Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate

Police Officer

Come be a part of our family and see what makes Fountain Valley a nice place to live and work! The City of Fountain Valley is excited to announce the following hiring incentive bonuses : Lateral Police Officer : $10,000 paid in two (2) installments ($5,000 at the time of hire plus 40 hours of comp. time upon hire and $5,000 after successful completion of the probation period). Police Officer Academy Graduate : $5,000 paid in two (2) installments ($2,500 at the time of hire and $2,500 after successful completion of the probation period).

Specialties : General Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic including motorcycle, Regional Narcotics Program, S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics part of West County), and Canine.

Special Pays : Canine Officer, Bilingual, POST Certificate Pay up to 12%, Wellness Pay, Specialty Assignment (Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, SWAT).

Benefits : Tuition Reimbursement, Uniform Allowance, Health Allowance, 11-paid Holidays, Life Insurance and AD&D.

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community with courage, duty, and commitment. With City events like our Summerfest and National Night Out, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate 1) Courage to protect life and property in our community; 2) Duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; 3) Commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve the public trust.

The Police Department is comprised of dedicated professionals including the Chief of Police, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Support Services Manager, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 39 Police Officers, 8 full-time Dispatchers and 3 part-time Dispatcher, Crime Analyst, Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Cadets, Police Services Officers, and administrative staff.

You must be POST certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position. Police Academy Enrolled Must be currently enrolled in a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy. Provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application. Must have and maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff. Police Academy Graduate Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy within the last 3 years. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required. Provide a copy of your academy's official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the Police Academy with your application. Lateral Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy and are currently working as a Peace Officer. Out-of-State applicants must obtain California P.O.S.T. basic course waiver. Special Compensation : Incumbents will be eligible for the following special compensation if he / she attains the required certification, passes the required testing or is given a special assignment : Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate pay of 5% or Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate pay of 12% of base pay. Physical Fitness / Wellness pay of $495 per month if qualified. Specialty Assignment Pay. Bilingual premium of $200 per month for Level 1 or $150 per month for Level 2 qualification. To perform responsible work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, patrol, crime prevention, investigation, and other duties as assigned. This classification is distinguished by the highly responsible police work performed in the prevention and detection of crimes and for maintaining order. The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

Patrol an assigned area searching for indicators of possible criminal activity or threats to life and property; answer calls for police service; enforce City, county, and state laws; make field contacts and prepare required reports; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, suspected homicides, and other criminal incidents. Make traffic stops and issue warnings, citations, or arrests as necessary; check vehicles and observe occupants of vehicles; responds to calls related to traffic incidents and other emergencies; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage; observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws. Make arrests as necessary; serve warrants and subpoenas; conduct searches and seizures involving people, vehicles, and structures; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; receive, search, and book prisoners; fingerprint and transport prisoners; and testify and present evidence in court. Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures / collects evidence; arrest suspected perpetrator(s). Writes reports and field notes; participates in staff development; attends briefings and training sessions; performs routine maintenance on assigned firearms and other equipment. Assist the public and answer questions; administer first aid and respond to calls for medical assistance; establish and maintain good relationships with the general public. Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property. Drive vehicles under hazardous and emergency conditions. When assigned, make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police Department activities. Perform other duties as assigned.

High School graduate, pass the General Education Development Test (GED) 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. Associate of Arts or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. Currently enrolled in a California Peace Officer Standards police training academy and be in good standing. Must be able to show proof of academy completing at the time of appointment. Or must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy and are currently working as a Peace Officer. Previous law enforcement experience is highly desirable. Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license. At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law. Candidates selected for processing will be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records. Candidates must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Candidates must be free of any felony convictions. Candidates must have normal hearing acuity. Candidates must have vision of 20 / 70 uncorrected, correctable to 20 / 20 and normal color vision. Candidates must have height and weight in accordance with age, sex, and frame. Police Officers must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends as assigned. Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Federal, State, and City laws, ordinances and regulations. The vehicle code, penal code, laws of arrest; search and seizure; rules of evidence; and court procedures. Modern law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing practices and procedures. Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action; and cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places. Persuade, convince, and / or train other; advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations. Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations. Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports. Operate a computer and a variety of software. Make clear and concise radio transmissions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation. The proper use and care of firearms. Maintain effective working relationships with staff, employees, other officers, supervisors, City officials, and the general public. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations to include on-site work at calls and incidents, in a City vehicle and at the Police Station.