Police Officer (Lateral, Academy Graduate, Academy Attendee)

City of Mill Valley; Mill Valley (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$20,000 Hiring Bonus

40-hour vacation bank

40-hour sick bank

Vacation accrual

Job summary

The City of Mill Valley Police Department is hiring lateral police officers, academy graduates, and academy attendees. Successful applicants will perform patrols, investigations, and traffic enforcement while upholding public safety standards.

Salary ranges from $8,701 to $10,577 per month (DOE) with benefits and a $20,000 hiring bonus. Vacation and sick banks are provided and vacation accrual increases with years of service.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Must have completed a California P.O.S.T. Academy within the past 3 years.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for citizenship and have a California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the City by car or on foot.
• Answer calls for protection of life and property and enforce laws.
• Investigate disturbances, burglaries, thefts, and other incidents.
• Patrol for traffic incidents and respond to emergencies.
• Enforce traffic laws and assist motorists.
• Make arrests as necessary.
• Interview victims and witnesses; gather evidence.

Skills

Attention to safety

Self-control

Integrity

Performance under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Customer service skills

Flexibility to learn

Education

High School diploma or GED

California POST Academy completion (within past 3 years)

Job description

The Mill Valley Police Department is hiring Lateral Police Officers, Academy Graduates, and/or Academy Attendees. Applicants MUSTprovide verification of enrollment in academy class if applying as 'Academy Attendee.'

SALARY | BENEFITS | BONUS

Salary: $8,701- $10,577(DOE)/Monthly + Benefits + Hiring Bonuses

$20,000 Hiring Bonus

40-hour Vacation Bank

40-hour Sick Bank

Vacation accrual to match total years of service

MOU scheduled raises July 2026

Deadline to apply: Open until filled - Applicationsreviewed on an ongoing basis

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Mill Valley Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety service, education and preparedness in partnership with our community. The Department strives to develop professional and well-trained employees dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.

The Mill Valley Police Department's mission is to provide a safe and secure community for our residents and visitors; protect life and property; enforce the law in transparent and equitable manners; and develop strong partnerships through community outreach, education, and collaboration.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Mill Valley, the third largest city in Marin County, is located 6 miles north of San Francisco at the foot of Mount Tamalpais. The population is 14,500 with another 16,000 within its sphere of influence. The city is primarily residential with an active commercial element supporting local needs. The cost of housing is high and is a factor applicants should consider.

The mountain and panoramic views of San Francisco create an awe-inspiring backdrop for thousands of hikers and mountain bikers who visit Mill Valley each year. They enjoy miles of fire roads and hiking trails both within the City limits and on adjacent Water District lands. Tourists visit the historic downtown on weekends and holidays, enjoying the numerous smallspecialty shops and fine restaurants, which comprise the majority of the downtown business.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, a Police Officer is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs. This is the entry level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status.

Examples of Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

• Patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot.
• Answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws.
• Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions.
• Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary.
• Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses.
• Interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence.

With a proven track record of excellent decision-making and use of judgement, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to public service and law enforcement. The ideal candidate should maintain high standards of personal conduct in the following areas:

• Attention to safety
• Self-control
• Personal and professional integrity
• Performance in high-stress environments
• Interpersonal and customer service skills
• Flexibility and ability to learn

High School diploma or G.E.D., valid California driver’s license, U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Must have completed a California P.O.S.T. Academy within the past 3 years (does not apply to currently employed California peace officers holding a Basic California P.O.S.T. certificate).