Police Officer (Lateral)

Salary : $100,005.00 - $121,536.00 Annually
Location : Chino Police Department, 5450 Guardian Way, Chino, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Description
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Be advised this recruitment may close at any time without prior notice.
POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL)
LATERAL HIRING INCENTIVEUp to $10,000 $5,000 upon new hire
$5,000 upon successful completion of probation
SALARY & BENEFITS

$8,333.75 - $10,128.00 Monthly

Plus, eligible pay incentives
Excellent Benefits

$2,599 monthly benefit bank for health insurance

City contributions to:
457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan

Retirement Health Savings Plan
The Chino Police Department is seeking experienced, highly motivated, service-oriented sworn law enforcement professionals to join our team. We are looking for candidates who are committed to serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. As a Lateral Police Officer, you will join a department dedicated to excellence, teamwork, and providing exceptional public safety services to those who live, work, and play in the City of Chino.

Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in the selection process, which includes attending a Physical Agility Test (PAT), an oral interview, a comprehensive police background investigation, and an administrative review.
Duties/Responsibilities
Under general supervision, Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement duties and may have opportunities to rotate through specialized assignments within the Police Department based on departmental needs and experience.

Essential Functions:

All Assignments

• Build positive relationships with the public by providing assistance, answering questions, and supporting community policing efforts.
• Make presentations to a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention and public awareness. Serves as a liaison to community groups, schools, and neighborhood watch organizations.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers, community members, and partner agencies while providing excellent customer service.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws; investigate incidents; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; gather and preserve evidence; and prepare reports and related documentation.
• Make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, conduct searches, gather and preserve evidence, transport prisoners, and testify in court.
• Participate in staff briefings, training, and professional development.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on assigned vehicles, firearms, and other department equipment.
• Maintain regular attendance and uphold the Department's and City's Core Values and Mission.

Patrol and Traffic Safety

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, foot, or bicycle to prevent crime, protect life and property, and respond to calls for service.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws; investigate crimes, disturbances, and traffic collisions; and complete reports and related documentation.
• Make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, conduct searches, gather and preserve evidence, transport prisoners, and testify in court.
• Enforce traffic laws, investigate collisions, direct traffic, provide emergency medical assistance when needed, and assist motorists.
• Maintain assigned vehicles, firearms, and other department equipment, and participate in training and staff development.

Investigator

• Conduct criminal investigations involving crimes against persons and property, gangs, juveniles, narcotics, and other criminal activity.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; collect and preserve evidence; prepare investigative reports; and testify in court.
• Coordinate with prosecutors and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to prepare cases for prosecution.
• Perform undercover operations and surveillance activities to identify suspects, gather intelligence, and support criminal investigations.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D (required), and successful completion of a California POST certified Basic Academy (required).

Experience: One (1) year of current full-time experience as a Police Officer in a California public agency is highly desirable.

Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California POST Basic Certificate and possession of a valid California Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
POST Certificate Requirement: Applicants must attach proof of a valid California POST Basic Certificate to their application at the time of submission. Applications missing required documentation will not be accepted.
Knowledge of:

• California criminal laws, including the Penal and Vehicle Codes.
• Modern law enforcement practices, patrol procedures, investigations, and report writing.
• Laws governing arrest, search and seizure, and the legal rights of citizens.
• Court procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Community-oriented policing and effective public service practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including preparing accurate reports and making clear radio transmissions.
• Remain calm under pressure, make sound decisions, and respond effectively during emergencies.
• Build positive relationships with community members, coworkers, and partner agencies while providing excellent customer service.
• Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, and regulations with good judgment.
• Observe details, recall information accurately, and handle sensitive or confidential matters with professionalism.
• Operate law enforcement equipment, computers, and software while maintaining required physical fitness standards.
• Work independently, resolve conflicts effectively, and administer first aid when needed.
• Meet the minimum qualifications for peace officers as established by the California Government Code.

Special Requirements

• Work rotating shifts including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Heavy Lifting: Lifting over 50 lbs., with frequent lifting, pushing, and/or carrying of objects weighing over 25 lbs.
• Agility: Ability to move quickly and easily, often including the ability to crawl, stoop or bend.
• Color Vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Distant Vision (Excellent): Without correction, vision not less than 20/40 in each eye, which must correct to 20/20 in one eye and not less than 20/25 in the other eye.
• Work Environment - Outdoors: Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Employee Unit:
Chino Police Officers Association (CPOA)
Ready to Apply?

All applicants are required to apply online at Let's build something amazing together.
Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. Resumes and cover letters may be attached to the completed application form as supplemental information, but will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources/Risk Management Analyst, Genevieve Hughes at or 909-334-3386.
01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the recruitment process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and understand that your responses may be verified through information provided in your application materials?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate whether you currently meet the following preferred qualifications for the Police Officer (Lateral) position:You are a current non-probationary Police Officer or California Peace Officer and possess a valid California POST Basic Certificate.

• Yes, I meet both qualifications.
• No, I do not meet both qualifications.

03

If you answered "Yes" to Supplemental Question #2 and are currently employed as a Police Officer or California Peace Officer with another agency, please provide the name of your current agency. A copy of your valid California POST Basic Certificate MUST be attached to your application.
04

This position requires that you possess a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No
• I have a valid California Driver's License but my driving record has some issues.

05

Were you referred to this position by a current City of Chino Employee?

• Yes
• No

06

If your answer to Supplemental Question #5 was "Yes," and you were referred by a current City of Chino employee, please enter the employee's name here:
Required Question