Salary : $97,788.00 - $124,800.00 Annually
Location : Gardena, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Police Department
Division: Sworn
Opening Date: 01/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description The philosophy of the Gardena Police Department emphasizes a responsible partnership with the community to identify, reduce, eliminate and prevent problems that impact community safety and order.
Under general supervision, police officers provide law enforcement services toward attaining the purpose, goals and objectives of the Police Department and the City of Gardena. While adhering to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, they execute their activities with other personnel, bureaus, divisions and departments to ensure that all work efforts effectively mobilize the resources of the Police Department to promote public safety of the community. Police Officers are responsible for implementing organizational strategies that support the systematic use of community partnerships and collaborative problem-solving techniques to proactively address conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. Over several years, Police Officers develop from new hire status, where the primary responsibility is to gain knowledge from others, to a Senior Officer, where they have demonstrated competence in the full range of law enforcement duties and share responsibilities for all actions taking place in their presence.
Examples of Duties Representative DutiesWith awareness of and adherence to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and with a commitment to the Department's purpose, goals and objectives, the successful Police Officer enforces laws, makes arrests and facilitates others in resisting and preventing crime. Officers process prisoners and ensure their safety, prepare reports and recommend plans of action. Police Officers communicate with members of the community to identify problems and needs of the area and make recommendations for improvements in safety and quality of life. Police Officers also assist the public and answer questions; administer first aid and respond to calls for medical assistance; establish and maintain good relationships with the general public. Incumbents perform other collateral duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications Education and ExperienceGraduation from high school or GED Certificate (with high school equivalency). College training is highly desirable. Prior to appointment as a Police Officer, the applicant must meet minimum standards established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the City of Gardena. Successful completion of an approved Basic Academy accredited by P.O.S.T. and approved by the City of Gardena is required. Upon completion, applicants will receive appointment as probationary Police Officers.
Knowledge and AbilitiesThe successful candidate must listen effectively, speak and write clearly, and read with understanding. The ability to train others and make public presentations is also required.
Physical RequirementsAge: 20 years at time of application.
Weight: In correct proportion to height.
Hearing: Normal.
Vision: The ability to perform the necessary functions of the position.
General Health: Normal standards of health as determined by the City Medical Examiner (consistent with P.O.S.T. guidelines).
LicenseMust possess a valid Class "C" California Driver's License, or if licensed in another state, be capable of securing the required California license.
Special ConditionFreedom from disqualifying criminal convictions as determined by the City Personnel Officer.
Please submit the required license, certificate, or registration with the State as evidence of professional or technical proficiency at the same time of filing the application. The Human Resources Officer will require necessary verification of qualifications as specified in the job bulletin.
Supplemental Information Lateral Incentive Bonus$1,500.00 initial hiring bonus
$3,500.00 after completion of the Field Training Program (FTO)
40 hours of Vacation Credit
50 hours of Sick Time Credit
Probationary PeriodPROBATIONARY PERIOD is 12 months following completion of Academy.
STEP 1: Granted upon successful completion of Academy
STEP 2: Granted after 6 months continuous and satisfactory service at Step 1.
STEP 3: Granted after one year continuous and satisfactory service at step 2.
STEPS 4, 5 & 6: Granted on an annual basis following continuous and satisfactory service.
Upon the discretion of the Chief of Police, Lateral is eligible to be placed on a pay step close to their previous pay.
Testing ProcedurePrior to appointment, the applicant must meet minimum standards established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the City of Gardena. Applicants must pass processes listed below:
1. Written Exam Waived
2. Physical Agility Waived
3. Oral Interview 100%
4. Polygraph Examination Qualifying
5. Psychological Evaluation Qualifying
6. Medical Examination Qualifying
7. Background Investigation Qualifying
8. Chief's Oral Interview Qualifying
City of Gardena GPOA Police Officer benefits include the following:
VacationNine and three-quarter (9.75) hours per month and increasing with years of service
HolidaysThirteen point thirty-three (13.33) hours paid holiday per month
Sick LeaveTwelve and one half (12.5) hours per month
RetirementThe City offers the CalPERS 2.7% at 57 pension formula for PEPRA CalPERS members, or 3.0% at 50 pension formula for Classic CalPERS members
Health InsuranceThe City will pay the PPO Plan premium for a full-time permanent employee plus one (1) dependent
Retiree MedicalCompetitive lifetime benefit upon CalPERS retirement required years of City service, subject to other terms and conditions
Educational ReimbursementUp to $6,000 per 12-month period for full-time permanent employees subject to course eligibility requirements.
Educational Incentive BonusAA/AS Degree of P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate = $1,303.96 per month
BA/BS Degree or P.O.S.T. Advanced Certificate = $1,819.96 per month
Longevity Bonus PayBeginning at (7) years of service
Specialist Bonus $664.75 per month
Bilingual Bonus Pay$30.77 each pay period
Uniform Allowance$34.62 each pay period
Life InsuranceCity-paid Group Term Life Insurance Policy ($10,000) for full-time, sworn employees enrolled in the City Health Plan
Deferred CompensationVoluntary enrollment, no City match
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Are you a graduate from a P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy and/or are you currently a Police Officer in CA? If your response is 'no', please cancel this application and apply for the 'Police Trainee' position.
Required Question
