Police Officer - Pre Service

City of Palm Springs; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Retiree Health Savings Plan

Life Insurance

Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

CalPERS Retirement

Vary by unit and contracts

Job summary

The City of Palm Springs Police Department is seeking a Police Officer to enforce laws, protect residents, and deter crime in Palm Springs. The role emphasizes patrol duties, responding to calls, traffic enforcement, and community safety in a dynamic desert city.

Minimum requirements include California POST certification (or prior CA police experience), a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid CA driver license.

Qualifications

• Completion of a California POST Certified Police Academy, or previously employed as a Police Officer in California within twelve months of application.
• High School Diploma or equivalent education.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver license; CPR certification encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area to preserve law and order and discover and prevent crimes; enforce traffic and other laws.
• Respond to public service and crime-related calls; address traffic hazards and related incidents.
• Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; interview witnesses and suspects.
• Make arrests for crimes; perform booking procedures and contact witnesses.
• Process and store evidence; maintain records and enter data into computer systems.
• Investigate narcotics, property and person crimes; prepare reports and present cases in court.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

California POST Certified Police Academy or prior CA Police Officer experience

Job description

Position Summary

Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum.

THE CITY:

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.

THE POSITION:

This position works at the Palm Springs Police Department providing services in the enforcement of laws including; the protection of persons and property, the prevention of crimes; the control of traffic flow and enforcement of State and local traffic regulations; and performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

Examples Of Essential And General Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
• Respond to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
• Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contra band and lost or missing people.
• Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; contact and interview witnesses to gain additional information.
• Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records, and enter data into computer as necessary.
• Investigate organized crime and gang activities, subjects, groups, and representatives relative to assigned area of responsibility; collect intelligence information and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.
• Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents.
• Conduct a variety of investigations relative to assigned area of responsibility including narcotics, crimes against property and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports, and follow up on investigations.
• Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
• Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.
• Develop, conduct and participate in training exercises and classes; respond to and resolve questions and concerns; stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.
• Perform unique duties of assigned area of responsibility including SWAT, K-9, bicycle, and mounted police units.
• Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities.
• May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor.
• Provide news releases to the media; conduct television interviews for public awareness.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum And Preferred Requirements

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. "Full-time work" means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as "desirable" or "preferred" are not included as part of the minimum requirements.

Experience

Completion of (or current enrollment in) a California P.O.S.T. Certified Police Academy, or previously employed as a Police Officer within the State of California, within twelve (12) months of application. Must successfully pass the academy prior to the completion of a background investigation. No experience is required.

Training

High School Diploma or equivalent education, supplemented by the completion of a California P.O.S.T. Certified Police Academy is required.

License or Certificates

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
• Completion of in the last 36 months (or current enrollment in) a California P.O.S.T. Certified Police Academy or previously employed as a Police Officer within the State of California, within twelve (12) months of application is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate is required.

Additional Special Requirements

• Cannot be related to any other employee in the Palm Springs Police Department.
• Must be 21 years of age or greater.
• Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must plan to reside within 1 hour driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including a criminal history check for job related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening and a physical and drug screen.

Working Conditions

This position works in an emergency police services environment; travel from site to site; have exposure to potentially hostile environments; and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, running, standing, sitting, walking or driving for prolonged periods; the ability to discharge a firearm.

Application and Exam Information

Applications will be reviewed carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application; other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as "see attached" or "see resume" as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise. Selection Process Information – The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam, physical agility exam and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates. Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.

Requirements

Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on December 31, 2026, in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Retiree Health Savings Plan
• Life Insurance
• Employee paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
• Employee paid Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Retirement Plan through Calfornia Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click here to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.
• The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.

Supplemental Questionnaire

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to further evaluate your experience and education to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from the information included in the Work Experience and Education sections of your application?

• Yes
• No

Question 01

• For this position you may not be related to any person currently working for the Palm Springs Police Department. Are you currently related to any other Palm Springs Police Department employee?
• Yes
• No

Question 02

• Are you twenty-one (21) years of age or greater?
• Yes
• No

Question 03

• Do you have the required High School diploma or equivalent education?
• Yes
• No

Question 04

• Do you have possession of and ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record?
• Yes, I have possession of and ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record
• No, but I am able to obtain and have the ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record by the time of appointment
• No

Question 05

• If you have successfully completed a California P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy within the last 36 months, please include the Academy name and the graduation date. If not, please indicate "N/A".

Question 06

• If you are currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy and able to successfully pass the academy prior to the completion of a background investigation, please include the academy name and the anticipated graduation date. If not, please indicate "N/A".

Question 07

• If you have been previously employed as a Police Officer within the State of California, within twelve (12) months of application, please include the Agency name(s), rank(s), and date(s) of employment. If not, please indicate "N/A".

Question 08

• Have you uploaded a copy of your California P.O.S.T. certificate with your application?
• Yes
• No

Question 09

• Do you have possession of, or ability to obtain, the required C.P.R. Certificate at the time of appointment?
• Yes, I have the required C.P.R. Certificate.
• Yes, I have the ability to obtain the required C.P.R. Certificate at the time of appointment.
• No

Question 10

• For this position you are required to live within one (1) hour of driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department. Do you, or will you, live within one (1) hour driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department upon employment?
• Yes
• No

Question 11

• I understand that candidates considered for employment must pass a psychological screening, medical examination, and drug screening.
• Yes
• No

Question 12

• I understand that candidates considered for employment must pass a background investigation including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph screening and a credit check.
• Yes
• No
• Required Question

Contact Information

The City of Palm Springs
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov
760-323-8215