Police Officer Lateral

City of Mountain View; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New hire bonus of $5,000

Field training program tailored to experience

Job summary

The City of Mountain View is actively seeking a Full-time Police Officer Lateral to join the Mountain View Police Department. The ideal candidate will be service-driven with a commitment to community-focused policing, and possess law enforcement experience in California. Officers will work in a supportive environment that emphasizes professional growth.

This role includes responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, and engaging with the community. This recruitment is ongoing, and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Qualifications

• Current or recent law enforcement experience in California within the last three years.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Conduct investigations, interviews, and report writing.
• Engage in proactive patrol and community outreach.

Skills

Compassion

Integrity

Effective communication

Problem-solving techniques

Education

California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate

60 semester or 90 quarter college units

Job description

What's The Role And What You'll Do

Continue your law enforcement career with the Mountain View Police Department. We are seeking individuals with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Lateral Police Officers join a supportive team environment where experience is valued and professional growth is encouraged. Upon hire, officers will participate in a field training program tailored to their prior experience and performance.

As a Full-time Police Officer Lateral, You Will

• Respond to calls for service with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment
• Conduct investigations, interviews, report writing, and court testimony
• Engage in proactive patrol and community outreach efforts
• Use de-escalation and problem‑solving techniques to resolve complex situations
• Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone in Mountain View

Eligibility

• Current or recent law enforcement experience in California within the last three years (in good standing and off probation)
• California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate
• 60 semester or 90 quarter college units
• Valid California driver's license
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Vision and hearing that meet POST standards

The Ideal Candidate Is

• Service‑driven and committed to community‑focused policing
• Calm, confident, and professional under pressure
• Skilled at building trust and communicating effectively
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities
• Dedicated to teamwork, integrity, and accountability
• Compassionate, approachable, and committed to making a positive impact

Recruitment Process

This is an ongoing recruitment. Applications are reviewed weekly. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Those who successfully complete the PHQ may be invited to an Oral Board Interview. Candidates who are successful in the oral board interview will be placed on an Eligibility List and may be invited to an Executive Interview as vacancies occur. Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprinting, an extensive background investigation conducted in accordance with POST guidelines, a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological screening before appointment.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

Application Requirements

Submit your resume, application, and California POST Certificate online at GovernmentJobs.com or to the Human Resources Department, City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, [phone]. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will be open continuously. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Benefits

The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments: $2,500 in the first paycheck and $2,500 following successful completion of the probationary period.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance at any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submitting the application; documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for law enforcement agencies.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.