Police Officer- Lateral

Laguna Beach Police Department; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

City paid health insurance

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking dedicated and community-oriented Police Officers for lateral transfer to strengthen public safety in the coastal Orange County city. Under supervision, officers respond to calls, enforce laws, and conduct investigations to protect life and property.

Eligible candidates must be current sworn peace officers in California and hold POST Basic Certificate, with a valid CA driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent with police academy training (min 30 college semester units).
• Must be a current sworn peace officer in California and hold POST Basic Certificate.
• Valid California driver’s license with acceptable driving record; possible future license upgrade.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service and enforce public safety and traffic laws.
• Conduct crime prevention activities and investigations; protect life and property.
• Prepare comprehensive, grammatically correct written and dictated reports; testify in court.
• Interact with residents, visitors and community members to address problems and violations.
• Perform special assignments as needed and support fellow officers.

Education

High school diploma plus police academy (min 30 college units)

POST Basic Certificate

Tools

Valid CA driver’s license (Class C or Class 3)

Optional Class 4 or Class D license

Job description

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking dedicated and community-oriented individuals to serve as Police Officer- Lateral!

Under general supervision of a Police Corporal, Sergeant, or Watch Commander, Police Officers respond to calls for service, enforce public safety and traffic laws, conduct crime prevention and investigations, and protect life and property. Officers interact with residents, visitors, and community members to address problems, complaints, and violations; prepare comprehensive, grammatically correct written and dictated reports; testify in court proceedings; assist fellow officers; and perform special assignments as needed. Officers are also expected to identify and solve community-related problems and perform other duties as assigned.

The Application/Selection Process

Applicants must be a current sworn peace officers in the State of California to qualify for the position. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. All interested candidates must submit a completed online application in order to be considered. Applications will be screened carefully and selected candidates will be invited to participate in an evaluation process which will include the following:

• Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)
• Oral Panel Interview

Candidates must successfully complete the P.A.T. with a score of 85 points or higher to proceed to the Oral Panel Interview.

Candidates must pass all steps listed above to be placed on the City’s Eligibility List. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions.

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Lateral Police Officer. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by completion of the police academy, and classes or course work in police science (minimum of 30 college semester units required).

Experience:

Must be a current sworn peace officer in the State of California. Must attach POST Basic Certificate. A California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver will not be accepted in lieu of current sworn peace officer experience in the State of California.

License/Certificate Requirements:

Must obtain a valid Class C or Class 3 California driver’s license and provide evidence of an acceptable driving record. May be required to obtain a Class 4 or Class D license following hire, depending upon position assignment as a Motor Officer.

Additional Requirements:

Any candidates selected for hire must be at least 21 years of age or older at the time of hire.

Pre-placement Process

A pre-background interview will be scheduled upon successful completion of the panel interview stage. Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a thorough background security investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, and pre‑employment physical examination including a drug test.

Why work for Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.