Police Officer - Academy Graduate

City of Walnut Creek; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Walnut Creek is looking for dedicated individuals to join its Police Department as Police Officers. Candidates must have a high school diploma, a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, and meet physical standards. The role involves patrolling, investigating crimes, and engaging with the community. Enthusiastic and community-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply to serve in a vibrant city committed to safety and integrity. Applications will be reviewed in early 2025, with interviews scheduled for mid-January.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a high school diploma and 60 college semester units.
• P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate must be obtained within the past three years.
• Must meet medical standards and have a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Patrol areas for crime prevention and enforce laws.
• Conduct investigations, make arrests, and prepare reports.
• Provide assistance to the community and conduct special projects.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Critical Thinking

Physical Fitness

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Completion of 60 semester units from a recognized college or university

California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate

Job description

Visit www.JoinWalnutCreekPD.com to learn more about how to level up your career in law enforcement with Walnut Creek!

Did you successfully graduate from the Police Academy or recently begin working as a Police Officer with another agency, but you’re still on probation? Are you searching for a thriving, community-oriented city to protect and serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect? If so, the Walnut Creek Police Department welcomes your application! Read more about whether your current experience meets requirements for the Police Officer – Academy Graduate recruitment below (under “Qualification Guidelines”).

The following job duties represent many of those required of Police Officers at the City of Walnut Creek:

• Patrols an assigned area for the prevention and detection of crime and enforcement of laws and regulations; responds to and investigates reported disorders or crimes; notes and reports complaints, accidents, offenses and damages to property; reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; directs traffic.
• Makes arrests and advises suspects of rights; prepares reports on arrests and property impounded; inspects crime scenes and questions witnesses; checks alibis of suspects and attempts to determine the validity of statements made; analyzes clues and information related to a crime to determine how it was committed; reviews modus operandi of known criminals in attempting to determine relationships between criminals and crimes under investigation; reports on the progress of investigations and prepares assigned cases for court; serves warrants; appears in court to testify regarding arrests, citations and other law enforcement activities.
• Observes and reports conditions conducive to crime; provides information and assistance to the public; issues warnings and citations to traffic law violators and inspects vehicles; searches and transports prisoners.
• Conducts special investigations and projects; makes public presentations to schools, businesses, and neighborhood groups; assists in the training and development of new employees.
• May act as temporary supervisor or Watch Commander.

Please see the Police Officer class specification for a complete description of this classification's duties, requirements, working conditions, and physical requirements.

The classification of Police Officer at the City of Walnut Creek requires the following three elements of Education and Experience. Candidates must meet all three criteria below to proceed in the selection process:

• High school graduation (or equivalent);
• Completion of 60 semester units from a recognized college or university (up to 15 units from the police academy may be combined with other college units to meet the 60 semester units);
• Possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, completed within the past three years (out-of-state applicants may also be eligible for hire as a Lateral candidate by successful completion of the Basic Course Waiver Process administered by California P.O.S.T.).

To qualify for this Police Officer – Academy Graduate recruitment, one of the following must be true about your current experience:

• a. You are currently (or within the last three years have been) employed in a sworn capacity with a California law enforcement agency but you have not yet completed probation; or
• b. You have previous experience (more than three years prior) in a sworn capacity in a California agency and have obtained a current P.O.S.T. Recertification.

Note: if you do not meet these criteria, you may qualify for the Police Officer –Trainee or Police Officer -Lateral recruitments. If you apply to the incorrect recruitment based on your experience, you may be asked to resubmit your application. Unsure of your qualification level? Email us at [e-mail] for guidance prior to applying.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a Class C California Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Candidate must meet City's medical standards for physical requirements prior to employment.
• Safely drive a vehicle under various conditions.
• Handle, maintain, and use weapons.
• Subdue attackers using batons, tasers, pepper spray, control holds.
• Use restraining devices.
• Know and apply city and departmental policies and all laws applicable to duties.
• Respond to citizen inquiries in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Administer CPR and other first aid.
• Lift, carry, drag, and pull people and objects.
• Communicate effectively in emergencies.
• Administer roadside sobriety tests and use chemical kits.
• Produce computer-generated reports.

Applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/walnutcreek. Applications received in December 2024 will be reviewed in January 2025. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for January 16 and 30, 2025.

A limited number of applicants with the most desirable qualifications will be invited for the examination process. All applicants will be notified by email. An eligible list will be established, valid for six months.

Applicants considered for appointment will undergo a background check, medical exam, drug screening, and psychological assessment. The City may also require a polygraph exam.

The City of Walnut Creek is committed to integrity and honesty. All information provided must be truthful; false information may lead to disqualification.

If accommodations are needed during the process, contact the Human Resources Department in advance.

All public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon during emergencies.

This job posting may close without notice once sufficient applications are received.