Police Officer - Lateral

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

Job summary

The South Gate Police Department seeks Police Officers to enforce laws, prevent crime, protect life and property, maintain order, investigate incidents, and detain suspects as needed. This journey-level position requires patrols by car, foot, bicycle or motorcycle, traffic enforcement, investigations, court appearances, and strong emphasis on community policing and problem solving under supervision.

Qualifications include a high school diploma (or higher), a Basic POST Certificate, a California

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate.
• Bilingual English/Spanish desirable.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, bicycle or motorcycle; conducts investigations and enforcement.
• Arrests, citations, warrants processing, and court appearances as required.
• Engages in collaborative community policing and problem solving with the public.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Community policing

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or higher

Basic POST Certificate

Job description

This recruitment process will close on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Under general supervision, police officers enforce laws and ordinances, prevent crime, protect life and property, maintain order, investigate crimes, accidents, vandalism, and detain persons suspected of criminal behavior; and emphasize community-based policing, community interaction and collaborative problem solving and perform related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is the journey level class in the Police Officer series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks, for making command decisions in the field and for the supervision of assigned personnel and activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direct supervision of Police Sergeant or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Does not supervise.

The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, bicycle or motorcycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; makes arrests, issues citations, serves subpoenas, and warrants; gives directions and answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; answers complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.

Performs selective enforcement when assigned, responds to radio messages or telephone instruction; appears at scenes of accidents, disorders, or crimes; notes and reports traffic hazards; investigates and prepares reports on accidents, offenses and damages to property.

Assists in booking and releasing prisoners; transports prisoners; appears in court on and off duty as the arresting officer; interrogates persons whose actions are suspicious; performs initial investigations of crime and violations reported.

Regulates traffic, enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; reports unsafe or hazardous conditions; requests objects which may endanger traffic be removed from the streets; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; may act as a dispatcher or jailer, assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educations the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency.

Provides assistance, information and responds to questions in collaboration with staff, citizens and public safety agencies as appropriate.

Emphasizes collaborative problem solving and community interaction in all aspects of the job and in a manner that is free of bias against any individuals or specific groups of people.

Attends special training classes and target practice.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations and associations, City management, staff and the public.

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be:

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must currently be employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency, be off probation and be in possession of a Basic POST Certificate issued by the State of California.

License/Certifications/Special Requirements

Must possess a California Class C driver’s license showing proof of insurance and a satisfactory driving record required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. English/Spanish bilingual skills highly desirable. Must be 21 years of age at the time of application. Per Section 13651 PC: must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Background, fingerprinting, polygraph examination, and medical and psychological clearance required.

Physical Standards

Height and weight correlations must be in proper proportion according to current medical standards. Normal color vision. Visual acuity of 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Ability to pass a physical endurance and agility examination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: the organization, operation, rules and regulations of the Police Department; principles and techniques of police administration including traffic control, crime prevention, crowd disturbances and delinquency; rules of evidence; laws, ordinances and regulations affecting the work of the Department including custody of prisoners, arrest and court procedures; criminal investigation and case preparation; technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control and safety, record keeping and care and custody of persons and property; community policing policies and philosophy; collaborative conflict resolution skills and excellent interpersonal communication skills; community relations; governmental structure/organization of the City of South Gate and interrelations of the Police Depa