Police Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer

Salary : $71,040.00 - $98,436.00 Annually

Location : Police Department - 604 C Street Eureka CA 95501, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 20 / 21.15

Department : Police

Opening Date : 12 / 30 / 2020

Closing Date : Continuous

Description Summary : Salary : $5,746 - $6,984 Monthly (DOQ) without certifications. $6,148 - $7,473 for candidates who hold POST Intermediate Certification. $6,550 - $7,962 for candidates who hold POST Advanced Certification. Base salary will increase by 3% in 2026. Opportunity for additional 5% specialty assignment pay, 7% FTO specialty assignment pay, and utilization of a take-home car while on duty plus other applicable benefits such as Uniform Allowance of $1,000 per year.

Definition : Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of patrol and related duties involving the prevention of crime, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of Federal, State and local laws and ordinances; makes investigations, assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; provides information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.

Expectation of Job Duties : Examples of essential job functions (illustrative only) : Patrols the city within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property; responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property; provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; performs a variety of community policing duties; observes, monitors and controls traffic situations; makes arrests and serves warrants and subpoenas; secures crime scenes and evidence; conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes; provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; assists the city attorney or the district attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; directs the activities of police support personnel and / or volunteers; provides emergency medical attention to the public; provides mutual aide to other law enforcement agencies; prepares reports; serves writs, warrants, subpoenas and other legal documents; may perform and / or coordinate specific program or project areas; attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; oversees the use and care of equipment; performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities : Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices and techniques; investigation and identification techniques and equipment; rules of evidence; courtroom procedures; applicable laws, codes, ordinances, court decisions and departmental rules and regulations; safety practices and equipment; techniques of first aid and CPR; operating a motor vehicle; modern office practices, methods and computer equipment; computer applications; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for dealing with and solving problems presented by individuals from various backgrounds; techniques for providing a high level of customer service.

Ability to observe accurately, recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, facts of incidents and places; interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances; prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records and other written materials; identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns and needs; coordinate and carry out special assignments; monitor changes in laws and court decisions; enter information into a computer; make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines; operate a motor vehicle; operate department equipment; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Requirements : Education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience working with the public. Two (2) years of college-level course work and / or volunteer law enforcement experience is desirable. License : Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Valid certificate showing completion of a California POST Basic Training Academy. This certificate must be attached to your application. Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

Physical Demands : Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects; vision to maintain firearms qualification and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, climbing and descending structures to access crime scene and to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

Environmental Elements : Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and / or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and / or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions : Must be willing to pass a detailed background investigation. Must be willing to work extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations.

Selection Process : To participate in the selection process for this position, you will need to apply online and attach an official copy of your T-score results provided by your basic POST academy. No other information will be accepted such as resumes, cover letters or additional materials. You must have a T-score of 48 or higher to be placed on an eligibility list and you will remain on the eligibility list for up to one year or until that list has been exhausted. Once you are placed on the list, your application and T-score results will be forwarded to the Police Department for inclusion in their next testing process. Initial testing will include a department interview and a Police Chief's interview. Additional testing will include a background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation, and complete physical examination / drug screening.

Extended Testing Process : Complete Background Investigation : Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, thefts, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs / narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type. If you would like to discuss a particular personal issue prior to testing, please contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4095, and they will provide you with general department parameters. Polygraph Test : This is the "lie detector" test. By monitoring your physiological response to questions given, the polygraph test determines the truthfulness of your responses. Department Interview : In this phase of the testing process, you will be interviewed by the Police Chief. After an Offer of Employment Is Made Workstyle Evaluation : This test is performed by a Psychologist in which you complete a variety of test components and your responses are compared to an established scale. You are then given a numerical score which determines your suitability for the Police Officer position. Physical Examination / Drug Screening : You will undergo a pre-employment physical examination and a drug screening test. Actual employment is contingent upon the results of these examinations. If you are successful in all testing phases, and are accepted for employment, you will receive approximately four months of training.

Important Note : Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum qualifications / requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

City of Eureka's Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging : We envision an inclusive community where everyone's fundamental needs are met, where our employees respect and celebrate all walks of life, where everyone can grow and thrive, as we work with integrity for the good of Eureka. Our mission is to meet the needs of Eureka residents, businesses and visitors by providing services and making decisions that are socially, fiscally and environmentally responsible, creating a workplace that values growth, inclusion and empathy for all.

Disaster Service Worker : All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.