Police Cadet

Costa Mesa Police Department; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Costa Mesa Police Department is seeking a Police Aide to perform routine technical and field tasks under supervision. The role supports department operations, handling front desk duties, property/evidence, parking enforcement, and community outreach as part of a broader team.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, are 18+, and may be enrolled in college with six units or more; a valid California driver's license is required. Public safety experience is desirable but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited college with six or more units is highly desirable.
• Public safety/law enforcement agency experience is highly desirable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Inventories, impounds and stores abandoned vehicles.
• Stores and releases property and evidence.
• Enforces parking ordinances and issues parking citations.
• Assists at front desk in reception, report taking, data entry, fingerprinting and filing.
• Assists in community program preparation and distribution of handouts.
• Processes discovery requests for the District Attorney's office.

Skills

Learn laws & procedures

Problem solving

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College enrollment (6+ units) in related field

Public safety experience desirable

Job description

Description

This classification performs a variety of routine technical and field assignments/activities in support of the total Police Department function. Work is performed under supervision within established procedures and policies and is reviewed by a supervisor during process and upon completion.

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Essential Functions

• Inventories, impounds and stores abandoned vehicles.
• Stores and releases property and evidence.
• Enforces parking ordinances and issues parking citations.
• Assists at front desk in reception, including report taking, computer data entry, fingerprinting, and filing.
• Assists in preparation of community programs.
• Organizes and distributes informational pamphlets and handouts.
• Processes discovery requests for the District Attorney's office.
• Stocks and maintains inventory for CSI supplies.
• Transports Police Department vehicles for general maintenance.
• Conducts errands and makes deliveries to various off-site locations in a City vehicle.
• Conducts tours of Police Facility.
• Maintains equipment carried in Police Department vehicles.
• Maintains Fire protection equipment.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualification Guidelines

A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Eighteen (18) years of age by date of application.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with six or more units of study with an emphasis in political science, social sciences, or related field is highly desirable.
• Public safety/law enforcement agency experience is highly desirable.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

REQUISITE ABILITIES

• Police Aides must meet medical and general physical standards prescribed for Police Officer.
• Ability to learn a variety of laws, policies and procedures involving Police operations.
• Ability to analyze problems quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action.
• Ability to cope with situations correctly, courteously and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to understand and execute complex written and oral instruction.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and to prepare effective written and oral reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other law enforcement personnel and the public.

Supplemental Information

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.

Employee accommodations for physical and mental abilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.