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Academy Graduates/Academy Participants/FTOs may be eligible to receive a hiring bonus of up to $10,000 disbursed in four equal phases: the first phase upon successful completion of the testing process and acceptance of a final offer of employment, and the last phase two years after completion of the probationary period as a Police Officer. 

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.

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.

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.