Police Officer - Lateral (2026)

Carlsbad Police Department; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carlsbad Police Department is seeking a qualified law enforcement officer to patrol streets and respond to calls, protecting life and property within the City of Carlsbad. This position requires POST standards compliance, background checks, and readiness for a demanding shift schedule.

You will conduct investigations, interview victims and suspects, prepare clear reports, and coordinate with other agencies.

Qualifications

• Must meet POST standards and be eligible for California peace officer appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Obtain a POST Basic Certificate; out-of-state lateral requires a POST waiver.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city streets by radio, car or on foot to protect Life and property and enforce laws.
• Make arrests when necessary and interview victims, witnesses and suspects.
• Prepare accurate written reports and testify in court when required.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies on investigations.
• Direct traffic at events and emergencies; administer first aid when needed.
• Maintain community relationships and uphold professional standards.

Skills

Firearms handling

Observation & memory

Written reports

Interviews & questioning

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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

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 enforcement and crime prevention work; control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and do related work as assigned.

You belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection Process

• Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are categorized as "Highly Qualified" will continue in the selection process.
• Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
• Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a required lie detection polygraph screening.
• Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
• Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.
• Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Patrol city on radio, car or on foot; answer calls for the protection of Life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, holdups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.

Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.

Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the Investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.

Prepare reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.

Serve warrants and subpoenas.

While on patrol, stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary. Check buildings for physical security. Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners. Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.

Administer first aid in emergency situations.

As assigned by the Police Chief, participate as an investigative officer in a comprehensive program involving Juvenile delinquency and the investigation of alternative methods for handling Juveniles in the criminal Justice system.

Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.

Ability 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 and 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.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.

Special Requirements

• Must meet the standards established for peace officers as defined by California Government Code Section 1031.
• Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License.
• Obtain a Peace Officers Standards and Training Basic Certificate.