Police Officer

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, is responsible for the enforcement of State and Local ordinances, preventative patrol, traffic enforcement, and investigative assignments.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The position allocated to this classification is distinguished by the responsibility for a wide range of law enforcement and crime prevention work. An employee in this classification reports to the Chief-of-Police, Lieutenant or Sergeant.

JOB SUMMARY

Members of this law enforcement agency hold positions of high public trust. It is imperative that all, on-duty and off-duty, conduct themselves in such a manner that does not bring disrepute on this agency or the professional image of law enforcement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Regular and predictable attendance. Work in harmonious work relationship with other personnel and agencies. Manages the trust, faith and confidence of the administration. Ensure the general safety of the public. Drive emergency vehicles under adverse and stressful conditions. Qualify with firearms and other offensive and defensive weapons. Use physical force to control and arrest law violators. Protect the general public from harm and threats to personal safety. Support and enforce the administrative and operational policies of this agency. DUTIES Enforcement of State and Local ordinances. Responds to calls for the protection of life and property. Directs and monitors traffic.

• Responds to traffic incidents.
• Issues citations for traffic violations as necessary. May conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations.
• Interviews victims, complainants, witnesses and interrogates suspects.
• Gathers, preserves and presents evidence in court. Apprehends, arrests, and arranges booking of suspects.
• Searches, fingerprints and transports prisoners.
• Attends court as either witness or arresting officer.
• Testifies and presents evidence in court.
• Serves warrants and subpoenas.

Prepare reports of arrest, accident and other incidents. Patrol the City either on foot or in a patrol car. May participate in the investigation of cases involving juveniles. Performs other related duties as required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California operator's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Possession of a valid Basic Certificate issued by the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training. (Proof of completion of P.O.S.T. Basic Academy with the ability to possess a Basic Certificate within one year may be substituted.) The ability to successfully pass a medical, psychological and background screening. Vision standard of 20/100 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques.
• Criminal law and procedure including apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to the search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in court.
• Offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.
• Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
• Laws applicable to the apprehension and treatment of juveniles.
• Criminal, traffic and municipal laws.

Ability to:

• Make independent decisions, adopting quick and effective solutions.
• Make effective recommendations based on logical conclusions.
• Secure information from witnesses and suspects while maintaining effective relationships with the public.
• Properly use and care for firearms.
• Act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive written reports.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience which is likely to provide the required knowledge and skill is acceptable.

Typically this includes:

• High school graduation or equivalent. (Supplemental college course work desirable.)
• Possession of a Basic P.

O.S.T. Certificate or proof of completion from a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy.

CAUSE FOR REMOVAL

The incumbent may be removed with or without personal fault. Reductions in the work force; the member's inability to attend regularly to work; failure to perform competently on any of this position's essential functions, duties, or responsibilities; excessive amounts of administrative costs associated with Non-scheduled Absenteeism, Work Performance Error, and Work Productivity are among major reasons for termination with or without fault. Culpable acts or inactions contrary to the mission; Professional; Code of Ethics; Oath of Office; agency rules; policies; procedures and practices; and acts of disloyalty are major reasons for termination with fault. First Review May 06, 2026