City of Santa Cruz
Police Officer Academy Graduate / Lateral Transfer
City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061
Overview
The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting Police Officer Lateral and Academy Graduate candidates. Our department emphasizes core values of integrity, energy, positive attitudes, and problem solving. We value teamwork, community care, and safe streets, with innovative community-based policing and strong critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. You will work with a diverse community and have access to state-of-the-art training and opportunities to make a difference in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department serves a community of over 65,000 residents, with population swelling to over 100,000 in summer. There are 94 sworn officers assigned to patrol, traffic, parks, community services, downtown, investigations, K9, motors, and undercover task forces. The City supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, hiring, and retention. Recruitment #26-PD-01 Application and Selection Process
The following process may be changed at the discretion of the Human Resources Director. Information may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute a contract. Apply Now
with required materials:
Application — apply online. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a complete application. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Responses to supplemental questions POST certificate or POST academy completion certificate must be attached; applications screened as incomplete without it Applications are screened based on minimum qualifications. For Lateral or Academy Graduate candidates, there is no written exam or physical agility test Personal History Statement : Candidates with a completed application who meet minimum qualifications and have required POST certifications will be asked to submit a sworn Personal History Statement (PHS) within 14 calendar days of notification. The form is available on the City website. You may review the form and reasons for disqualification here prior to submission Copies of transcripts or degree certificates must be attached to qualify for Educational Bonus
Interviews : Candidates who pass the PHS review proceed to selection interviews. Finalists who pass proceed to a background investigation and polygraph test. Finalists have an oral interview with the department’s executive team. A conditional offer requires passing a psychological exam and a pre-employment medical exam. PAY INCENTIVES
There are pay incentives for newly hired lateral police officers who have completed a probationary period of at least 12 months. Incentives
Hiring Incentive:
Up to $20,000 paid as $5,000 increments upon FTO completion, 1.5 years post hire, 2.5 years post hire, and 3.5 years post hire. Education Incentive:
$2,500 for a 2-year degree or $5,000 for a 4-year degree upon successful probation completion. If both are held, the higher incentive applies. Educational Reimbursement:
Reimbursement up to $500 per fiscal year for tuition and books with City-approved courses and prior approval from the Chief of Police. Bilingual Pay:
5% per month for bilingual skills, upon recommendation and approval. Employee Referral Incentives:
Up to $10,000 for referrals, disbursed at specified milestones; the referring employee’s name must be listed on the application. Background, Medical, and Driver Requirements
An intensive background investigation will be conducted in accordance with POST guidelines. Finalists must pass a polygraph, a psychological exam, and a medical exam (including stress test EKG). Suitability is based on POST job dimensions such as problem-solving, learning ability, observation, interpersonal skills, integrity, and communication, among others. Applicants must obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license and have a safe driving record. Certain DUI or moving violation history may disqualify a candidate. Contact and How to Apply
For more information, contact the Police Department recruiting section at (831) 420-5801. To schedule a ride-along or tour, visit the Police Department webpage. For application questions, email the Human Resources Department at HR@santacruzca.gov. Education, Experience, and Abilities
Education and Experience High school graduation or tested equivalent Entry-Level:
POST academy completion certificate Lateral Transfer:
POST basic law enforcement certificate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of laws pertaining to search and seizure, arrest, and interrogation; rules of evidence; basic criminal law; use and care of standard police firearms Some knowledge of criminal investigations and court procedures Abilities include learning modern police procedures, applying laws and policies, reacting calmly in emergencies, pursuing and restraining suspects, observing details, communicating clearly, and writing reports Ability to establish working relationships and operate a police radio system Special Requirements Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends Psychological suitability for police work as required by POST Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation including a polygraph, credit history, driving record, and character references Age and Citizenship Must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment Must be a U.S. Citizen or have applied for citizenship before application Physical Condition Physical health and agility as required by POST guidelines Vision requirements: corrected 20/20 both eyes; uncorrected 20/80 or better with specific allowances; color/binocular/peripheral vision per POST guidelines Licenses and Certificates Valid California Class C driver’s license Desirable Qualifications Bilingual and/or bicultural Spanish speaking Career Ladder Police Chief Police Deputy Chief Police Lieutenant Police Sergeant Police Officer
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The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting Police Officer Lateral and Academy Graduate candidates. Our department emphasizes core values of integrity, energy, positive attitudes, and problem solving. We value teamwork, community care, and safe streets, with innovative community-based policing and strong critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. You will work with a diverse community and have access to state-of-the-art training and opportunities to make a difference in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department serves a community of over 65,000 residents, with population swelling to over 100,000 in summer. There are 94 sworn officers assigned to patrol, traffic, parks, community services, downtown, investigations, K9, motors, and undercover task forces. The City supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment, hiring, and retention. Recruitment #26-PD-01 Application and Selection Process
The following process may be changed at the discretion of the Human Resources Director. Information may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute a contract. Apply Now
with required materials:
Application — apply online. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a complete application. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Responses to supplemental questions POST certificate or POST academy completion certificate must be attached; applications screened as incomplete without it Applications are screened based on minimum qualifications. For Lateral or Academy Graduate candidates, there is no written exam or physical agility test Personal History Statement : Candidates with a completed application who meet minimum qualifications and have required POST certifications will be asked to submit a sworn Personal History Statement (PHS) within 14 calendar days of notification. The form is available on the City website. You may review the form and reasons for disqualification here prior to submission Copies of transcripts or degree certificates must be attached to qualify for Educational Bonus
Interviews : Candidates who pass the PHS review proceed to selection interviews. Finalists who pass proceed to a background investigation and polygraph test. Finalists have an oral interview with the department’s executive team. A conditional offer requires passing a psychological exam and a pre-employment medical exam. PAY INCENTIVES
There are pay incentives for newly hired lateral police officers who have completed a probationary period of at least 12 months. Incentives
Hiring Incentive:
Up to $20,000 paid as $5,000 increments upon FTO completion, 1.5 years post hire, 2.5 years post hire, and 3.5 years post hire. Education Incentive:
$2,500 for a 2-year degree or $5,000 for a 4-year degree upon successful probation completion. If both are held, the higher incentive applies. Educational Reimbursement:
Reimbursement up to $500 per fiscal year for tuition and books with City-approved courses and prior approval from the Chief of Police. Bilingual Pay:
5% per month for bilingual skills, upon recommendation and approval. Employee Referral Incentives:
Up to $10,000 for referrals, disbursed at specified milestones; the referring employee’s name must be listed on the application. Background, Medical, and Driver Requirements
An intensive background investigation will be conducted in accordance with POST guidelines. Finalists must pass a polygraph, a psychological exam, and a medical exam (including stress test EKG). Suitability is based on POST job dimensions such as problem-solving, learning ability, observation, interpersonal skills, integrity, and communication, among others. Applicants must obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license and have a safe driving record. Certain DUI or moving violation history may disqualify a candidate. Contact and How to Apply
For more information, contact the Police Department recruiting section at (831) 420-5801. To schedule a ride-along or tour, visit the Police Department webpage. For application questions, email the Human Resources Department at HR@santacruzca.gov. Education, Experience, and Abilities
Education and Experience High school graduation or tested equivalent Entry-Level:
POST academy completion certificate Lateral Transfer:
POST basic law enforcement certificate Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of laws pertaining to search and seizure, arrest, and interrogation; rules of evidence; basic criminal law; use and care of standard police firearms Some knowledge of criminal investigations and court procedures Abilities include learning modern police procedures, applying laws and policies, reacting calmly in emergencies, pursuing and restraining suspects, observing details, communicating clearly, and writing reports Ability to establish working relationships and operate a police radio system Special Requirements Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends Psychological suitability for police work as required by POST Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation including a polygraph, credit history, driving record, and character references Age and Citizenship Must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment Must be a U.S. Citizen or have applied for citizenship before application Physical Condition Physical health and agility as required by POST guidelines Vision requirements: corrected 20/20 both eyes; uncorrected 20/80 or better with specific allowances; color/binocular/peripheral vision per POST guidelines Licenses and Certificates Valid California Class C driver’s license Desirable Qualifications Bilingual and/or bicultural Spanish speaking Career Ladder Police Chief Police Deputy Chief Police Lieutenant Police Sergeant Police Officer
#J-18808-Ljbffr