Police Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level)

Salary: $46.16 - $58.53 Hourly
Location : Paso Robles, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24/25-09
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POA

Description
Please note this recruitment is intended for academy grad/entry level officers (less than two years of experience). Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application.
If you are interested in attending a police academy, please apply to our police officer recruit position.
Typical Duties

• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention to provide for the safety of the public
• Patrol designated areas of the City in a radio-equipped car, motorcycle, or on foot, to preserve law and order, observe suspicious situations, report suspicious criminal activity or hazardous conditions, deter crime by providing high visibility, and enforce traffic and other laws
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic situations, including regulation of vehicle flow at accidents, fires, special events, and other emergency or congested situations
• Respond to calls for service for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, and related incidents
• Prepare and maintain reports, daily logs, and records of activities such as arrests made, investigations conducted, and documentation of illegal incidents
• Interact and work with diverse groups of people within the department and the community to render service, and provide information and assistance
• Testify in courts and at hearings, prepare and present case evidence, and respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills
• Administer roadside sobriety tests and evaluate subjects for evidence of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Secure crime scenes and evidence; interview suspects, victims, and witnesses; collect and preserves evidence; and conduct investigations
• Perform a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public
• Make arrests and serve warrants and subpoenas; take individuals into custody and transport them as required
• Provide emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for service and request appropriate medical assistance as necessary
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned

Employment Standards & Special Requirements
Knowledge of:

• Modern police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques
• Modern criminal law and criminal procedures including the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies and rules pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence
• Techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agents, and impact weapons

Ability to:

• Interpret apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances
• Accurately observe and recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents and places
• Operate a motor vehicle and equipment in a safe and responsible manner under patrol and emergency conditions
• Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports, records, and other written materials
• Monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations
• Make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations
• Interact effectively interacting with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the City in contacts with the public
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Gather and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make proper recommendations
• Administer first aid and CPR
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software programs

This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. Will be required to work weekends, holidays and/or irregular hours.

Education and Experience

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have successfully completed a POST Basic Academy prior to appointment. Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application.

60 semester units or equivalent from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Four years of active military duty service may be substituted for 30 college units.

Special Requirements

• Weight should be proportional to height
• Must be 21 years or older at time of appointment
• Must pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and POST medical examination
• Must not have been convicted of a felony in the State of California or of an act in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in California
• Vision must be correctable to 20/30 both eyes with normal color acuity
• Must have a valid California Class C driver license or higher and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's insurance policy

Selection Procedure & Application Process
This is a continuous recruitment. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!

Applications received will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological examination, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at ). Following appointment, a probationary period of twelve (12) months for is required as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email at

Vacation: Accrual of 80 hours per year, increasing with years of service. New hires will be front loaded 40 hours of vacation time. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the

Sick Leave: Accrual of 96 hours per year. New hires will be front loaded 48 hours of sick time. After 6 months of employment, employees will accrue hours in accordance with the

Holidays: 14 per year (paid at 4.31 hours per pay period)

Health Insurance:

• Medical: City pays $956.28/month of employee premium, $1,721.30/month of premium for employee and one dependent, and $2,113.38/month of premium for employee and two or more dependents
  • Employees who opt out of health coverage may be eligible for a payment of $300/month
• Dental: City pays full premium for employee and partial premium for family
• Vision: City pays premium for family

Retirement:

• CalPERS
  • Classic Tier 1 members participate in a formula of 3% at 50, with the employee paying an 9% member contribution, plus a 5% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 14%. The highest year is used for final compensation calculation.
  • Classic Tier 2 members participate in a formula of 3% at 55, with the employee paying a 9% member contribution, plus a 5% cost sharing contribution, for a total of 14%. An average of the 3 highest yea