Police Officer (Lateral or Academy Graduate)

Salary : $91,026.62 - $110,643.10 Annually
Location : Colton Police Department, 650 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25/26-00063
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Definition
FILING DEADLINE: Open Continuously until sufficient qualified applications are received.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP.

The first review of applications will be on or around Thursday, July 9, 2026, before 12:00 p.m.
DEFINITION:
Under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant or other higher level police personnel, performs law enforcement, crime prevention, public safety, and community engagement functions to protect life and property; enforce federal, state, and local laws; preserve the peace; conducts investigations; prepares reports and legal documents; and performs related duties as assigned. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and comply with all applicable laws, department policies, and ethical standards.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Officer is the journey level class responsible for responding to the full array of calls for service from the public and enforcing all federal, state and local laws. The position is responsible for the protection of life and property and utilizes a variety of methods and techniques to meet that responsibility. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Police Corporal/Detective in that the latter assumes lead responsibilities on a routine basis and/or is assigned to a specialized detail.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May occasionally exercise technical and functional oversight over sworn and professional staff employees

Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Perform the full array of duties and assignments assigned to classes in the Police Officer series including patrolling assigned areas of the City and monitoring and controlling traffic conditions.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Conduct patrol, respond to calls for service, emergencies, crimes in progress, traffic collisions, and public safety incidents.
• Conduct various investigations; collect, preserve, document, and maintain evidence in accordance with established legal requirements and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Make lawful arrests as is appropriate; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather, collect and preserve evidence; search and transport suspects to detention facilities; fingerprint suspects.
• Prepare factual, detailed reports of arrests, activities performed and incidents observed or involved in.
• Prepare and execute warrants and related legal documents; respond and report to subpoenas; stay informed of new and existing laws and procedures for processing warrants; retrieve and request information involving investigations and subpoenas.
• Monitor and enforce traffic, stop and detail drivers,issue citations as appropriate.
• Maintain preserve trust and overall good relationships with the general public.
• Perform a variety of duties specific to assigned areas of responsibility which may include canine handler duties, field training officer duties, detective duties, identification officer duties, community relations duties and/or leadership roles.
• As a Canine Handler, perform investigations, apprehend suspects, assist officers and ; train and care for canines.
• As a Field Training Officer, train new officers in police duties including traffic enforcement, safety, report writing and department policies and procedures; monitor, mentor, train and prepare employees undergoing a training program.
• As a Police Detective, coordinate and conduct complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving persons, property, and sophisticated crimes involving various forms of technology.
• As an Identification Officer, collect and preserve evidence at the scene of the crime and/or accident; lift fingerprints; draw sketches; take photographs; and perform other duties necessary for the attainment of property and evidence.
• As a Community Relations Officer, develop and present educational crime prevention programs to the public and at schools; promote, organize and implement programs to improve relations with the Department and community; initiate public safety programs and coordinate community events.
• As a Police Officer assigned to the Multiple Enforcement or Special Crime Unit, perform a variety of focused police functions upon a specific area of criminal activity or problems within an area; focus enforcement efforts to address or reduce crime in an area or within a criminal organization .
• Prepare timely, accurate, complete, and objective reports, statements, and documentation.
• Utilize body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and department technology in accordance with policy.
• Immediately report misconduct, policy violations, safety concerns, or unethical conduct.
• Maintain all records, evidence, and reports in compliance with state law, department policy, and evidentiary standards. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for a Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent to a high school diploma and specialized training in policing.
License/Certificate:

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record.
• Maintain a sworn peace officer licensing status with the State of California's Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Graduation from a P.O.S.T accredited Police Academy within the last three (3) years

Note: Specialized assignments may require specialized license or certificates, as determined by the department.
Additional Information
Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices, methods, and techniques of public safety and criminal investigations. Technical phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including criminal investigations and identification, patrol, traffic control, juvenile delinquency control, record keeping, and care and custody of persons, child custody matters and property. Principles and practices of supervision and performance evaluation. Self-defense tactics and techniques. Interviewing and interrogation techniques. City geography. Applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the work of the department. Operational characteristics of firearms and other modern police equipment. Functions and objectives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software.
Ability to:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships through use of excellent interpersonal skills; maintain a consistent, fair, and professional demeanor with officers, professional staff, peers, superiors, and the public; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; train, and evaluate assigned staff; make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies; make adjustments to standard operating procedures as is appropriate; analyze complex community and/or law issues and determine appropriate actions; meet and deal with the public professionally and effectively; gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use evidence; work independently and within a team environment. Conduct detailed investigations and prepare factual, detailed reports. Interview witnesses and victims and interrogate suspects.
Skills:
Remain in compliance with the State of California's Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Effectively operate a motor vehicle. Operate a variety of assigned lethal and non-lethal weapons proficiently.
Positions designated in the Colton Police Officers Association receive the following benefits:

• Cafeteria Amount for the purchase of medical, dental and vision insurance is$1,625.00/mo effective August, 2024.
• Employees hired on or after May 1, 2017, shall have a maximum cap of $500 for cash in-lieu or for the difference between the medical insurance premium and the cafeteria dollar amount
• Up to 80 hours per year of vacation accrued for 0 - 5 years of service
• Up to 96 hours of sick leave (8 hours accrued monthly)
• 140 hours holiday credit (per fiscal year)
• California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for Police Safety:
  Classic Members hired prior to 10/15/2011 benefit level is 3% @ 50
  Classic Members hired after 10/15/2011 benefit level is 3% @ 55
  PEPRA Members hired after 1/1/2013 benefit level is 2.7% @ 57
• Post-Retirement Survivor Allowance (sworn)
• CalPERS 4th Level 1959 Survivor Benefit.
• Uniform Allowance $75 per month per fiscal year.
• Longevity Pay: $100/mo for 15 years, $200/mo for 20 years, $300/mo for 25 years, including previous law enforcement experience in a similar position (non-cumulative).
• FTO Pay $400/mo
• Bilingual Pay $200/mo
• City paid life insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000
• City does not participate in the Social Security System
• Probationary period: 12 months for Laterals; 18 months for non-Laterals