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POLICE OFFICER

(ACADEMY GRADUATE / ACADEMY PARTICIPANT/ FTO)
 
Candidates must have successfully completed a California POST approved Basic Police Academy with a valid California POST Academy Certificate; OR Currently attending a POST approved Basic Police Academy and/or has been accepted to a POST approved Basic Police Academy.

The City of Hayward is accepting application for Police Officer--Academy Graduates and Academy Participants. Police Officers at the City of Hayward perform a wide variety of law enforcement assignments including but not limited to: patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court and providing information to the public.

Those candidates who are currently participating in the Police Academy would be hired as a Police Officer Trainee ($5,837-$6,125). The Police Officer Trainee is hired into a civilian position for the period of time they are assigned to the police academy. Upon successful completion of training at the academy, Trainees will then be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. Police Officer Trainee benefits are limited to those of a civilian employee.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Hayward Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the city by maintaining partnerships with its diverse community, together creating safe and cohesive neighborhoods. We pledge to safeguard the lives and property of the people served, and to reduce the incidence and fear of crime. We do this by treating all people fairly and equitably; and by being ethical, honest, responsive, and professional in the services we provide. We are accountable to one another and to the community.

The Hayward Police Department is comprised of a staff of 197 sworn personnel and 124 professional staff.  The Department supports a Community Policing philosophy and offers excellent promotional and special assignment opportunities.  The Patrol Division currently works 3-12.5 hour days and has weekends off at least six months out of the year. Patrol Officers enjoy a minimum of 9 training days per year.  Detectives who work investigations (SVU, Homicide, Gangs, Narcotics, etc.) receive incentive pay and participate in several task forces in Alameda County.  Officers have a wide variety of specialty assignments to choose from, such as School Resource Officer, K9, Special Duty Unit (street enforcement related to gangs), and Traffic (motors).

For more information about The Hayward Police Department, please visit www.joinhaywardpd.com.

DEFINITION 

Under general supervision, the Police Officer patrols the City's commercial, industrial, and residential districts; enforces laws and ordinances of the state of California and the city of Hayward, works closely with the community to preserve the peace and promote public safety; carefully documents own activities in written reports and statements; performs a wide variety of law enforcement assignments such as patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, radio communications, and administrative services; provides court testimony; investigates crimes such as burglary, robbery, assault, and disturbing the peace; assists firefighters and emergency medical technicians; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

Work normally consists of routine police tasks performed according to Department rules and regulations. Incumbents receive general and special instructions and must be able to act without direct supervision. The absence of ongoing supervisory responsibilities distinguishes this class from the class of Police Sergeant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

General supervision is provided by higher level officers.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provide occasional supervision to volunteers, reserve officers and professional support staff.

 

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Patrols the assigned area on foot or in patrol vehicle, makes routine security checks, inspects places of possible disorder and keeps alert to discover suspect circumstances or persons.
• Operates a patrol car, motorcycle, or other vehicle
• Responds to radio and telephone dispatches and appears at scene or disorder or crime.
• Resolves disputes, admonishes individuals, responds to accidents and provide emergency first aid.
• Arrests and cites violators of laws and ordinances.
• Investigates calls and complaints.
• Investigates traffic accidents.
• Prepares and documents cases; write reports; serve warrants and subpoenas; and testifies in court.
• Writes citations.
• Investigates conditions hazardous to life or property.
• Coordinates crime scene control; makes initial investigations of crimes and crime scenes.
• Assists Detectives and other investigators in crime investigation.
• Watches for suspicious cars, curfew violators and wanted persons.
• Operates two-way radio equipment.
• Takes fingerprints and photographs and processes evidence
• Assists in booking and jailing prisoners.
• Processes and transports prisoners.
• Directs traffic.
• Questions suspects and witnesses.
• Provides information, directions, other services and assistance to the public.
• Inspects patrol cars/motorcycles, equipment and weapons to ensure proper operation.
• Prepares for and participates in planned events; stands and directs traffic at collision scenes and demonstrations; controls crowds; and cooperates with City, State and other agencies to secure areas at special events or crime scenes.
• Participates in special details and assignments.
• May serve as a field training officer.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge Of: 

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Public relations in law enforcement.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations.
• Safe vehicle operation.
• Principles of first aid.

Ability to:

• Learn principles, practices, procedures, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.
• Read and interpret laws, ordinances, regulations and Department policies.
• Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.
• Drive a vehicle safely.
• Write clear, concise and accurate reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces, descriptive characteristics and details of incidents.
• Perform physical tasks inherent in the work of a Police Officer.
• Be courteous but firm with the public when needed
• React quickly and calmly under emergency and stressful situations.
• Make sound decisions.
• Develop skill in the use of a firearm.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION 

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  One (1) year in a law enforcement agency within the last thirty-six (36) months and possession of a current Basic California P.O.S.T Certificate.       

OR 
Currently employed by a law enforcement agency and have successfully passed a field training officer (FTO) program, but have yet to complete probation.

OR
Successful completion of a California Basic P.O.S.T approved academy certificate. Obtained within the past eighteen (18) months from date of application is desirable.
 
Education:  High school diploma or equivalent. Possession of an Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is desirable.
 
Necessary Special Qualifications: 

- Free of any felony convictions.

- A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (Government Code Para. 1031).

- Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.

- Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.

- Must pass a background investigation.

- Must meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a 1) City of Santa Clara Employment Application and 2) Proof of completion of a Basic Peace Officer Academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) OR proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only). Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All applicants are required to obtain authorization from their home agency Chief of Police/Sheriff authorizing them to work on a Per Diem basis for the City of Santa Clara.  

 

For additional information regarding this position, please email Joe Oliver at joliver@SantaClaraCA.gov. 

 

The Department: 

The men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service.  In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. To learn more visit our website.   

 

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  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. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

 

Typical Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
• Under general supervision: patrol designated areas in, by foot, by bicycle, or other means to preserve law and order;
• Direct traffic;
• Enforce parking regulations, issue citations that are in violation of codes;
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorists; issue parking  citations and warnings;
• Discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce laws and ordinances; 
• Maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; 
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed to determine what, if any, crime has been committed;
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents;
• Investigate complaints and take appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force;
• Use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions;
• Identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence;
• Locate and interview victims and witnesses;
• Work in partnership with the Santa Clara Police Department and the District Attorney's Office to follow through on criminal complaints;
• Apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes;
• Control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations;
• Establish and preserve good relationships with the general public;
• Answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department, apply good public relation principals;
• Participate in continuous training required by POST  to enhance law enforcement skills 
• Attend meetings and trainings;
• Prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information;
• Testify in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence;
• Escort prisoners to county jail, juvenile hall, or Santa Clara Police Department; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

• Currently employed as a Full Time or Part Time Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or

• Currently working as a Level I Reserve Police Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or

• Retired as a Full Time Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency; or two years experience as a Peace Officer with a California Law Enforcement Agency and possession of a valid Basic Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.  

LICENSES &/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid driver's license is required; 

• Proof of a current Basic or higher certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is required at the time of application and for the duration of employment  (Not required for Reserve Police Officers, see below);

• Must have passed Field Training Program with home agency as required by POST;

• Must have passed Probationary Period with home agency;

• The minimum Peace Officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4.  Every California Peace Officer must be: Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029). Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law (GC 1031);

• and at least 21 yrs of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4).

• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification.

Reserve Police Officers Must Also Provide: Proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only).

 

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 20 years of age at time of application filing and 21 years of age at time of job appointment;

• Must meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards as required by POST;

• Per the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) "Public Safety Retirees on service retirement may not work more than 960 hours in a fiscal year for all CalPERS employers:;

• Retirees who were medically retired (industrial or non-industrial) should confirm with their retirement plan that accepting employment as a Per Diem Police Officer will not jeopardize their pension;

• Must possess the strength and physical ability necessary to perform the essential functions of the position;

• Must possess hearing, speech, and mental capabilities sufficient to perform all of the essential functions of the position; and

• Must be willing to be fingerprinted and pass a departmental interview, psychological, medical, and background investigation prior to appointment.

 

Vision requirements:  

• Must possess vision including color, night, depth, and peripheral vision sufficient to perform all of the essential functions of the position; and

• Must possess visual acuity of not less than 20/80 vision in each eye uncorrected, and corrected to 20/30 in each eye.

 

EXCEPTION:  Applicants with correction afforded by soft contact lenses are exempt from the minimum uncorrected vision standard of 20/80, provided their corrected vision is 20/30 in each eye.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Environment: 

The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; extreme cold, extreme heat, potentially hostile environments; extensive public contact. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be very loud due to crowd noise, music, sirens, firearm training, etc. Incumbents are required to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel to attend meetings or court appearances.

 

Physical: 

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a law enforcement setting; restrain or subdue individuals; walk, stand, sit, bike or run for prolonged periods of time;

occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights; occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers;

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Will be required to work special events.

• Will be required to work odd and unusual hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Will be required to provide safety equipment (defined as ballistic vest, duty belt, and firearm) approved by the Santa Clara Police Department.

• Per the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) "Public Safety Retirees on service retirement may not work more than 960 hours in a fiscal year for all CalPERS employers."

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities at a level necessary to do police work:

 

Interest in Police Work – willingness to handle routine, repetitive tasks; enforce laws that may conflict with personal values; relate to others; work with minorities; work with fellow officers and the general public; participate in situations that require courage; function in different roles; work under hostile conditions, work under hazardous conditions over long periods of time; accept new job duties; and work weekends, holidays.

 

Ability to Take Orders – the ability to relate to supervisors; to maintain objectivity; to take criticism and control temper.

 

Ability to Take Responsibility   - the ability to work without supervision; reliability; ability to participate in situations that require courage, refrain from abusing authority vested in an official role;  maintain confidentiality of information; and assume a command presence in conflict situations.

 

Self-Control – the ability to control one's temper, maintain objectivity; take criticism, function under oral or physical stress; use authority effectively; function in different roles, work under hazardous and hostile conditions for long periods of time, and work at accident and crime scenes which involve severe personal injuries, or in situations which involve loss of life.

 

Ability to Communicate Effectively – the ability to testify accurately; obtain information from witnesses under normal and stressful conditions; communicate in person, in writing, and via radio.

 

Ability to Make Reasonable Decisions Rapidly – the ability to reason logically; apply discretion in maintaining confidentiality of information; observe and interpret what is observed; evaluate situations and people effectively; and apply good judgment.

 

Willingness to Arrest People – willingness to take actions which will result in imposing penalties on others, including: depriving them of their freedom; taking a life if necessary; and fighting to win and injuring another if required; use techniques and applications of self-defense and proper use of force.

 

Ability to Learn – the immediate potential to learn to write readable, comprehensible reports; to read and interpret relevant laws and procedural material including designated SCPD Operations Manual Sections and Stadium Security Procedures; read maps; apply regulations; communicate verbally with others under stress, analyze material and situations; and record observations from accident and crime scenes.

 

Emotional Stability – the ability to take verbal abuse; the possession of: honesty, integrity, maturity,   tolerance, self-confidence, truthfulness and psychological stability; ability to meet the physical and psychological demands of police work.

 

Ability to Problem Solve – the ability to identify problems or issues that are of concern to residents of the City or Stadium attendees.

 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit 1) an online City of Santa Clara Employment Application and 2) Proof of completion of a Basic Peace Officer Academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) OR proof of completion of Level 1 Reserve Peace Officer POST Regular Basic Course (Reserve Police Officers Only).  Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

 

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.