Police Officer - Lateral (2026)

GovernmentJobs.com — City of Carlsbad; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Carlsbad seeks qualified law enforcement officers. This position requires current or prior law enforcement experience, and out-of-state lateral candidates must obtain a POST waiver before hire. Applications from such candidates may interview virtually first, depending on qualifications.

Under supervision, you will observe and recall details, handle firearms, interpret laws, prepare clear written reports, and learn police radio procedures. You must meet city fitness standards.

Qualifications

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.

Responsibilities

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations/people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the city.

Skills

Observe details

Firearm handling

Emergency response

Law interpretation

Written reports

Police radio procedures

Communication

Directions compliance

Physical fitness

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: Do not apply to this position if you are not a current or previous Law Enforcement Officer.

This is not a Police Recruit position.

For more information on the Carlsbad Police Department, click here: www.carlsbadpolice.com

If you are an out of state lateral, you must obtain a POST waiver prior to your hire date.

Please follow the link below for more information or to apply for a POST waiver: https://post.ca.gov/basic-course-waiver-process

Out of state and Northern California applicants are eligible to interview virtually, which is the first step in the recruitment process (contingent on qualifications/experience).

Under general supervision, this position will perform law enforAbility to:

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations/people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the city.