Police Officer - LATERAL

City-of-Napa,-C; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$15,000 Appointment Incentive

Relocation Assistance

Vacation Accrual Credit

Job summary

City of Napa Police Department seeks qualified Police Officers to join a dynamic agency serving Napa Valley. This open continuous recruitment welcomes lateral candidates with CA POST certification and academy graduates meeting the requirements.

The department emphasizes integrity, service and professionalism while offering competitive compensation, benefits and opportunities for growth within a community‑minded organization located near San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.

Qualifications

• Experience in a sworn law enforcement position preferred.
• Lateral applicants from CA require one year of CA sworn LE experience and POST Basic Certificate.
• Academy graduates with POST certification are eligible.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas to ensure safety and enforce laws.
• Investigates incidents, threats, and accidents and documents findings.
• Coordinates with departments and agencies for public safety and investigations.
• Performs duties with professionalism, integrity and sound judgment.
• Responds to emergencies and provides first aid as needed.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Building trust

Interpersonal communications

Decision making

Conflict resolution

Stress tolerance

Initiating action

Managing work

Education

California POST Basic Certificate

Job description

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

HIRING INCENTIVES FOR LATERAL CANDIDATES

$15,000 APPOINTMENT INCENTIVE

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

VACATION ACCRUAL CREDIT

The $15,000 incentive will be paid to hired candidates on the first paycheck following their hire date. The relocation reimbursement may apply to eligible candidates for moving expenses as defined by IRS rules. Vacation accrual credit includes 80 hours that may be granted at time of hire, and then upon successful completion of probation a new employee may move to the appropriate vacation accrual tier based on their total years of service as a peace officer.

The City of Napa has immediate vacancies within the Police Department for Police Officers

Imagine living and working in the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley! The City of Napa is the centerpiece, the dynamic and vibrant hub of this idyllic valley with a population of over 80,000. Famous for its wineries, Napa offers an incredible combination of suburban amenities, rural beauty and the urban benefits of being only one hour from San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.

The Napa Police Department is a dynamic and progressive police agency dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to the Napa community. Programs such as the Youth Diversion Program, Homeless Outreach Program, and the School Resources Officer Program are examples of the department's commitment to the community policing philosophy and reinforces its Mission Statement: "Community, Service, Excellence." The Napa Police Department strives to be a model organization, recognized and acknowledged by the public and its peers, and is committed to integrity and professionalism. The Department's highest priority is to ensure that the community remains a safe haven, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a high quality of life.

A career with the City of Napa Police Department offers many rewards: competitive salaries and excellent benefits; opportunities to make significant positive impacts on people in your community; an amazing variety of work and challenges; and a satisfying public service career.

Laterals

We are searching for gifted individuals of unquestionable integrity who can demonstrate sound judgment and decision‑making skills under all conditions. Consideration as a Lateral Police Officer is available to applicants with one year of experience in a sworn law enforcement position in the State of California (as defined in Penal Code Section 830.1) and possession of a California POST Basic Certificate.

Laterals (Outside of California)

One year of experience in a sworn law enforcement position and successful completion of the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process is required by time of hire.

Academy Graduate

Possession of a current California POST Basic Police Academy Certificate is required at time of application.

This recruitment and examination is being conducted to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list. The active status of this employment list will be at least 6 months unless abolished sooner or extended beyond that date in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

Ideal candidates for the Police Officer - Lateral role will have a record of successfully demonstrating the following competencies:

• Technical Professional/Knowledge and Skills – Achieved a satisfactory level of technical, functional, and/or professional skill or knowledge in position‑related areas; kept up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.
• Building Trust – Interacted with other departments and divisions in a way that gives others confidence in their intentions and those of the organization.
• Interpersonal Communications – Clearly and succinctly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups in a variety of situations; communicating in a focused and compelling way that drives others' thoughts and actions.
• Decision‑making – Identified and understood issues, problems, and opportunities; compared information from different sources to draw conclusions and develop appropriate solutions.
• Resolving Conflict – Helped others deal effectively with an antagonistic situation to minimize damage to the relationships and promote shared goals; used appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people and facilitate agreement.
• Stress Tolerance – Maintained stable performance under pressure or opposition (e.g., experiencing time pressure, conflict, or job ambiguity); handled stress in a manner is acceptable to others and the organization.
• Initiating Action – Taking prompt action to accomplish work goals; taking action to achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.
• Managing Work – Effectively handled one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.

PLEASE NOTE: You must attach a copy of your California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate to your application. Failure to attach required documents will result in candidate disqualification

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Completed Employment Application (only online applications will be accepted)
2. Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
3. California POST Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Certificate
4. Acknowledgement of your ability to comply with the standards set forth in the Police Department Recruitment and Selection Standards document. Refer to the supplemental questionnaire (Questions #7-#8) for the candidate acknowledgement.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include:

• Patrols an assigned area of the city by vehicle, foot or as designated by the supervisor to ensure the security of life, property, public order, to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens and to observe situations and deter crime.
• Identifies problems in a beat or in the community, develops tactical action plans and recommends solutions or strategies to supervisory staff.
• Maintains law and order; enforces state, local and federal laws and ordinances; responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for service.
• Investigates traffic accidents; gives assistance and/or first aid to injured citizens and requests additional responses as necessary; provides traffic and crowd control as necessary; issues citations to traffic violations.
• Investigates criminal activity and incidents as the responding officer; coordinates crime scene control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations and identification of witnesses; oversees collection and preservation of physical evidence; seeks to locate law violators.
• Issues verbal warnings or citations; prepares search and arrest warrants; serves subpoenas and warrants; apprehends suspects and makes arrests.
• Interrogates suspects, interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; searches, transports and guards prisoners.
• Prepares and documents cases; testifies in court; completes reports and records; prepares and maintains other logs and records.
• Retrieves, identifies and returns found property and/or evidence to owners; searches for stolen property and lost persons.
• Maintains contact with the public regarding potential law enforcement problems and to preserve good relationships with the public; interacts with other agencies in the collection of information, identification of criminal offenses and recovery of stolen property.
• May perform work in a specialty assignment as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying. A typical way to gain the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position would be:

EXPERIENCE

One year of experience in a sworn law enforcement position in the state of California as defined in California Penal Code Section 830.1.

CERTIFICATION

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a California POST Basic Certificate is required. Lateral applicants from outside California are also encouraged to apply! For those interested, you must show proof of the California POST Basic Course Waiver application to apply and must obtain a California POST waiver letter prior to becoming eligible to be hired.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Law enforcement terminology and concepts; techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations; safety practices and precautions related to the work; basic English grammar, composition, spelling and punctuation; basic mathematics; effective communication techniques; effective problem solving techniques; basic computer operating systems and software applications related to the work.

ABILITY TO

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; learn, understand and interpret laws, regulations and equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation; implement and enforce laws, policies, regulations, guidelines and orders concerning the protection of life, property and the maintenance of law, order and peace; observe and accurately recall names, faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergency situations; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; exercise sound judgment, often under pressure; understand and carry out written and oral directions; write at a fast rate of speed to prepare accurate and factual written reports; prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written material; perform basic math computations; safely operate motor vehicles in high speed and emergency situations; establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, supervisors, public officials and representatives other agencies; utilize computers and computer software, as required; learn to meet the minimum standards of use with department-issued or approved lethal and non-lethal weapons.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of police work, incumbents may also be required to perform the following: Measure distances using calibrated instruments such as when investigating traffic accidents or processing crime scenes; make precise arm‑hand positioning movements and maintain static arm‑hand position such as when sighting and shooting a firearm; direct traffic which requires continuous and repetitive arm‑hand movements; use sufficient strength to enable the incumbent to sprint, jump, or physically overcome resistance when chasing or apprehending suspects; coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously such as when using a hand radio while driving a vehicle or searching a building with firearm drawn, flashlight on and opening and closing doors; bend or stoop repeatedly and continuously over time such as getting in and out of a patrol car or gathering evidence at crime scenes; patrol officers wear a 15 pound utility/gun belt which requires the continuous support from stomach and lower back muscles; a patrol officer typically spends 7 - 8 hours per day driving a vehicle which requires the continuous support of lower back muscles; climbing ladders and searching rooftops requires lifting arms above shoulder level and working at heights greater than ten feet; searching for suspects or lost persons may require walking over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky surfaces including fields, parks, hillsides and creeks; an officer is required to listen for alarms, screams, breaking glass or other suspicious and unusual noises that may require investigation; move heavy objects such as equipment (50 pounds and more), and lift and carry injured or intoxicated persons short and long distances; work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements; tolerate very hot and very cold temperatures; sit for extended periods of time and may or may not be able to change positions such as when sitting in a patrol vehicle, or performing surveillance; foot beat and search activities require walking for extended periods of time, unable to stop, sit or rest at will; crowd and traffic control duties require standing for extended periods of time, unable to sit or rest at will.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of California Class "C" Driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Incumbents must be willing to work any shift, including night, evening, holiday and weekend shifts and must be willing to work scheduled and emergency overtime. Incumbents must wear and maintain a uniform. Incumbents are expected to maintain high moral character and integrity and demonstrate a high desire for self‑improvement. Bilingual skills are desirable.

MISSION STATEMENT for the City of Napa

Rooted in public service, our mission is to grow a vibrant, sustainable community for all who live in, work in, and visit the City of Napa, through thoughtful leadership and dedication to excellence.

CORE VALUES for the City of Napa

• Integrity – Consistently demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct with accountability and pride.
• Service – Engaging in meaningful work to care for our community through resourceful dedication and humble actions.
• Inclusion – Creating a sense of ease and belonging through respect, acceptance, and mindfulness of our collective diversity.
• Collaboration – Working together with a shared purpose while respectfully considering all voices to achieve common goals, solutions, and greater outcomes.

SELECTION PROCESS

The City of Napa utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, an eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position. Other recruitments and eligible lists may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work. The promulgated eligibility list for this recruitment will be six (6) months, unless extended or abolished sooner.

Candidates who have participated in a testing process for a recruitment are not eligible to re‑take the same test within six (6) months.

What happens next?

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the selection process. Application appraisal includes a review of qualifications, education, training, and experience related to the job, as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
• Applicants moving forward in the selection process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): online assessment, written examination, job‑related exercise, phone interview, and panel interview. These testing steps may be conducted on a pass/fail basis, and/or percentage‑based scoring methodology.
• Based on the City Charter, the final phase of the selection process is the Probationary Period, which in most cases is six (6) months but may be twelve (12) months depending on the classification.
• When three or fewer candidates are available, the testing procedures outlined in the Job Announcement may be waived by the Human Resources Department.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Candidates for the position of Police Officer Trainee are required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy. During the background investigation candidates are required to complete and submit a California Personal History Statement (POST Form 2-251 Rev. 01/2024). The information that you provide in the Personal History Statement will be used in the background investigation to assist in determining your suitability for the position of Police Officer Trainee, in accordance with POST Commission Regulation 1953. Additionally, for the position of Police Officer Trainee, a polygraph, pre‑placement psychological exam and medical examination is required prior to employment.

Language Equity

• If you need assistance with the recruitment and selection process in Spanish, contact us at 707-257-9505. These request will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de reclutamiento y selección en español, contáctenos al 707-257-9505. Estas solicitudes se evaluarán caso por caso.

Reasonable Accommodations

The City of Napa Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the testing process must inform the HR Department in writing by the final filing date. A Reasonable Accommodation Request Form is available from HR and may be obtained by calling 707-257-9505, or dial 7-1-1 for the California Relay Service, offering free text‑to‑speech, speech‑to‑speech, and Spanish‑language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The City of Napa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace will maximize our talents to benefit the residents we serve.