Police Officer-Lateral

City of Elk Grove

Elk Grove (CA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 156,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

City of Elk Grove is accepting applications for the sworn position of Police Officer – Lateral. This role requires a current California POST Basic Peace Officer certificate and is designed for officers transferring from another agency.

Salary placement will be based on years of service, up to $155,577.24 annually with POST incentives and special pays. Filing deadline is September 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm; Oral Board Interviews are September 15, 2026 (in person).

Qualifications

Must possess Associate's degree or 60 college units.
Four (4) years of U.S. Military Service with an honorable discharge or a reservist with 60 credits.
Possession of a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate must be attached to the application.

Responsibilities

Patrol designated areas and enforce laws.
Respond to calls related to protection of life and property, accidents and emergencies.
Conduct investigations and interviews; prepare reports and present evidence in court.

Education

Associate's degree / 60 college units

Job description

Tentative Recruitment Timeline: (subject to change)

Description/Special Instructions City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL Salary placement will be based on years of service. You can earn up to $155,577.24 annually with POST, educational incentives, holiday in lieu, and special assignment pays. Are you looking for a great opportunity to be a part of an agency that aspires to deliver world‑class public safety services? Start a rewarding career with the City of Elk Grove Police Department and partner with a diverse community that shares mutual respect and trust. Join our team in serving our community with pride and integrity! This is a sworn position designed specifically for individuals currently employed as a Sworn Police Officer with another agency and who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certificate. A California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certificate MUST be attached to the application in order to be considered for this position.

Filing Deadline: September 5, 2026, at 11:59 pm

Oral Board Interviews: September 15, 2026 (In person)

Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Learn more here: Elk Grove Jobs

This recruitment will be used to fill existing vacancies and to establish an eligibility list

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 174,775 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

Under general supervision by police sergeant, provides law enforcement and crime prevention work by utilizing community policing and problem oriented strategies; controls traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; performs investigative work; participates in and provides support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs; and does related work as assigned.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Patrol designated areas of the City in a radio-equipped car, motorcycle or on foot.
Enforce City, County, State and Federal laws.
Respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other required emergencies.
Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
Make arrests; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects.
Testify and present evidence in court.
Preserve, collect, process, photograph, and present evidence using scientific techniques including fingerprint, fibers, blood, and related physical evidence.
Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
Prepare reports on arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents.
Search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners.
Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws by issuing citations and warnings.
Observe, monitor, direct, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions
Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public, co-workers, supervisors, and city employees.
Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
Schedule and implement crime prevention and educational programs.
Serve warrants and subpoenas; retrieve and request information involving arrests and subpoenas.
File complaints and perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
Actively collaborate with all city schools to provide the highest level of safety to students and faculty.
Administer first aid as necessary.

Qualifications

Knowledge Of

Elk Grove police department organizational structure.
Police policy and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques.
Police records and reports.
First aid techniques.
Criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the search and seizure and the preservation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
Offensive and defensive weapons classification and theory.
Self‑defense tactics.
Interview and interrogation techniques.

Ability To

Use computer and related software.
Learn, understand, interpret and apply laws and regulation.
Prepare concise and comprehensive written reports.
Gather and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations.
Read street maps.
Read, understand and adhere to departmental policies, instruction, laws and regulations.
Analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action in emergency and stressful situations.
Develop skill in the use of firearms.
Earn the use and care of automobiles and other equipment.
Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Speak, read and write fluent English.
Work a variety of shift schedules, including 8, 9, 10, 12‑hour shift configurations and on call.
Show command presence.
Successfully complete field training programs.

Education/Training

Education and Experience Guidelines:

Must possess an Associate's degree, or 60 college units, from an accredited college or university.
Four (4) years of U.S. Military Service with an honorable discharge or a reservist member with a Joint Service Transcript showing 60 credits can be substituted for the sixty (60) unit requirement.
Possession of a CA P.O.S.T Intermediate Certificate can be substituted for the sixty (60) unit requirement.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year of recent law enforcement experience equivalent to that of a Peace Officer as defined by P.O.S.T.
This is a sworn position designed specifically for individuals currently employed as a Sworn Police Officer with another agency and who possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certificate. A California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer certificate MUST be attached to the application in order to be considered for this position.

License Or Certificate

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license by the time of appointment.
Must possess a current California POST Basic Peace Officer Certificate.
Incumbent will need to pass a background investigation which includes a polygraph, psychological and medical evaluation.

Other Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Police Officers must serve a 12-month probationary period.

Retired Annuitants

This is a regular full‑time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

This position is not eligible for H‑1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment‑based visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment

Work is generally performed in a typical field environment, with most time spent sitting, standing or walking. Position will require work outdoors and using body, ear and eye protection. Incumbent may be required to work rotating shifts and assignments and may work overtime with little or no notice.

Physical

Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of police work, the incumbent may also be required to perform the following: make precise arm‑hand positioning movements and maintain static arm‑hand position such as when sighting and shooting a firearm; may require continuous and repetitive arm‑hand movements; use sufficient strength and agility to enable the incumbent to sprint, or jump; coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously such as when using hand radio while driving a vehicle or searching a building with firearm drawn, flashlight on and opening and closing doors; bend or stoop repeatedly and continuously over time such as getting in and out of patrol car or gathering evidence at crime scenes; wear a 15lb utility/gun belt which requires the continuous support from stomach and lower back muscles; may require the movement of heavy objects 50 lbs and more. The incumbent may respond to complex police situations or emergencies and is therefore subject to any of the hazards encountered by police patrol officers. Operate various office equipment such as telephones, computers, copiers, fax machines, etc. Safely operate the following equipment in the performance of duties: A variety of City‑owned vehicles; firearms; communications equipment, such as two‑way radios, cell phones, and pagers; Mobile display terminals (MDT), various audio‑visual equipment and any other equipment assigned. Required to physically take a resistive or combative subject into custody.

Vision: Within California POST standards as verified by a medical background.

Hearing: Within California POST standards as verified by a medical background.

The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478‑2230. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. City of Elk Grove participates in E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

CITY OF ELK GROVE

Employee Benefit Summary

Elk Grove Police Officers Association (EGPOA) – Sworn

Annual Leave (vacation/sick)

0‑4 years of service 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period

5‑9 years of service 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period

10‑14 years of service 232 hours 8.92 per pay period

15‑19 years of service 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period

20+ years of service 272 hours 10.46 hours per pay period

Deferred Compensation

Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.

Deferred Compensation - City Match

The City will match up to 2% or 4% of employee's salary depending on membership status with CalPERS.

Employee Assistance Program

Available to employee and immediate family

Flexible Spending Account

Medical spending up to $3,400 annually.
Dependent care up to $7,500 annually.
Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.

Health Insurance

The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.

The City's Contribution rates for the 2026 plan year are as follows:

Single: up to $1,051.97 per month

2‑Party: up to $2,103.95 per month

Family: up to $2,735.14 per month

Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month

Dental Insurance

100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Vision Insurance

100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Pet Insurance

City employees are eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife.

Retirement Health Savings Account

City provided defined contribution program for IRS‑eligible medical expenses upon retirement.

Holidays

Employees assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts shall receive a 5% pay differential in lieu of paid holiday time off. Employees receive 8 hours of floating holiday every fiscal year.

Life Insurance

City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.

Military Leave

The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.

Retirement -PERS

Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.

3% at 50 if hired before 8/12/12.
3% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
2.7% at 57 if hired after 1/1/2013 and not a current Classic member of CalPERS.

Employee pays employee share of cost and 3% of employer share of cost.

Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a miscellaneous to safety classification.

Short Term/Long Term Disability

The City provides Short‑Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long‑Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60‑70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $1,750 per week.

Social Security

City employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program. City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan.

Tuition Reimbursement

80% up to $1,000/year for employees attending a Community College.

80% up to $2,500/year for undergraduate studies.

80% up to $3,500/year for graduate studies.

Wellness Program

Amazing on‑site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!

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 selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

To be considered for a Lateral Police Officer, you must meet at least one of the following education/training requirements. Please select the option that applies to you:

An Associate's degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 60 college units completed at an accredited college or university
Four (4) years of U.S. Military Service with an honorable discharge.
A reservist member with a Joint Service Transcript showing 60 credits can be substituted for the sixty (60) unit requirement.
None of the above

Are you currently employed as a Sworn Police Officer with another agency?

Do you possess a current California P.O.S.T. Basic Peace Officer Certificate?

Do you possess a current California P.O.S.T. Intermediate Peace Officer Certificate?

If you answered Yes to questions #4 and #5, did you attach the California P.O.S.T. Basic and/or Intermediate Peace Officer Certificate to your application?

Are you at least 21 years of age?

Yes, I am currently 21 or older.
No, I am under 21 years of age.

Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement. Do you understand that this is a regular full‑time position, and that Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229?

Do you require sponsorship for employment in the United States now or in the future (e.g., H‑1B or other employment‑based visas)?