Police Officer - Lateral Entry

La Habra Police Department; La Habra (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus $20,000 (two instalments

Job summary

La Habra Police Department in Southern California is seeking qualified lateral police officers. To be considered, you must be a peace officer in good standing with a CA-authorized jurisdiction, have completed your Field Training Program, and possess or qualify for a CA POST Basic Certificate.

A signing bonus of $20,000 is offered, paid in two installments. New lateral officers hired on or after July 1, 2026 are eligible for the signing bonus; shift schedules and a rigorous testing process are

Qualifications

• Be currently employed as a Peace Officer in good standing by a California-authorized jurisdiction.
• Have successfully completed your Field Training Program with your current agency.
• Possess or qualify for a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area and enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations.
• Preserve order, detect and investigate crime, and carry out special assignments in protection of life and property.

Skills

Field Training Completed

Education

P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate

California Driver License

Job description

*****$20,000.00 Signing Bonus******

Successful Lateral Candidates will be paid $10,000.00 at the time of hire and $10,000.00 after successful completion of the Field Training Program and Probationary Period

To be considered as a Lateral applicant, you must:

• Be currently employed as a Peace Officer in good standing by a California-authorized jurisdiction.
• Have successfully completed your Field Training Program with your current agency.
• Possess or qualify for a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.

Centrally located in Southern California, the City of La Habra is the northernmost community in Orange County, just 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles. When the City incorporated in 1925, agriculture and oil dominated the local economy. Over the past 20 years, the City has invested heavily in economic development, capital improvements and wide ranging beautification efforts.

Today, the City is home to a population of 62,635 within La Habra's 7.3 square miles. Nearly 43 percent of the population falls within the age range of 25‑54. Population ethnicity is broken down to 49 percent Hispanic, 41 percent White, 6 percent Asian/Pacific Islander and 2 percent Black. Despite the City's growth and progress, it has successfully retained its noble heritage as "A Caring Community".

Would you like to be part of a team that believes in investing in partnerships with the community, proactive crime prevention, community education and overall effective police work?

If so, the City of La Habra Police Department features:

• Patrol Services (3/12.5 work schedule).
• SWAT: North County SWAT
• Traffic: Motors/Commercial Enforcement/Fatal Accident/Reconstruction Team.
• General Investigations: Robbery; Homicide; Family Crimes; Property and Economic Crimes.
• Special Investigations: Gangs and Narcotics.
• Regional Task Force.
• School Resource Officers.
• Canine (Two Handlers).
• Explorer Advisor.

Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area, enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations, maintains order, prevents, detects and investigates crime, and carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and does related work as required.

Ability to work extended hours in order to meet shift needs, complete reports, attend meetings, or conduct police business.

Work Schedule:

3/12.5 work week schedule or 4/10 work week schedule for Special Assignment.

QUALIFYING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Candidates must possess, or be eligible for, a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.
• Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

Testing Process: Includes an oral interview, polygraph, background investigation, psychological examination, and a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening.

As a condition of continued employment, employees shall refrain from smoking tobacco or any other non‑tobacco substance at any time on duty.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, fine finger dexterity, use of both hands, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing is also required. The incumbent must also be able to lift up to 75 pounds, carry, drag, pull and push objects and persons weighing at least 165 pounds; stand for extended periods of time such as in guarding a crime scene; run for extended periods of time such as in foot pursuit of suspects; distinguish colors and observe and recognize people, vehicles and environmental conditions during the day and night; recall details concerning incidents, people and occurrences to write thorough, accurate and complete reports; hear radio transmissions in noisy environments such as in a busy intersection; maintain composure and good judgment while under stress.

The selection process may include but is not limited to a oral interview, polygraph examination, background check, medical examination and a psychological evaluation.

Candidates may be appointed at Step "B" or higher depending qualifications and experience. Candidates are eligible to compete in promotional examinations after one year with the Department.

New Lateral Police Officers hired by the City on or after July 1, 2026, are eligible for a signing bonus of $20,000, paid in two installments. The first $10,000 installment will be paid upon hire and the second $10,000 installment will be paid after successful completion of the required probationary period.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all La Habra city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.