Police Officer (Academy Enrolled)

Buena Park Police Department; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing Bonus

Academy costs coverage

Job summary

The Buena Park Police Department is seeking qualified Police Officers to serve the community with dedication and integrity. Officers patrol city areas, enforce laws, investigate incidents, and engage with residents to maintain public safety and trust.

The department emphasizes community partnerships and offers career growth, an academy pathway, and a structured training environment to help officers advance from recruit to patrol duties.

Responsibilities

• Enforces federal and state laws and regulations, and local ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement.
• Patrols an assigned area of the city in a patrol vehicle or on foot, upholding safety and service standards.

Job description

Police Officer Salary up to $144,331 Annually (Plus Academy Costs/expenses while a Recruit)

$10,000 SIGNING BONUS

Successful candidates will receive a $10,000 signing bonus, paid in three installments: $3,334 at the time of hire; $3,333 upon successful completion of the Field Training Program and 18-month probationary period; and $3,333 upon completion of two years of service.

CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A POLICE ACADEMY? BECOME A BUENA PARK POLICE OFFICER!

You’ve made the decision to become a Police Officer. Now, where do you want to begin your law enforcement career? Consider continuing your training and building your career with the City of Buena Park Police Department.

The Buena Park Police Department offers future Police Officers the opportunity to serve a diverse community while working in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. With an emphasis on community-oriented policing, proactive crime prevention, and strong partnerships with the community, the Department provides a dynamic and rewarding law enforcement environment.

Would you like to be part of a team that values community partnerships, proactive crime prevention, community education, and effective police work? The Buena Park Police Department offers opportunities to work with and support a variety of specialized assignments, programs, and services, including:

• Patrol Services, Traffic/Enforcement, K9 Unit, and SWAT
• Youth Explorer Program School Resource Officer Program, and the Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) Volunteer Program
• Crime Prevention, Investigative Services Bureau, and Forensics
• Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, Gang Unit, Community Impact Team (CIT), Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (G.R.I.P.)
• Crimes, Persons Unit/Property Unit and the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force (OCATT)
• Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) Program

OUR PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of Community-Oriented Policing is practiced throughout the Buena Park Police Department. The Department believes in building strong partnerships with the community and actively pursues opportunities for community engagement and education.

Through specialized teams and programs, such as the Neighborhood Improvement Task Force (NITF), Community Impact Team (CIT), and teams of officers assigned to address specific community concerns, the Buena Park Police Department works proactively to address crime and strengthen community trust.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

The Buena Park Police Department is proud of its state-of-the-art facility, which was built in 2009 with the future of law enforcement in mind. Officers have access to facilities, equipment, and technology designed to support their work, including:

• Expansive 24/7 employee gym and locker room facilities
• Large patrol equipment storage lockers conveniently located near police vehicles
• On-site weapons training facility
• State-of-the-art tactical equipment
• High-tech Dispatch Center
• Modern computer technology with an emphasis on paperless processes
• Dictation services for report writing

A WORKING ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES CAREER GROWTH

Professional development, education, and advancement are encouraged and supported through extensive training and promotional opportunities. Officers are encouraged to engage in proactive police work and have opportunities to develop advanced investigative skills and collaborate with detectives as part of their regular duties.

The Department also offers alternative work schedules, including a 3/12 work schedule, as well as opportunities for special-event overtime at events and destinations such as Knott’s Berry Farm and City community events.

FINISH YOUR ACADEMY TRAINING AS A CITY OF BUENA PARK EMPLOYEE

Qualifying candidates who are currently enrolled in a California POST-Certified Basic Police Academy and have successfully completed a minimum of five (5) weeks of academy training may be appointed in a non-sworn capacity under the sponsorship of the Buena Park Police Department.

Upon successful completion of all state-mandated academy requirements, including graduation from the Police Academy, incumbents may be considered for promotion to Police Officer.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area, enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations, maintains order, prevents, detects and investigates crime, and carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which serves as a first‑line supervisor, and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift or section. Police Officers may be assigned to special assignments, such as motors, traffic, K-9, detective, SWAT, field training officer, jail, bike team, VIP handling, reserves, and similar details.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

Enforces federal and state laws and regulations, and local ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement.

Patrols an assigned area of the city, in a moto