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Calling all recent Police Academy graduates! Join our team as an officer and contribute to the City of Los Altos Police Department's commitment to excellence.  Apply now to be a part of our dynamic and dedicated department. 

 

Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service. This position involves engaging in diverse assignments such as traffic enforcement, community-oriented policing, and specialized roles like Investigative Services, SWAT, and K-9 Officer positions. Entry-level applicants will undergo training at a POST-approved academy and transition into a field training program upon graduation, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful start to their law enforcement career.

 

Academy Graduate applicants will enter into the field training program immediately upon appointment.

 

About the Los Altos Police Department:

The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 32 sworn officers and 15 non- sworn personnel dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.

 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot
2. Answers calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws
3. Participates in criminal investigations
4. Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses
5. Conducts physical arrests of criminal suspects

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent is required
• An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable 

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Must possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police Academy
• Must provide verification of the following test results: (Verification must be provided on agency letterhead where test was administered, must include test results, and tests must have been completed within 1 year of application date):
  1. Must have successfully completed the California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 50 or higher
  2. Must have successfully completed the California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)) with a score of 320 or higher

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.   

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, and a can-do attitude; communicates effectively and proactively, both verbally and in writing; enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Requires work, which may be strenuous and hazardous; includes working rotating shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

The City of San Jose is recruiting for a part-time School Crossing Guards in the Police Department during the normal school year.  Work involves providing for the safe conduct of elementary and junior high school children across heavily traveled streets and reporting problems requiring possible police action. Positions may involve substituting at different corners or a regular location assignment.  IN GENERAL, THESE ASSIGNMENTS ARE A SPLIT SHIFT WITH APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS PER WEEK.  School Crossing Guards are required to work outside regardless of weather conditions and must be able to provide a uniform as specified by the Police Department.   Work includes outside duties and exposure to weather.  Work may include the physical ability to sit, stand, walk quickly, step up/down from the curb, reach, push and/or pull, twist and or rotate, bend, lift and carry up to 10 pounds, use hands hold and use a stop sign the entire shift, use other hand to stop traffic and use a whistle at the same. 
 
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments.  If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.  For more information about Police department, School Safety unit, visit http://www.sjpd.org/BFO/Community/SchoolSafety/.

Applications will be available on a continuous basis until our current vacancies are filled.  To facilitate filling these positions, interviews will be conducted whenever sufficient qualified applications are received.   

EFFECTIVE 3/9/2021 THE LIVING WAGE RATE OF PAY PER HOUR IS $24.56,  EFFECTIVE 7/1/2021 THE LIVING WAGE WILL INCREASE TO $25.31. 

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.  Desirable competencies for this position include: 

*Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations 

*Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and writing 

*Ability and willingness to work in all-weather situations 

*Experience working with children 

*Knowledge of traffic laws of California and City of San Jose 

*Knowledge of traffic control techniques and procedures 

*Ability to recognize traffic hazardous 

*Ability to have access to motor vehicle on a daily basis 

*Able to read city maps 

*Automobile insurance coverage of at least $35,000 ($15,000-$30,000 bodily injury,   $5,000 property damage.)  

*Be able to work morning and afternoon shifts every school day during school start and end times 

*Ability to give and follow oral instruction 

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with children, parents, school officials and law enforcement 

*Ability to remain calm and use judgment and initiative in an emergency situation 

*Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful and friendly manner. 

*Initiative- Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

*Reliability- Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate

*Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills

*Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in an timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current; well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form responds to statements and comments of others in a way that reflects understanding of the content and the accompanying emotion; asks clarifying questions to assure understanding of what the speaker intended, ensures consistent communication takes place within area of responsibility. 
 

*Effective the first full pay periods following 1/1/2024, a 3% Cost of Living increase and up to 4% equity adjustment will be applied to the hourly wage for the Police Officer Trainee position (totaling 14% in two years).

THE POSITION:

Under direct supervision, the Police Officer Trainee attends a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) approved Police Basic Recruit Academy and successfully completes the academic and physical training required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer Recruit II. Police Officer Trainees are considered at-will employees. Police officer probationary status begins when the trainee is sworn in as a Police Officer Recruit II after completion of the police academy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in a P.O.S.T certified police academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and physical fitness.
• Receives training to develop an awareness of Police Department functions, as well as the responsibilities of Police Officers and how those responsibilities relate to field operations.
• Receives academy and field training to become a Police Officer.
• Learns proper handling and firing of firearms, report writing and emergency vehicle operation. 
• Develops an understanding and working knowledge of the California Penal, Vehicle, Health and Safety Codes. 
• Develops an understanding of proper evidence collection and preservation methods.
   

*Effective the first full pay periods following 1/1/2024, a 3% Cost of Living increase and up to 4% equity adjustment will be applied to the hourly wage for the Police Officer Lateral position (totaling 14% in two years). *The listed salary does not include an additional 17.5% in potential incentive pay upon completion of FTO or a projected 14% raise paid over the next two years*

THE POSITION:

Under immediate, then as proficiency increases, general supervision of a Field Training Officer, Police Sergeant or higher ranking official, incumbents in this classification perform and document varied law enforcement assignments through working assigned shifts in patrol or on specialty assignments and participating in training; perform related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Patrol:

• Respond to emergency calls; administer first aide.
• Investigate reported crimes, suspicious activity, and traffic accidents.
• Investigate unattended deaths.
• Conduct the collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes.
• Patrol assigned sectors in a marked vehicle to provide preventive and enforcement action.
• Assist citizens in distress and provide information regarding police function/operations.
• Quell domestic disturbances and other disputes.
• Initiate suspicious person contacts and conduct field interrogations.
• Locate and apprehend persons for violations of statutes; arrange for booking, detention, and disposition of arrestees.
• Provide crowd, riot, and traffic control.
• Write reports which are accurate, clear, and concise.
• Testify in court.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints both in an office environment and while on patrol.

• Traffic:

• Perform selective enforcement of traffic violations at identified problem areas; use LIDAR, or other designated equipment.
• Conduct post storage hearings on towed vehicles and review complaints related to towing company activities.
• Author collision reports.
• Conduct investigations for hit and run, injury, and fatal accidents including accident reconstruction.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise special event traffic control.
• Advise and consult with City personnel on traffic issues.
• Present lectures and discussions to high school students.
• Conduct training for officers on changes in traffic law and reporting techniques.
• Conduct inspections of commercial vehicles for safety, weight, size, and load violations.

• School Resource:

• Investigate and apprehend persons who commit crimes on campus.
• Monitor gang activity as it related to criminal activity both on and off campus.
• Monitor bus stop and other campus areas where potential or ongoing problems exist.
• Act as the liaison between school staff and police department.
• Conduct formal presentations for students and staff; engage in informal discussions of law enforcement with students and staff.
• Coordinate and supervise security at school activities. Refer students to appropriate agencies for assistance.
• Coordinate and implement school fingerprinting program.
• Make home visits to truants; counsel students on minor law infractions.

• Investigations:

• Investigate aggravated, serial, or major crimes; follow up on cases initiated by Patrol.
• Develop leads through informants, police sources, citizens, and/or evidence.
• Interview witnesses; interrogate suspects.
• Collect, preserve, and arrange for proper identification of evidence.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; conduct search and seizure assignments.
• Review reports for trends; identify suspects and crime patterns.
• Work with the District Attorney in reviewing and preparing cases for court.
   

*Effective the first full pay periods following 1/1/2024, a 3% cost of Living increase and up to 4% equity adjustment to the hourly wage for the Police Officer Trainee - Academy Attendee position (totaling 14% in two years).

THE POSITION:

Under direct supervision, the Police Officer Trainee attends a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) approved Police Basic Recruit Academy and successfully completes the academic and physical training required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer Recruit II.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in a P.O.S.T certified police academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and physical fitness.
• Receives training to develop an awareness of Police Department functions, as well as the responsibilities of Police Officers and how those responsibilities relate to field operations.
• Receives academy and field training to become a Police Officer.
• Learns proper handling and firing of firearms, report writing and emergency vehicle operation. 
• Develops an understanding and working knowledge of the California Penal, Vehicle, Health and Safety Codes. 
• Develops an understanding of proper evidence collection and preservation methods.
   

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What makes San Mateo so great is the involvement and commitment of community members like you.  So, why not join us by volunteering your time, energy and talents in continuing to make our city the best place to live! Visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/volunteer to view current citywide opportunities and sign up today. 

Why Volunteer During Your Job Search?

It’s a Good Idea!

Volunteering:

• Gives you something to do while waiting for your next job.
• Expands your network!  You might wind up meeting someone who knows someone who gets you to a paying job.
• Helps you explore an interest or type of work you never knew existed – and find out you are really good at it.
• Re-energizes you when your job search energy gets low.  Doing something to help others changes the energy you project – and that shows in interviews.
• Gives you something to talk about in your interview that explains what you’ve been doing with your time.
• Makes you feel better about yourself. When you feel good about who you are and what you have to offer, you’ll project a positive attitude that connects with people.

The Community:

The City of Lincoln is a rapidly growing community with a population of 46,000+. It is located northeast of Sacramento, just minutes from I-80 and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The small-town atmosphere features affordable housing, nearby lakes, three local golf courses, and nearby hunting.

THE POSITION:
The purpose of this program is to augment full-time staffing in the City of Lincoln Firefighting program, but mostly the intent is to provide opportunity to develop the skills and abilities necessary for a candidate to gain employment in the fire services industry. The non-sworn Reserve Firefighter will gain the valuable work experience needed to obtain the California State Firefighter I certification. The City of Lincoln will benefit from producing well trained reservists who assist the department with the gained skills, knowledge and abilities. The Reserve Firefighter will receive on-going training.