Police Officer (Lateral)

Salary : $107,412.00 - $130,584.00 Annually
Location : Police Department - 420 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POA

JOB SUMMARY
Lateral applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Salary placement will be determined based on experience.

Certification Pay: Additional compensation is available for qualifying certifications, including POST certification, education pay, along with longevity pay, etc. For full details, please refer to the POA (MOU).

*A recruitment bonus of 3% - 10% of starting base salary is available to new hires at the time of appointment to Police Officers

SUMMARY
Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area and enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations; engages in crime prevention activities; responds to calls for assistance including completing records and reports; carries out special collateral assignments in the protection of life and property; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant, who serves as the first line supervisor, and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift, division, or bureau. Police Officers may work special assignments, such as S.W.A.T., K-9, and Field Training Officer.

Academy Graduate/ Police Officer is an apprentice level specification in which incumbent has graduated from a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified Basic Academy training program, but have not received a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate with a comparable agency. Incumbent performs under direct supervision and generally do not perform police officer duties independently until the successful completion of field training.

Police Officer is a journey level specification. Positions at this level are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Academy Graduate/Police Officer, or when filled from the outside, require current employment as a peace officer as specified in California State Penal Code Section 830.1, or Section 830.0 (a) - (d). Appointment to Police Officer requires that the employee perform the full range of duties and meet the qualification standards for the specification.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Patrols an assigned area on foot or by vehicle and enforces Federal and State laws, and local ordinances and regulations pertaining to public safety and law enforcement; observes designated areas in which significant crime has been reported.
• Responds to radio calls and citizen requests for protection of life, property and public assistance.
• Appears at scenes of crime and public disorder and determines proper course of action; provides first aid or CPR as first responder for persons in need of medical assistance; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; and restores proper flow of traffic.
• Gives verbal warnings and prepares citations, crime reports, arrest reports, patrol reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, impounded, and property reports.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, or other types of incidents involving possible violation of public safety statutes.
• Assists with crime scene investigations and the handling and preservation of evidence; arrests suspects and completes booking reports.
• Questions suspects and interviews victims and witnesses; examines conditions of accident and crime scenes; notes and reports traffic hazards; takes written statements; completes police field reports and writes supplementary reports; and testifies in Court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations.
• Completes follow-up investigations and monitors status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including Court orders.
• Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; and assists other law enforcement agencies and public safety personnel in responding to calls.
• Develops and maintains positive relations with citizens, business owners, schools, other community members, and attends public meetings; provides safety or traffic control services for parades, various public activities and events.
• Participates in daily police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs; demonstrates proficiency at shooting range.
• When assigned to Detective section, conducts criminal and civil case investigations; interviews victims, witnesses, suspects, and other parties to obtain leads; and establishes the nature and causes of potential crimes and violations of statutes.
• When assigned to Traffic detail, also enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations.
• When assigned to S.W.A.T. Team, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety.
• May perform other collateral duties as assigned, such as Field Training Officer and K-9 and serve as special instructors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education/Training/Experience:

• High school graduation or G.E.D. is required. Completion of up to 60 semester level units related to general education and police science is desirable.
• Academy Graduate/Police Officer candidates must have graduated from a P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academy at the time of appointment.
• Lateral Police Officer candidates must be currently employed at least one (1) year as a peace officer as specified in the State of California Penal Code, Section 830.1 or Section 830.2 (a) - (d) and possess a valid Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Licenses/Certificates:

• A valid Class C California driver's license and acceptable driving record is required at time of appointment.
• For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment within one (1) year of assignment.

Knowledge of:

• Police science principles, practices and professional standards.
• Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications.
• State Penal Codes, Traffic Codes, Civil Codes, and other statutes, Court decisions, and case law.
• Local codes and ordinances.
• Departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, criminal acts, arrest and control techniques, and handling of contraband.
• Crime prevention principles.
• Basic criminal investigation methods.
• Self-defense methods and physical restraint techniques.
• Radio codes and proper field communication techniques.
• Principles of human behavior.
• Professional standards.
• Contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, and related police services, including specialty assignments.
• Communicable disease control methods and techniques.
• Proper care and maintenance of property and equipment.
• Public relations techniques.

Ability to:

• Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, and firearms and non-lethal weapons.
• Interpret and apply federal and State public safety laws and regulations as well as local codes and ordinances.
• Prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records; convey clear instructions or execute commands.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, police management, City departments, public and private agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Accurately recall circumstances regarding traffic incidents or crime reports.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations.
• Think logically and maintain alertness in emergency situations.
• Relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political and racial backgrounds and age groups.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work extended hours in order to meet shift needs, complete reports, attend meetings, or conduct police business.
• Employees hired after September 3, 1988, shall refrain from smoking tobacco or using any other tobacco substance at any time, on or off duty.

Age:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of appointment.

Citizenship:

• Must be a citizen of the United States of America or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship.

Psychological:

• Applicants will undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position.

Background Investigation:

• Applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved, background investigation.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

All applicants will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.

The selection process will consist of the following components and weights:

• Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail)
• Oral Interview (100%)* Final appointment in the Police Department is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of an extensive background investigation and a polygraph examination.

If you need special assistance in the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (310) 802-5258.

The City of Manhattan Beach offers a generous benefits package to full-time and eligible employees including PERS medical plans, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and many more.

To see detailed information about Police Officers Association (MBPOA) bargaining unit benefits, please visit our on City's official website.
Part-time employees are enrolled in PARS (Public Alternate Retirement System). All part-time and seasonal employees contribute 7.5% each pay period on a pre-tax basis. If an employee reaches 1,000 hours within a fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) or is already a CalPERS member, then they are enrolled in CalPERS (Public Employees Retirement System).

The City complies with California Labor Code 245-249 by providing paid sick leave for part-time hourly employees accordingly.

The City of Manhattan Beach does not provide medical/dental/vision benefits to part-time employees. Eligible employees enrolled in CalPERS may opt into a CalPERS medical plan.
01

Are you currently a Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

02

How long have you been employed as a Police Officer?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 Years
• 3 or more Years

03

Please indicate your highest level of education.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College Coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• N/A

04

Which of the following P.O.S.T certifications do you currently possess? (Check all that apply)

• Basic POST
• Intermediate POST
• Advanced POST
• Supervisory POST
• Management POST

05

If you were referred by a Manhattan Beach employee, please list their first and last name, along with the department