Police Officer (Lateral or Academy Graduate)

Colton Police Department; Colton (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colton Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the Police Officer role. The position entails patrolling City areas, responding to emergencies and calls for service, and enforcing laws to protect life and property.

You will conduct investigations, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports while upholding integrity and ethical standards. Candidates should have a high school diploma and training in policing; possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and ongoing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Specialized policing training or academy coursework preferred.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and monitor traffic conditions.
• Respond to calls for service, emergencies, crimes in progress, and public safety incidents.
• Conduct investigations; collect, preserve, document, and maintain evidence in accordance with legal requirements.
• Make lawful arrests; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; transport detainees.
• Prepare detailed, factual reports of arrests and incidents; execute warrants and respond to subpoenas.
• Utilize department technology and body-worn cameras consistent with policy.

Education

High school diploma

Specialized training in policing

Job description

FILING DEADLINE: Open Continuously until sufficient qualified applications are received.

The first review of applications will be on or around Thursday, July 9, 2026, before 12:00 p.m.

4% salary increase effective first pay period after 7/1/2026

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant or other higher level police personnel, performs law enforcement, crime prevention, public safety, and community engagement functions to protect life and property; enforce federal, state, and local laws; preserve the peace; conducts investigations; prepares reports and legal documents; and performs related duties as assigned. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and comply with all applicable laws, department policies, and ethical standards.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is the journey level class responsible for responding to the full array of calls for service from the public and enforcing all federal, state and local laws. The position is responsible for the protection of life and property and utilizes a variety of methods and techniques to meet that responsibility. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Police Corporal/Detective in that the latter assumes lead responsibilities on a routine basis and/or is assigned to a specialized detail.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May occasionally exercise technical and functional oversight over sworn and professional staff employees

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform the full array of duties and assignments assigned to classes in the Police Officer series including patrolling assigned areas of the City and monitoring and controlling traffic conditions.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties.
• Conduct patrol, respond to calls for service, emergencies, crimes in progress, traffic collisions, and public safety incidents.
• Conduct various investigations; collect, preserve, document, and maintain evidence in accordance with established legal requirements and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Make lawful arrests as is appropriate; interview victims and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather, collect and preserve evidence; search and transport suspects to detention facilities; fingerprint suspects.
• Prepare factual, detailed reports of arrests, activities performed and incidents observed or involved in.
• Prepare and execute warrants and related legal documents; respond and report to subpoenas; stay informed of new and existing laws and procedures for processing warrants; retrieve and request information involving investigations and subpoenas.
• Monitor and enforce traffic, stop and detail drivers,issue citations as appropriate.
• Maintain preserve trust and overall good relationships with the general public.
• Perform a variety of duties specific to assigned areas of responsibility which may include canine handler duties, field training officer duties, detective duties, identification officer duties, community relations duties and/or leadership roles.
• As a Canine Handler, perform investigations, apprehend suspects, assist officers and ; train and care for canines.
• As a Field Training Officer, train new officers in police duties including traffic enforcement, safety, report writing and department policies and procedures; monitor, mentor, train and prepare employees undergoing a training program.
• As a Police Detective, coordinate and conduct complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving persons, property, and sophisticated crimes involving various forms of technology.
• As an Identification Officer, collect and preserve evidence at the scene of the crime and/or accident; lift fingerprints; draw sketches; take photographs; and perform other duties necessary for the attainment of property and evidence.
• As a Community Relations Officer, develop and present educational crime prevention programs to the public and at schools; promote, organize and implement programs to improve relations with the Department and community; initiate public safety programs and coordinate community events.
• As a Police Officer assigned to the Multiple Enforcement or Special Crime Unit, perform a variety of focused police functions upon a specific area of criminal activity or problems within an area; focus enforcement efforts to address or reduce crime in an area or within a criminal organization .
• Prepare timely, accurate, complete, and objective reports, statements, and documentation.
• Utilize body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and department technology in accordance with policy.
• Immediately report misconduct, policy violations, safety concerns, or unethical conduct.
• Maintain all records, evidence, and reports in compliance with state law, department policy, and evidentiary standards. Perform other related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for a Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent to a high school diploma and specialized training in policing.

License/Certificate

• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record.
• Maintain a sworn peace officer licensing status with the State of California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Gra