Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate)

Salary : $92,120.00 - $111,973.00 Annually
Location : La Verne, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-08
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 02/15/2024

Description
Lateral Officers/Academy Graduates

The City of La Verne Police Department seeks motivated and well-qualified candidates for the position of Police Officer to uphold our organizational values of professionalism, responsibility, innovation, dedication, and excellence.

To qualify as a Lateral Entry Police Officer, applicants must meet the following criteria: Completion of probation as a Police Officer with a California law enforcement agency, possession of a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and must have worked actively as a full-time peace officer within the State of California for at least 24 of the past 36 months.

Applicants who possess a certificate of completion of a Police Academy but do not meet the other criteria for Lateral Officers are considered Academy Graduates.

Applicants who do not possess a Police Academy certificate of completion do not qualify for this position and should instead apply as a City of La Verne Police Recruit Trainee.
Applications and Selection Process

Applications are currently being accepted on a continuous basis and qualified applicants will be invited to further assessment phases as needed. Testing includes a physical agility test (for all qualifying applicants) and an oral board interview.
STEP #1: APPLICATION

Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment may close at any time without notice, so interested parties should apply without delay. Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening will be invited to continue in the selection process.
STEP #2: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

Qualified applicants will be invited to the physical agility test. The physical agility test is required for all qualifying candidates.

The physical agility test is composed of an obstacle course involving several tasks. Successful completion of each task is required to pass the agility test. You will be given two attempts to successfully complete each test. The test will be administered at Bonita High School - Glenn Davis Stadium, 3102 D Street, La Verne, CA. The tests simulate actual job tasks (climbing obstacles, moving incapacitated persons, etc.)

These tests are:

• Body Drag Lift and drag 165 pound human simulator 32 feet. Maximum time: 12 seconds
• Chain Link Fence Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards. Maximum time: 10 seconds
• Solid Wall Climb Run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid wall, climb over wall, continue running another 25 yards. Maximum time: 13 seconds
• 500 Yard Run Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of standard running track). Maximum time: 1 minute 45 seconds

STEP #3: ORAL BOARD

Candidates who successfully pass the agility test will be invited to the interview evaluation.
ELIGIBILITY LIST

Candidates must pass all three (3) of the steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. The application screening and physical agility test are all qualifying steps (pass/fail). The oral interview evaluation is weighted 100% and determines a candidates' placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time.
Definition
To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work, to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations, to perform investigative work, to participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the entrance level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status. Positions allocated to the Police Officer class may be assigned to one of a number of functional areas within the Police Department.

Supervision Received and Exercised
General supervision is provided by a Police Sergeant. Technical or functional supervision may be provided by higher level police personnel.

Assignments may required indirect supervision of non-sworn personnel.
Examples of Duties

Examples of Duties- Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• As a Patrol Officer, to patrol City in radio-equipped car; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies; observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
• Stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws, warn drivers against unlawful practices, issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
• Check buildings for physical security.
• Search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners.
• Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
• Prepare investigative reports and case information, provide evidence and testimony in court.
• Answer questions from the public concerning local and State laws, procedures, and activities of the Department.
• Interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
• Collect, preserve and maintain evidence and property found that is involved with suspected crimes.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Ability to:

• Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Experience and Education
For all applicants: education equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade.

Lateral Entry Police Officer: Completion of probation as a Police Officer with a California law enforcement agency, possession of a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and must have worked actively as a full-time peace officer within the State of California for at least 24 of the past 36 months.

Academy Graduate: Completion of a Police Academy.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California drivers' license.

Supplemental Information

The City
La Verne is a city of more than 30,000 residents and a well-balanced community with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial features. La Verne maintains a council-manager form of government. La Verne is a close-knit community that is home to many fine institutions and facilities which include the University of La Verne (founded in 1891), Brackett Field Airport, and public and private schools. As one of the most desirable communities in metropolitan Southern California, La Verne is a progressive city that has retained much of its small town charm.

The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live.

Application Process
The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the position. Meeting the required minimum qualifications does not guarantee an applicant an invitation to the next step(s) in the selection process. Those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's needs may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a combination of written exercise, panel interview, or other testing deemed appropriate. Prior to hire, successful candidates will also be required to undergo a medical examination (including drug screen), and credit and criminal reviews.

As required by state law, the City provides consideration for veterans who served during military actions. Eligible veterans should notify Personnel in writing at the time of application.

Under Federal law, employees must contribute 1.45% of their gross monthly earnings for Medicare coverage. The City will match the employee's contribution.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special assistance to participate in this recruitment is needed, contact the Personnel Office.

The City recruits and hires without regard to race, color, religion, physical disability or condition, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin, except in those specific instances whereby a bona fide occupational qualification demands otherwise.

The City of La Verne hires only United States citizens or lawfully authorized aliens.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without further notice.
The City of La Verne offers a competitive benefits package to employees including:

• MOU introduces longevity recognition for LVPOA members, with annual compensation ranging from $1,200 to $3,600 based on years of service
• LVPOA members will contribute an additional one percent (1%) towards CalPERS retirement benefits effective July 2026, followed by an additional one percent (1%) increase effective July 2027.
• Special Assignment pay up tp $250 monthly stipend.
• Up to $1,500 monthly toward family medical coverage (or in lieu option) beginning July 2026 increase to $2, 200 toward a family plan.
• $44 monthly toward dental plan
• Classic PERS 3%@50 & PEPRA 2.7%@57
• 5% - 10% Education Incentives
• 5%-12% Post Certification
• $1,700 per calendar year -Tuition Reimbursement
• Firearms Proficiency: up to $125 monthly
• $1000 annually for uniform allowance
• $150 monthly bilingual pay
• $250 gym membership reimbursement
• Medical Savings Trust. The City will create and contribute $150 per month to a retiree health savings plan for members.

LVPD POA MOU 2026

Article 24 - Education Incentive, P.O.S.T. Incentive, and Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentive Pay The City shall pay education incentive for job related degrees to sworn personnel at the following rates:

a. Associate's Degree or 60 College Credit Equivalent: 1%

b. Bachelor's Degree: 5%

c. Master's Degree: 10% B.

P.O.S.T. Incentive Pay. The City shall pay POST Certification incentive to sworn personnel at the following rates:

a. Intermediate POST Certificate: 5%

b. Advanced POST Certificate: 10%

c. Supervisory POST Certificate: 12%
01

Do you have a current POST certificate? If yes, please attach to your application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question