Police Officer (Lateral)

City of Pasadena; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pasadena seeks Lateral Police Officers dedicated to serving the community. Ideal candidates are current California peace officers with a POST certificate and a commitment to community policing. The role includes law enforcement duties, participation in local events, and requires physical agility and effective communication skills.

Benefits

Lateral incentive pay of $2,500 at 1 month and after 6 months

Initial bank of 40 hours of sick leave

Qualifications

• Current, non-probationary California peace officer.
• Graduated high school or possess an equivalent.
• Physical and ethical capacity to serve as a Police Officer.

Responsibilities

• Engage in community service and ensure safety.
• Enforce laws and handle challenging situations.
• Participate in events like the Rose Bowl and community activities.

Skills

Honesty

Moral Character

Analytical Skills

Effective Communication

Flexibility

Service Orientation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

California Basic POST Certificate

Job description

LATERAL INCENTIVE PAY!!

Come join our team! Lateral Police Officers hired by the City receive a lump sum payment of $2,500 upon successful completion of one month of work as a Pasadena Police Officer. Subsequent incentive pays include a lump sum of $2,500 upon completion of six months of work and $3,000 after the probationary period. Lateral Police Officers also receive an initial bank of forty (40) hours of sick leave.

The Pasadena Police Department seeks dedicated individuals committed to protecting and serving our vibrant, diverse community. Our culture emphasizes community service, fairness, and personal engagement. We work in partnership with residents and the business community to ensure safety through respectful listening, approachability, and reliable response to challenges.

Pasadena offers a dynamic environment for police officers—large enough for varied assignments and opportunities, yet small enough for a cohesive team atmosphere. Engage in major events like the Rose Bowl, Old Town activities, film productions, and numerous community events. Join us to build a rewarding career.

The ideal candidate is a current, non-probationary California peace officer with a California Basic POST certificate. Candidates must have graduated high school or possess an equivalent, and demonstrate the physical and ethical capacity to serve as a Police Officer, with a strong community service orientation. Please upload your POST certificate with your application.

COMPETENCIES

• Honesty and high moral character, meeting our strict background standards.
• Moral and physical courage to enforce laws and handle challenging situations.
• Analytical skills for quick evaluation of sensitive or dangerous situations.
• Ability to understand departmental policies, laws, and regulations.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse populations.
• Respectful community policing attitude.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Service-oriented motivation to serve citizens.

SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW

1. Physical agility test: includes push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and a dummy drag, all qualifying or failing.
2. On-site structured interview: questions on city demographics, interest, and scenario-based queries.
3. Eligible list ranking based on interview scores; valid for one year.
4. Veterans’ preference points: 3 points for qualifying veterans.
5. Background investigation: comprehensive review including credit, criminal, DMV, and polygraph.
6. Chief’s review and oral interview.
7. Polygraph examination to verify responses.
8. Psychological evaluation and medical exam prior to appointment.

Vacancies exist; selected candidates will undergo a one-year probation. A valid Class C California Driver’s License is required at appointment and during employment.

Vision must be correctable to 20/30, free from color blindness. Certain convictions or character issues may disqualify candidates. Candidates must be free from conditions that impair performance and be able to work shifts and overtime as required.