Police Officer- Lateral Only

Martinez; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Martinez Police Department is seeking a dedicated Lateral Police Officer ready to serve the community with high-quality policing services. As a full-time officer, you will enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and engage in community policing efforts. Qualified candidates should have completed the California POST police academy and possess strong law enforcement knowledge. This rewarding position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a signing bonus to attract experienced candidates.

Benefits

Retirement benefits

Health insurance coverage

Educational incentives

Uniform allowance

Flexible scheduling

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Graduation from a California POST approved police academy required.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Desirable qualifications include an associate's degree in criminal justice or related field.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas to enforce laws and maintain public order.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Prepares and serves search and arrest warrants as needed.

Skills

Law Enforcement Knowledge

First Aid

Communication

Community Relations

Analytical Skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California POST Basic Course

Associate's degree in Criminal Justice

Job description

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The members of the Martinez Police Department are dedicated to providing the highest quality police services. The Department has a staff of 53 FTE’s, (37 sworn and 16 FTE professional staff), with an annual operating budget of $16.6 million. The Martinez Police Department offers a full slate of policing services to the community, including officers dedicated to investigations, traffic enforcement, tactical unit, canine (K-9) units, homeless outreach, crisis intervention, and community engagement/social media. Active reserve officer and cadet programs supplement the Department and further strengthen community involvement.

The Department operates its own communications center, providing 24/7 emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for the Martinez Police Department and other agencies. The Department assigns its officers in Neighborhood Policing Areas to further engage the community.

Definition

Under general supervision, to patrol an assigned beat in the enforcement of law and order; to carry out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and to do related work as required.

Representative Duties

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Police Officer is a journey-level law enforcement class that performs the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. While incumbents are normally assigned to a specific geographic area for patrol or traffic enforcement, all functional areas of the law enforcement field, including investigation, youth services, administration, and training are included. New incumbents may have limited related experience but are expected to learn the full range of duties and responsibilities, perform duties with minimal direct supervision, and exercise sound judgment and discretion in making decisions. This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first supervisory level in this sworn class series who perform more complex and difficult tasks and are responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of staff on an assigned shift.

Representative Duties

This section contains a list of duties that are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Patrols assigned areas of the City by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, discover and prevent commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; maintains awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issues warnings and citations;
• Responds to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; responds to and provides assistance at a variety of public service type calls that are non-criminal in nature; Conducts initial and follow-up investigations at scenes of incidents; determines what, if any, crime has been committed; collects, preserves, processes, photographs and books evidence; locates and interviews victims and witnesses; identifies and interrogates suspects;
• Prepares and serves search and arrest warrants; apprehends and arrests or cites offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; controls and mitigates people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations;
• Directs traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provides traffic and crowd control at parades, festivals, riots, and other events;
• Serves as liaison and public relations officer for the assigned area; establishes and preserves good relationships with the general public; may develop reliable informants and provide intelligence information to divisional and/or departmental personnel;
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests;
• Performs a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attends meetings; maintains and calibrates specialized equipment;
• Inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment;
• Administers CPR and first aid in cases of emergency; requests medical attention when necessary;
• Testifies in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal, and criminal courts, and parole and DMV hearings; prepares and presents evidence; responds to mandatory court calls during irregular hours; Serves subpoenas;
• Participates in training conferences and programs to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills;
• Practices the use of firearms;
• Conducts property and building checks for burglary and other criminal activity;
• Conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing;
• Prepares a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepares investigative reports and case information;
• Assumes responsibility for the care and custody of detained persons; assists in receiving, searching, booking, fingerprinting, and transporting prisoners;
• Occasionally relieves a superior officer;
• Responds to questions, concerns, and requests for service from the general public; answers questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints;
• May train and assist less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer; documents trainee progress and prepares evaluations; serves as acting watch commander as assigned;
• When assigned, operates a motorcycle in traffic enforcement;
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No supervision of staff is exercised.

Qualifications/Education/Experience

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

Minimum Qualifications

A high school graduate, passed the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution. Graduation from a California POST approved police academy or possession of a valid POST Basic Course Waiver. Incumbents must meet criteria mandated by the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) and California Government Code Section 1031.

Desirable

An associate's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in criminal justice, psychology, business administration, public administration or related field.

Other Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age. Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and a satisfactory driving record. Must pass a medical examination, drug screen, polygraph examination, and a psychological and background investigation.

Free of any felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Law Enforcement Knowledge

• Principles, practices, and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, and suspect pursuit, apprehension, and transport.
• Standard operating procedures and operations of a police department.
• Investigative techniques, procedures, and equipment, including identification methods and sources of information.
• Principles and practices used in the identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Principles and applications of public relations.
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Laws, regulations, departmental policies, rules, and procedures relevant to law enforcement.
  
  

Safety and Emergency Practices

• Safety practices and equipment used in law enforcement, including proper care and handling of firearms, chemical agents, and impact weapons.
• First aid techniques and CPR.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
• Techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force.
  
  

Technical and Operational Skills

• Operation, care, and maintenance of firearms and modern police equipment.
• Safe operation of motor vehicles under patrol and emergency conditions.
• Use and care of department-issued automobiles, motorcycles, and small firearms.
• Use of office equipment and computer applications and technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  
  

Communication and Reporting

• Strong command of English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Methods and techniques of clear and accurate report writing and preparation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Capability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  
  

Interpersonal and Community Relations

• Techniques for working effectively with individuals from diverse age groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and ethnic communities.
• Ability to represent the City positively in public interactions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Responsiveness to community issues, concerns, and needs.
  
  

Analytical and Cognitive Abilities

• Keen observational skills and the ability to accurately recall names, faces, numbers, incidents, and locations.
• Capacity to analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action, particularly in emergency or high-stress environments.
• Quick and responsible decision-making under pressure.
  
  

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Maintain good physical health, endurance, agility, and meet POST physical standards.
• Undergo and sustain strenuous physical conditioning.
• Work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Selection Process

This recruitment is open and continuous. Apply immediately.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questions will be scored to determine your placement on the eligibility list. T&E Exam (weighted at 100%).

Departmental Hiring Interviews will held in person.

Certifications

Applicants must submit the following documentation, for their status, with their application:

• Laterals - A current Basic P.O.S.T. certificate (or higher level)
• Candidates who require POST recertification are encouraged to submit an application for a Police Officer Trainee recruitment
  
  

Note: Please have your certificate scanned and ready to upload during your application process as the system will not allow you to make the addition after your application is submitted.

Working Conditions

Patrol works 3/12 schedule, Investigations and other special assignments work 4/10 schedule.

Probationary Periods

Lateral officers must successfully pass a 12 month probationary period. Police Academy Graduates must successfully pass an 18 month probationary period.

Notes

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the Martinez Police Officers' Association.

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt

Essential Functions Job Description

EFJD #7

The complete essential function job description is available in the Human Resources Division.

Current Benefits

Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). This position does not participate in Social Security.

• Classic Members - Retirement formula of 3% at age 55 for Classic PERS Members with an Employee Contribution of 9%.
• New Members – Under the new pension reform law, Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13 those defined as New Members of PERS are eligible for a 2.7% at age 57 formula. New Members are required to contribute towards pension; as of 7/1/23 the contribution rate will be 13.75%.
• Cost Sharing - Effective July 1, 2022, bargaining unit members, referred as "Classic" by CalPERS, shall pay an additional three percent (3%) toward the CalPERS Employer contribution.
  
  

Retirement Health: Employees represented by the Association, who retire for service or disability under PERS, shall receive retirement health benefits in accordance with the PERS Health Plan provisions. The City will contribute the PEMHCA minimum toward the retiree medical premium for member only.

Vacation: Twelve working days annually for the first four years of service. Maximum of 25 days annually at 20 years of service.

Holidays: Eleven days per year.

Sick Leave: Accrued indefinitely at the rate of eight hours per month. PERS credit for unused sick leave upon service retirement.

Health Insurance: The City contracts with the Public Employees' Retirement System for health benefits for this classification. Effective 1/1/25, the City contributes $935.39 for employee, $1,870.74 for employee +1, and $2,431.84 for family coverage with the employee contributing a portion of the monthly premium. As outlined in the MOU, the City will be moving to a flexible spending account system. Please see the MOU for complete details. MOU available online at www.cityofmartinez.org.

Vision: The City pays the premium for employees and dependent for vision coverage through VSP for those employees electing medical coverage.

Dental Insurance: The City also provides dental insurance through Delta Dental which includes a City paid orthodontic plan covering all eligible family members.

Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance with the benefit of 2x annual salary up to a maximum benefit of $125,000. Voluntary, supplementary life insurance is available.

Education Incentive: Three percent (3%) monthly for an AA or Intermediate POST certificate; six percent (6%) for a Bachelor's degree or Advanced POST certificate; nine percent (9%) for a Master's degree, in addition to base salary.

Supplemental Salary: additional 5% to 5.45% of base pay, see MOU for full details, when assigned as a Detective or Corporal.

Longevity Pay: Five percent (5%) after 15 years, an additional two percent (2%) after 20 years, and an additional two and one-half percent (2.5%) after 25 years.

Uniform Allowance: The City pays $1200 per year payable in $50 increments in each pay check (24 annual paycheck cycle).

Shift Differential: Members whose regular shift assignment is night shift shall receive a night shift differential of 5%.

Bilingual Pay: Employee receives additional $100/mo for one language or $200/mo for two or more languages.

Other: Meal allowances, call-out pay, internal promotional program, no-cost on-site gym and health club membership reimbursement benefit.

Please click the link below to view the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the current benefits and working conditions.

http://www.cityofmartinez.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=12793

01

The purpose of this supplemental questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications and to assist in assessing applicant's individual qualifications. The following supplemental information will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience, including eligibility for Veteran's Preference Points. Choices you make must correspond to the information you have provided in your application and all additional documents and information you have included with your application, including a resume if attached. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during the interview process for this position. Although you may submit your resume or other additional information, such items may not be submitted in lieu of the question.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

I understand, that if I am a P.O.S.T. Academy graduate, but do not have prior or current experience working as a police officer/deputy sheriff, I should not submit my application for this recruitment. Please apply to Police Officer Academy Graduate Recruitment.

• YES
• NO
  
  

03

Which of the following best describes your current employment status as a sworn police officer/deputy sheriff?

• I am currently employed as a sworn police officer/deputy sheriff.
• I am not currently employed as a sworn police officer/deputy sheriff and it has been less than 3 years since I left that employment.
• I am not currently employed as a sworn police officer/deputy sheriff and it has been more than 3 years since I left that employment.
  
  

04

Which of the following indicates your highest educational achievement. Graduation from high school or equivalent is required for this position. College level course work or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

• Some High School
• High School graduate, GED, or high school proficiency certificate
• One (1) year of college (more than 24 semester units, but less than 60 semester units)
• Two years of college or higher (60 or more semester units, or A.A. or equivalent degree)
• Four years of college or higher (120 or more semester units, or B.A. or equivalent degree)
• Master's Degree or Higher
  
  

05

Applicants are required to submit a copy of their California POST Basic certificate (or higher) along with their employment applications. Failure to attach the required document will result in disqualification. Select the HIGHEST California POST Certification you now hold and attach a copy to your employment application.

• I have attached a copy of my California POST Basic Certificate to my application.
• I have attached a copy of my California POST Intermediate Certificate to my application.
• I have attached a copy of my California POST Advanced Certificate to my application.
• I have not attached a copy of my California POST Basic Certificate. I am currently eligible to obtain a California POST Basic Certificate.
  
  

06

Check below to indicate your total cumulative full-time experience as a sworn police officer or deputy sheriff (830.1(a) PC, 830.1(b) PC or 830.2(a) PC).

• No experience as a Police Officer, or less than listed below.
• More than 1 year
• More than 2 years
• More than 3 years
• More than 4 years
• More than 5 years
  
  

07

While in a law enforcement position, I have been responsible for:

• Patrolling a specified beat on foot or in a patrol car.
• Apprehending, citing or arresting law violators, and preparing written reports of crimes.
• Making legal searches and arrests and safely transporting suspects.
• Conducting preliminary investigations at the scene of a crime and gathering/preserving evidence.
• Enforcing traffic laws.
• Prepared and presented reports to various civic groups, schools and churches to promote public relations.
• Responded to medical emergencies to provide assistance to the ambulance crew as needed and provided first aid as appropriate.
• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Operated an authorized emergency vehicle in non-emergency and emergency situations (Code 3)
• Assisted in the prosecution of law violators and effectively testified in court.
  
  

08

Are you certified as an instructor in any of the following areas?

• Defensive Tactics
• CPR/First Aid
• Taser
• Firearms Instructor
• Field Training Officer
• Basic Academy Instructor
• I am not certified as an instructor.
  
  

09

I included a copy of my P.O.S.T. profile report in the attachment section of my application for this recruitment.

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Have you ever applied to be a Police Officer with the City of Martinez?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

Have you ever participated in a background investigation process as part of the Police Officer recruitment with the City of Martinez on a prior occasion?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

I am able to speak another language in addition to standard American English:

• Basic proficiency
• Intermediate proficiency
• Fluent
• I do not speak another language.
  
  

13

What language in additional to standard American English do you speak?

14

Have you served and been honorably discharged from the U.S. Military?

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

I am able to meet the physical and medical requirements as established by the job description.

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

I am eligible for Veteran Preference Point and have attached my DD214. (NOTE: DD214 MUST be ATTACHED for awarding of eligible points.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

The City of Martinez has a referral program that recognizes employees for referring candidates to certain positions. If you were referred by a City of Martinez employee to this position, please list their name below.

18

I have reviewed my application for this recruitment and confirm that my professional experience and employment history are current and accurate. By submitting my responses, I attest that this information is correct and accurate, and I understand any misstatement or falsification of information may eliminate me from consideration or could result in dismissal after hire.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Industries

  Music

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