Your Role on the Team

Lateral Police Officer
A Lateral Police Officer classification represents a journey-level position. Incumbents have completed the California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy, received a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, and have been or are currently employed by a law enforcement agency within two years of the date of application.

Both entry-level and lateral officers perform under the direct supervision of a Field Training Officer (FTO) and do not normally perform solo assignments, except in emergency circumstances, until they complete the department's Field Training Program.

Duties and Responsibilities
Upon completion of the field training program, UCIPD officers perform a wide range of law enforcement duties, including:
• Conducting foot, bicycle, and vehicle patrols of the UC properties.
• Investigating crimes and traffic collisions, preparing detailed reports, issuing citations and making arrests.
• Providing crime prevention education and serving as proactive partners within a diverse community.
• Maintaining professionalism and adherence to department rules, university policies, and state and federal laws.
• Ensuring proper care, maintenance, and operation of assigned facilities, vehicles, equipment, and materials.
• Supporting morale, teamwork, and the department's mission through professional conduct and effective communication.
• Officers may also be assigned to support special events, athletic events, or security details, and collaborate with other agencies.
• Specialized assignment opportunities include the System Wide Response Team (SRT), K9 unit, bicycle patrol, field training officer, detective, corporal, and specialized instructor roles.

Professional Standards and Core Competencies

Sworn personnel must maintain compliance with training and certification requirements established by California P. O. S. T.

What It Takes to be Successful

Total Rewards

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $100,766.88-$121,855.68 (Annually).

Required:

• Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to use precise phrases and write in a logical, concise, and chronological manner.
• Knowledge of radio operations, recording equipment operations, and computer equipment operations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and court decisions.
• Knowledge of criminal investigative techniques and procedures
• Understanding of community engagement and community-oriented policing philosophies
• Interpersonal skills - Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public, establish and maintain cooperation, and de-escalate situations.
• Proficient in the care and use of firearms and other police equipment. Ability to operate law enforcement vehicles under both normal and emergency conditions.
• Keen powers of observation, a strong memory, and the ability to prepare accurate and detailed reports.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge and ability to provide effective customer service.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with university employees and the general public.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), and California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS)
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive during critical or high-pressure incidents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess priorities, make sound independent decisions often under time-sensitive or life-threatening conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and factual reports
• Knowledge of Orange County communication radio procedures, commonly used California pedal and vehicle code sections, local ordinances, and university regulations
• A commitment to teamwork, integrity and exceptional public service.
• High school diploma or equivalent certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Requires enrollment in and/or completion of basic P.O.S.T. certification.
• Entry level: Current enrollment in or completion of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy.
• Lateral Entry Level: A minimum of 1 year of full-time law enforcement experience and possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Post Certificate. At a California law enforcement agency that falls within Penal Code 830.1(a-c) or 830.2 (a-c).
• Employed with or employed with a law enforcement agency described in Penal Code sections 830.1(a)(b), or (c) or 830.2 (a-c) at the time of application.

Driver's License:

• Required to hold a valid drivers license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Special Conditions:

• Must be able to work shift work, including day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Must complete the UC Irvine Police Department Field Training program.
• Must be able to learn Orange County Communications radio codes and commonly-encountered California Criminal and Vehicle code sections, City ordinances and University of California enforcement codes.
• Must possess the ability to operate a police car, police radio, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, first aid equipment and other related equipment as assigned.
• Must be able to wear and operate in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must complete and pass a polygraph, background investigation, medical and psychological examinations in compliance with P.O.S.T. standards/requirements.
• Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) legislatively mandated requirements. The incumbent must meet the minimum selection standards established by Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or required by state law (Government Codes 1029,1031, 1031.4; and Commission Regulations1950-1955 et seq.) which includes, but is not limited to, being free of any felony convictions, legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, and at least 21 years of age except as provided by Government Code 1031.4.