rules of evidence, citizens' legal rights, and court procedures.
Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; prepare accurate reports; make clear radio transmissions; and understand and follow verbal and written directives.
Use and care for firearms and operate police equipment and appropriate tools; respond effectively to emergencies, administer first aid, and maintain alertness and concentration.
Establish effective community and working relationships, deal constructively with conflict, work independently, demonstrate initiative, and represent the City in meetings.
Read and interpret laws, ordinances, regulations, codes, and maps; follow safety rules; and work under variable weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Participate in and complete the prescribed entry-level law enforcement training program, field service training, and City internal training academy.
Patrol assigned areas by vehicle or on foot, identify potential criminal activity or threats, respond to calls for service, and enforce City, county, and state laws.
Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents, disturbances, traffic collisions, and other matters.
Make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects, and gather and preserve evidence.
Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners, and testify and present evidence in court.
Respond to traffic incidents and emergencies, enforce traffic safety laws, assist motorists, direct traffic, investigate collisions, and prepare reports.
Administer first aid and respond to calls for medical assistance.
Coordinate and conduct investigations involving crimes against persons and property, juveniles and adults, and vice, gaming, and narcotics violations.
Perform undercover and surveillance activities when assigned.
Prepare investigative reports, field notes, case information, and work activity records.
Attend briefings and training sessions, participate in staff development, and maintain assigned patrol vehicles, firearms, and other equipment.
Communicate and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and maintain effective relationships with the public.
When assigned, train new officers, serve as a field supervisor on calls requiring special attention, conduct background investigations, or make public presentations and serve as a liaison to neighborhood watch groups and schools.