Police Officer: Academy Trained/Current Enrollee

Downey Police Department; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Downey Police Department seeks qualified candidates for law enforcement roles. The position involves patrolling, enforcing traffic laws, conducting investigations, and supporting community crime prevention efforts.

Applicants must meet POST standards and be prepared for Academy training. Starting pay begins at the A step within the department's pay range, with additional education incentive pay for degrees or specific POST certifications.

Qualifications

• High school graduate and CA POST academy completion or current enrollment in a full-time basic police academy.
• No prior sworn law enforcement experience required; related work experience helpful.
• 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Valid CA Driver's License with good driving record.
• Ability to observe, analyze emergencies, and communicate effectively; knowledge of laws and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order and enforce traffic regulations.
• Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; collects evidence.
• Processes warrants and assists in apprehension of wanted persons.
• Maintains knowledge of laws, procedures, and Downey geography; prepares reports and assists the public.
• Responds to calls, juvenile issues, and variables of emergencies with appropriate action.

Skills

Observation

Communication

Emergency judgment

Analytical thinking

Written reports

Education

High school diploma

CA POST Academy completion

Job description

To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; enforce State and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

Starting pay for Academy Trained entry is at "A" step of the pay range.

Education Incentive Pay

An additional 7% of base pay for an Associate's degree or equivalent units (60) OR Intermediate California (CA) P.O.S.T. Certificate. An additional 10.5% for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent units (124) OR Advanced CA P.O.S.T. Certificate.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
• Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
• Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s).
• Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders.
• Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases.
• Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
• Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public.

Education

High school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Basic Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy within the last twenty four (24) months from date of application submission OR current enrollment with good class standing in a full-time basic police academy certified by the CA Commission on P.O.S.T.

Experience

No previous sworn law enforcement experience required. In addition to Academy training, any related work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential function of the position is helpful.

Age

21 years of age at time of appointment.

• Height in proportion to weight;
• Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness;
• Hearing within normal limit; and
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Knowledge of

Good command of basic grammar and written communication; use and care of firearms; Federal, California state, and local laws applicable to law enforcement; police department equipment, practices, and procedures; proper search and seizure and arrest procedures; geography of the City of Downey and the location of important buildings and streets; and, investigative procedures and techniques.

Ability to

Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately; effectively analyze problems for an appropriate response under emergency or stress situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and, meet and maintain the physical requirements established by the Downey Police Department.

License Requirements

Due to the performance of field duties, possession of a valid California Driver's License and possession of an acceptable driving record and the ability to maintain a valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout the course of employment in the position is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing is also required.

THE USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS EITHER ON OR OFF THE JOB IS PROHIBITED.

Selection/Testing Process

All employment applications and supplemental information received will be thoroughly and carefully reviewed and evaluat