Search Jobs

Police Officer - Entry Level

Do NOT apply via this website - in order to apply, you must submit your information through National Testing Networks (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com).If you have problems, please contact NTN customer services at 866-563-3882.

Description: Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work, controls traffic flow and enforces state and local regulations. Some essential duties are:

• Responds to calls for service and takes appropriate action to resolve problems
• Renders assistance to citizens in distress
• Initiates investigation of criminal or suspicious activity
• Makes arrests, issues citations, and gives warnings when appropriate
• Enforces all laws without bias
• Conducts business license checks
• Promotes crime prevention and disseminates security information
• Testifies accurately and honestly in court

Education: Graduation from a U.S. High School or equivalent is required.  Additional education at the college level is preferred.

Licenses:  Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license by the time of hire, and ability to maintain the valid license.

Physical Requirement: Meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance and agility. Vision: • 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with adequate depth perception and color vision. If soft contacts are worn, no limit on uncorrected distance visual acuity provided soft lenses have been worn for at least six months prior to the physical examination.

Background: • As part of the selection process, successful candidates will undergo a stringent background investigation which will include: confirming all information provided by the candidates, a polygraph test and psychological and medical examinations. Candidates may be disqualified at any point in this process. Felony Convictions: • State and Federal Law require that all Police Officers be free from felony conviction and domestic violence. Citizenship: • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or resident aliens that are eligible and have applied for U.S. Citizenship. 

CITY OF PACIFICA

Invites you to apply for the position of

POLICE OFFICER - Trainee

If you are on the path to becoming a police officer, and would like to attend the POST academy to graduate and obtain your POST Certification,  this is the perfect opportunity to join our team!

Take this opportunity to explore our dynamic, full-service, community police department. The position is intended for you to attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and receive the academic and physical training resulting in graduation and certification required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer. 

Apply today!!  

DEFINITION

Under immediate supervision, attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and receive the academic and physical training resulting in graduation and certification required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is structured for incumbents hired with the purpose of becoming a sworn police officer.  Police Officer Trainees are hired into this position for the period prior and during the time they are assigned to a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  Upon successful completion of training at the academy and upon the availability of a Police Officer position, Police Officer Trainees will be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer at the beginning of the following pay period. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receive immediate supervision from higher level supervisory or management staff and from training staff at a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Attend a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement 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.
• Receive 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.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Basic principles of business writing and basic report writing
• Principles and practices of good customer service
• Techniques and practices of effective interpersonal communication
• Principles and practices of safety management

Skills/Ability to:

• Successfully complete a POST-Basic Law Enforcement Academy including classroom instruction, physical agility and use of firearms.
• Learn proper police procedures and methods.
• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports.
• Become proficient in self-defense techniques.
• Become proficient in the care and use of firearms.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the general public.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Experience: None required.

Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade (High School diploma). Completion of 30 semester units from an accredited college or university (60 units or more is preferred).

Licenses: Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Driver’s License.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

• At the time of application, all applicants must show proof of passing the PELLETB test with a minimum T-Score of 50 and successful completion of the WSTB test (physical agility).  These tests can be taken by visiting www.theacademy.ca.gov.  All testing information including practice tests can be located on the site.
• 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.
• Meet all regulatory requirements for becoming a Peace Officer with a California P.O.S.T agency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Skills

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

Exposure to cold, heat, extreme noise, outdoors, confining workspace, electrical hazards, chemicals, dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards, and explosive materials.

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

*** This recruitment is for academy graduates and lateral officers only. ***

The Dixon Police Department is committed to providing a full range of public safety services to the City of Dixon. The Department is growing with the City and has career opportunities in patrol, investigations, canine, traffic enforcement, tactical operations, and crisis negotiations. The Dixon Police Department is progressive law enforcement agency committed to the core values of service, honesty and integrity, accountability and respect.

$10,000 hiring incentive available, see 'Benefits' section for details.

THE POSITION: The Dixon Police Department is recruiting to fill full-time Police Officer positions at either the Academy Graduate Level or Lateral Level, as well as establish an employment eligibility list for future possible use. The City offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for qualified applicants pursuing a law enforcement career. Dixon Police Officers are responsible for a wide variety of generalist police services. Opportunities for specialization and advancement are also available. The Dixon Police Department operates on a 12-hour shift schedule.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed and screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. The process includes a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, interview, Poly exam, extensive personal background investigation, credit history, pre-employment medical, with drug test, and psychological assessments.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  All appointees are required to complete a field training program and successfully complete an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please check your spam folder to be sure that it will accept emails from CalOpps.  All correspondence is done through this system. Please DO NOT email at any time during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency. 

The Mill Valley Police Department is currently seeking applicants for the position of Police Officer Trainee, a salaried and benefitted, at-will classification which includes a Sponsored Police Academy opportunity. 

A valid (within 1-year) and passing PELLETB T-Score of 42 or higher, as well as a passing score of 320 for the Physical Agility Exam and a maximum run completion time of 14 minutes for the 1.5 mile run is required to move forward in the hiring process. A list of testing sites and dates can be found here: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/

Salary + Benefits*
$5,894/month while a Police Officer Trainee
$8,701/month Step 1 Police Officer 

*Benefit info below. 

Deadline to Apply

Sunday, September 21 @ 10:00PM

Save the Date

If selected for the position, the employee will undergo a full background check, psychological testing, and medical testing. After passing required tests, the employee must commit to attending a 20-week program with the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center. The police academy will be held Monday – Friday and include some nights and weekends. The next academy is January 5 - May 22, 2026. 

Upon graduation, the successful trainee will be transitioned to a Field Training Officer program with the Mill Valley Police Department and promoted to Step 1 Police Officer (probationary) with full benefits. If the employee does not complete and graduate the police academy with a POST academy certificate, they will be released from employment. The applicant may be released at any point they do not pass required testing during the course of the police academy. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Police Officer Trainee position enables an incumbent to attend a local law enforcement academy and earn their POST (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificate of academy completion while enjoying the support and mentorship of our agency, and receiving compensation. Through the academy and certification process, the successful incumbent will become eligible for promotion to Police Officer and immediate transition into MVPD's Field Training Program.

Police Officer Classification - Examples of Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

•  Patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot.
•  Answer calls for the protection of life & property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws.
• Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions.
• Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary.
• Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses.
• Interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence.
   

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please thoroughly complete your application through CalOpps AND upload a thoughtful Cover Letter and Resume.
2. Upload your valid P.O.S.T. PELLET B Exam, (minimum passing score of T-42 for Entry Level Officer Only). Your valid Physical Agility Exam (minimum passing score of 320) and run completion (maximum time of 14 minutes for 1.5 miles).

*Please note that the Job Description is currently under review, the job definition and duties contained in this announcement are representative of the job and are in substantial conformance to what the finalized description will include.

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

**NEW** Vacation Accrual/Advancement: Newly hired Enhanced Lateral Police Officers may, at the discretion of the City Manager and based on justification provided by the appointing department, receive a one-time advancement of up to 40 hours of vacation leave.

*$98,372.09 - $131,828.00 Advertised salary range does not include 20% of Incentive Pay. Employees may be eligible for incentive pay as follows:

-Education Incentive Pay up to 10% described below:

• POST Intermediate Certificate: 2.5% of base salary

           And/or

• POST Advanced Certificate: 2.5% of base salary

           And/or

• Completion of 60 college semester units or AA/AS degree: 2.5% of base salary

            And/or

• Completion of 120 college semester units or BA/BS degree: 2.5% of base salary

-Bilingual Pay: 5% of base salary

-Officer in Charge/Field Training Officer/Investigator/School Resource Officer: 5% of base salary

Total estimated potential incentive pay: 20%

Base Salary range with all incentives: $118,046.50 - $158,193.60

Additional Incentive Pay:

Uniform Allowance: $1,200 per Fiscal Year

The Dixon Police Department is committed to providing a full range of public safety services to the City of Dixon. The Department is growing with the City and has career opportunities in patrol, investigations, canine, traffic enforcement, tactical operations, and crisis negotiations. The Dixon Police Department is progressive law enforcement agency committed to the core values of service, honesty and integrity, accountability and respect. The City offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for qualified applicants pursuing a law enforcement career. Dixon Police Officers are responsible for a wide variety of generalist police services. Opportunities for specialization and advancement are also available. The Dixon Police Department operates on a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.

$30,000 hiring incentive

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed and screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. The process includes a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, interview, Poly exam, extensive personal background investigation, credit history, pre-employment medical, with drug test, and psychological assessments.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  All appointees are required to complete a field training program and successfully complete an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please check your spam folder to be sure that it will accept emails from CalOpps.  All correspondence is done through this system. Please DO NOT email at any time during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency. 

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

The Dixon Police Department is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Police Sergeant to protect and serve our growing community. This position will remain open until filled, so we encourage Police Officers interested in expanding their leadership and development experience to apply immediately for this exciting promotional opportunity.

***Relocation Incentive Program for eligible candidates - Up to $10,000***

***Hiring Bonus: $30,000***

***Salary can include an additional 20% of incentive pay increasing the salary range to $143,096.12 - $191,762.49***

THE POSITION: As potential Police Sergeants, candidates in these roles will shoulder significant responsibility overseeing law enforcement and patrol duties during designated shifts. Responsibilities extend beyond field supervision, including the enforcement of departmental rules, fostering discipline, resolving subordinate issues, and conducting team performance evaluations. This role requires collaboration with armed personnel, possibly in uniform or plain clothes, requiring a balance of field and office tasks. Regular public engagement, often in high-stress situations, is a key element, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience. Adaptability to rotational scheduling and a variety of role assignments underlines the need for flexibility and versatility.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications will be reviewed and screened within the week of submission.

Applications accepted will be prompted to complete their Personal History Statement (PHS) in Guardian.

EXAM PROCESS:  A limited number of candidates whose applications indicate that they, among those competing, are better qualified in terms of related education, training and experience will be invited to participate in the following assessment activities.

Written Test - (pass/fail).

Oral Interview - Tentatively scheduled after passing the written test.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  Selected candidates will be required to successfully complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, personal background investigation, pre-employment medical, and drug test, an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

START DATE:  Upon decision of Police Chief.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please do not reply to any emails from CalOpps during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency.

The Mill Valley Police Department is hiring Lateral Police Officers, Academy Graduates, and/or Academy Attendees. Applicants MUST provide verification of enrollment in academy class if applying as 'Academy Attendee.'

SALARY | BENEFITS | BONUS

Salary: $8,701 - $10,577 (DOE)/Monthly + Benefits + Hiring Bonuses

$20,000 Hiring Bonus

40-hour Vacation Bank

40-hour Sick Bank

Vacation accrual to match total years of service 

MOU scheduled raises July 2026

Deadline to apply: Open until filled - Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Mill Valley, the third largest city in Marin County, is located 6 miles north of San Francisco at the foot of Mount Tamalpais. The population is 14,500 with another 16,000 within its sphere of influence. The city is primarily residential with an active commercial element supporting local needs. The cost of housing is high and is a factor applicants should consider.

The mountain and panoramic views of San Francisco create an awe-inspiring backdrop for thousands of hikers and mountain bikers who visit Mill Valley each year. They enjoy miles of fire roads and hiking trails both within the City limits and on adjacent Water District lands. Tourists visit the historic downtown on weekends and holidays, enjoying the numerous small specialty shops and fine restaurants, which comprise the majority of the downtown business.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Mill Valley Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety service, education and preparedness in partnership with our community. The Department strives to develop professional and well-trained employees dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.

The Mill Valley Police Department's mission is to provide a safe and secure community for our residents and visitors; protect life and property; enforce the law in transparent and equitable manners; and develop strong partnerships through community outreach, education, and collaboration.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, a Police Officer is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs. This is the entry level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status.

Examples of Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

•  Patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot.
•  Answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws.
• Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions.
• Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary.
• Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses.
• Interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence.
   

Application Instructions

1. Please thoroughly complete your application through CalOpps AND upload a thoughtful Cover Letter and Resume.
2. If you are currently attending academy, please upload verification of your attendance with your application.

Please be sure to fill out all applicable fields in CalOpps - do not simply say "see resume."

*Please note that the Job Description is currently under review, the job definition and duties contained in this announcement are representative of the job and are in substantial conformance to what the finalized description will include.

ATTENTION SELF-SPONSORED P.O.S.T. CERTIFIED POLICE ACADEMY RECRUITS!

The City of Sebastopol is now accepting applications for the position of

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

PAY: $34.13 Hourly

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is looking for a respectful, compassionate, empathetic Police Officer Trainee. The selected candidate must be currently enrolled or enrolled at a future date as a self-sponsored recruit in a certified Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (P.O.S.T.) Police Academy. The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, training-level classification requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The incumbent performs a variety of entry-level police support duties in a learning capacity. The selected candidate will assist and observe Police Officers and civilian police personnel.

The successful candidate will attend the Police Academy to obtain a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate of Completion, and perform related work which may require public contact but not the enforcement of laws. Police Officer Trainees attend a POST certified Police Academy, which follows a standardized curriculum in order to provide them with basic training in various aspects of policing, many of which are prescribed by law and/or statute.

The Police Academy training is designed to provide the candidate the necessary skillsets to prepare them for consideration for promotion to a probationary Police Officer position within the City and begin the Sebastopol Police Department’s Field Training Officer program. Attendance and successful completion of a Police Academy is a legal requirement to be hired as a Police Officer within the State of California and is a requirement for a City of Sebastopol Police Officer Trainee to be considered for promotion to probationary Police Officer with the City of Sebastopol.

The selected self-sponsored academy candidates will receive a conditional offer upon a qualified application and full hourly pay while attending the police academy. 

The City will hire at the Police Officer Trainee or Police Officer rank, depending on the qualifications held by the pool of qualified applicants. Please see our concurrent Police Officer recruitment for more information.

The Police Officer Trainee will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Police Officer ~ Lateral Transfer, Academy Graduate, and Academy Attendee with the City of Pacifica.

THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT.

This job posting is for lateral transfer, academy graduate, and academy attendee only and NOT for entry-level applicants.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN.

At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it’s about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.

The Pacifica Police Department is responsible for all functions related to law enforcement and crime prevention and is made up of several divisions that carry out specialized duties to help the department perform as a cohesive whole. Those divisions are Field Services, Investigations, Communications and Records. The City of Pacifica Police Officers operate at the heart of the community, ensuring the safety of those who work, live, and visit the City. Staff includes thirty-seven (37) full-time positions and (4) part-time support positions.

Together, they come together to carry out the Police Department mission …"to protect and serve the members of our community with the highest level of commitment, ethics and professionalism.” 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to promote community order, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to maintain order, to enforce laws, ordinances, and constitutional mandates, to do investigative work in detection of crime, to perform public service tasks, while working varying hours and shifts, and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry level, sworn position serving the city of Pacifica maintaining and fostering high ethical, and professional standards within the police department and throughout the community.

Responsible for protecting life and property while enforcing the California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code and Pacifica Municipal Codes

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXECUTED

Receive general supervision from the Police Sergeant, Police Corporal, Police Captain and/or the Chief of Police.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDING BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Protect life and property through patrolling assigned areas.
• To maintain law and order.
• Answer calls for service from citizens regarding criminal activity and other matters relating to the safety of the community.
• Investigate crimes through contact with victims, suspects, and witnesses collecting, processing, and storing evidence.
• Monitor traffic to prevent accidents.  Enforces Vehicle Code laws and promotes traffic movement throughout the city.
• Investigate traffic accidents.
• Issues citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Give assistance to the injured.
• Make arrests.
• Issue citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Guard prisoners.
• Question suspects.
• Note and report unsafe conditions.
• Prepare evidence and appear in court.
• Search for stolen property and lost persons.
• Give information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, directions, and available public services.
• Document activities with complete, clear, and concise written reports and correspondence.
• Interact with social agencies, schools, families and juveniles regarding juvenile matters.
• Assist citizens, give directions, and promote community relations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, employees, and the public.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Protect the life, property, public order, and constitutional rights of all community members.
• Adhere to the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Code of Ethics.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness which meets job requirements.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
 

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of law enforcement services and program administration.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Criminal law as it relates to the apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of law violators and the collection of evidence.
• City of Pacifica streets, neighborhoods, and municipal code.
• Departmental policies and procedures
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Use of firearms and other modern police equipment and communications and information systems related to law enforcement.

Skill/Ability to

• Analyze and prioritize situations and adopt effective courses of action while giving due regard to protocols, procedures, surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• Interpret and apply city policies, procedures, rules and regulations and police department general orders.  
• Establish and maintain effective community relations on both an individual and group basis.
• To read, comprehend, explain, and apply complex issues of law derived from a variety of sources to include code books, computer screens, and other printed material.
• Drive a motor vehicle under emergency conditions and to hear verbal communications at normal speaking tones via radio and telephone and verbalize succinctly prepare and write accurate and factual reports.
• Qualify in the use of firearms and defense tactics on a periodic basis.
• Remain current and meet all post guidelines.
• Write accurate, clear, concise, factual reports.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with other employees, supervisors, public officials and employees of other non-police organizations and agencies, as well as the public to be served.
• Meet and maintain POST standards.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
 

Experience: none
 

Training: High school graduate or equivalent qualification, and 30 semester units from an accredited college or university desired (not required)
 

Certification: Must pass a comprehensive physical examination, meeting the standards established by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (POST)
 

License: Possession and maintenance of a California Class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
 

Minimum requirements for lateral entry officers:

• Must meet all minimum requirements for entry level officer with the exception of written and agility examination requirements.
• Must possess a POST Basic Certificate.
• A minimum of one-year satisfactory past police patrol experience within the past three years.
• Must have no record of felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions that could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Vision and hearing capabilities consistent with guidelines by POST and/or the City.
• Must be of good moral character to be determined by a thorough background investigation, which will be conducted under POST guidelines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Skills

Vision adequate to operate vehicles and equipment, read instructions and follow directions, read maps and small print, detect subtle shades of color; hearing adequate to distinguish mechanical noises, converse on radio, telephone and in person at distances of up to 50 feet, and detect unusual sounds; voice volume and speech clarity to command during an emergency; body mobility adequate to operate emergency equipment and perform required duties; stamina to perform administrative functions and to meet physical and mental demands during an emergency; use of hands and fingers adequate for operation of special equipment and weapons, writing, typing and computer related functions; ability to lift heavy equipment, as needed in emergency conditions.

Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation; bend, squat and kneel during inspection of crime scene or conducting building searches; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; run and walk; use telephone, and communicate through written means; continuously wear utility belt and other police equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently carry weight of 100 pounds or less.

Please note this opportunity is being advertised through Mosaic Public Partners.  If you are interested in applying, please submit your application through Mosaic at the following link:

Police Captain | City of Lincoln | Mosaic Public Partners. 

The City of Lincoln offers an outstanding career opportunity for an experienced leader to join our team as Police Captain!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lincoln, CA is seeking a forward-thinking, service-oriented law enforcement leader to serve as its next Police Captain. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and growing community, lead a dedicated team of officers and professional staff, and help shape the future of policing in one of Northern California’s most desirable cities. The next Captain will play a key role in supporting a culture of integrity, innovation, and community engagement – building on the department’s strong foundation while helping guide strategic initiatives in a city that values transparency, partnership, and progressive leadership.

ABOUT LINCOLN

The City of Lincoln is located at the edge of Northern California’s foothills, 27 miles northeast of California’s State Capital, Sacramento. With a population of 54,742 Lincoln was one of the fastest growing cities in the country from 2000 to 2007, yet has managed to maintain the small-town charm that has made it such a desired location to live, work and play.

The City of Lincoln is a full-service city that provides its services through the following departments: Administrative, City Attorney, City Council, City Manager, Community Development, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Library Services, Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation, and Airport. The City has over 200 FTE positions and a total budget of over $94.1million.

THE LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Lincoln Police Department proudly serves a thriving and rapidly growing community in Placer County. Committed to safeguarding both quality of life and public trust, the department operates with a dedicated team of 46 total staff members supported by a current fiscal year budget of $11.3 million. The Police Department enjoys a very low vacancy rate as compared to many other agencies, allowing the department to sustain service quality as the city expands.

Organized into core Operations and Support divisions, the department includes Patrol, Investigations, Communications, Records, Property & Evidence, and the Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteer program. These units work collaboratively to provide 24/7 law enforcement response, investigative follow-up, and administrative services, while enhancing community partnerships through outreach and volunteer support. The Lincoln Police Department actively engages the community through programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Coffee with a Cop, School Resource Officers, and the Youth Engagement Programs, fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration between officers and residents.

THE POSITION

The Police Captain reports to the Chief of Police and serves as the Department’s second-in-command. Receiving general direction from the Chief, the Captain is responsible for exercising direct supervision over sworn and non-sworn management, supervisory, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of management and supervision. The Captain’s direct reports are a Lieutenant, a Detective Sergeant, and a Dispatch/Records Supervisor. Key job functions of the Police Captain role include planning, directing, managing, coordinating, and evaluating the work of all major divisions of the Police Department; developing, recommending, and administering policies and procedures; continuously monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assessing and monitoring workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; and managing and participating in the development and administration of the division’s budget.

In addition to being a highly ethical and well qualified servant leader, the ideal candidate will have a leadership style characterized by inclusion, approachability, empathy, humility, collaboration, and respect for people in the broadest possible sense; be able to skillfully collaborate with all internal and external stakeholders; can commit to serving in the organization for several years; be a skilled communicator and relationship builder; have experience working in a unionized environment and demonstrated experience in labor/management relations; and must bring familiarity and experience with the important administrative functions of leading an agency, such as budget, information technology, collective bargaining, internal investigations, and human resources functions.

CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITIES

The next Police Captain must be experienced with a demonstrated commitment to community policing, collaboration, effective communication, and customer service to successfully address various challenges and opportunities:

• While the Lincoln Police Department enjoys a healthy relationship with its community members, an opportunity exists for the next Captain to bring ideas to the organization for additional community-centric programming and engagement opportunities. The Captain will be expected to lead the way and ensure the organizational culture supports community engagement to the highest extent possible.
• A recent evaluation of the Police Department recommended the need for formal mutual aid agreements with allied agencies, formal training and succession plans, and an internal leadership development plan. The successful candidate will be challenged to work closely with the Chief and others to work on these important organizational enhancements.
• An opportunity exists to creatively provide internal leadership opportunities and mentorship for sworn and professional staff to prepare people for larger roles and to deliver effective succession planning.