City of Seal Beach (CA)
CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT; 1ST DATE OF REVIEW: MONDAY, 10/20/2025
This recruitment may close at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
GENERAL PURPOSE Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area and enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations; surveils areas and engages in crime prevention activities; responds to calls for assistance and completes records and reports; carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Corporal, who leads specialized investigations work or work performed in other assignments. The Police Officer is also differentiated from the Police Sergeant, who serves as a first-line supervisor, and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift, bureau, or section. Police Officers may be assigned to special assignments, such as investigations, motors, SWAT, Field Training Officer, and special enforcement. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Patrols an assigned area and enforces federal and State laws, and local ordinances and regulations pertaining to public safety and law enforcement; observes designated areas in which significant crime has been reported.
Responds to radio messages, and citizen requests for protection of life and property and public assistance; appears at scenes of crime and public disorder and determines proper course of action; provides first aid or CPR as first responder; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; restores proper flow of traffic.
Gives verbal warnings and prepares citations, crime reports, arrest reports, patrol reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.
Conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, or other types of incidents involving possible violation of public safety statutes; assists with crime scene investigations and the handling and preservation of evidence; arrests suspects and completes booking reports.
Questions suspects and interviews victims and witnesses; testifies in Court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; completes field and follow-up investigations; monitors status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including Court orders.
Takes written statements; examines conditions of accident scenes; notes and reports traffic hazards; provides first aid for injured persons or requests medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures; writes supplemental reports; testifies in Court regarding observations and actions taken.
Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; assists other law enforcement agencies and public safety personnel in responding to calls.
Develops and maintains positive relations with citizens, business owners, schools, and other community members, and attends public meetings; provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, and events.
Participates in daily police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs; practices at shooting range; may operate training range.
When assigned to Detective detail, conducts criminal and civil case investigations; interviews victims, witnesses, suspects, and other parties to obtain leads and establish the nature and causes of potential crimes and violations of statutes; conducts background investigations for proper business, massage, and alcoholic beverage licenses; researches various records and prepares investigative and special reports.
When assigned to Traffic detail, also enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations.
When assigned to S.W.A.T. detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety.
KNOWLEDGE OF Police science principles, practices and professional standards; Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications; State Penal Codes, Traffic Codes, Civil Codes, and other statutes, Court decisions, and case law; local codes and ordinances; departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, criminal acts, arrest and control techniques, and handling of contraband; crime prevention principles; basic criminal investigation methods; self-defense methods and physical restraint techniques; radio codes and proper field communication techniques; principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, and related police services, including specialty assignments; communicable disease control methods and techniques; proper care and maintenance of property and equipment.
ABILITY TO Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, and firearms and non-lethal weapons; interpret and apply federal and State public safety laws and regulations as well as local codes and ordinances; prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records; convey clear instructions or execute commands; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other divisions, police management, City departments, public and private agencies, community groups, and the general public; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; accurately recall circumstances regarding traffic incidents or crime reports; exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations; think logically and maintain alertness in emergency situations; relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political and racial backgrounds and age groups.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE High School graduation or G.E.D. is required. Completion of up to 60 semester level units related to general education and police science is desirable. One year of experience as a Police Recruit, Reserve Officer, or Police Officer with another law enforcement agency is highly desirable. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid Class C California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance. Successful completion of the police academy. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment within one year of assignment. Satisfactory completion of Basic P.O.S.T certification is required within three years of assignment to this classification. Completion of American Red Cross CPR and first aid certification. Ability to work extended hours in order to meet shift needs, complete reports, attend meetings, or conduct police business.
VISION No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected and freedom from uncorrectable color blindness. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
AGE Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
CITIZENSHIP Must be a citizen of the United States OR permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has already applied for citizenship.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Applicants may undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION Applicants will be administered an Integrity test, and a polygraph examination.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation.
CHARACTER Applicants must be of good character and reputation. Applicants will be fingerprinted and records checked in both state and federal Bureaus. Applicants must not have a record of conviction of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses. Credit rating, if established, must be satisfactory.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
GENERAL PURPOSE Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area and enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations; surveils areas and engages in crime prevention activities; responds to calls for assistance and completes records and reports; carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property; and does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Corporal, who leads specialized investigations work or work performed in other assignments. The Police Officer is also differentiated from the Police Sergeant, who serves as a first-line supervisor, and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift, bureau, or section. Police Officers may be assigned to special assignments, such as investigations, motors, SWAT, Field Training Officer, and special enforcement. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Patrols an assigned area and enforces federal and State laws, and local ordinances and regulations pertaining to public safety and law enforcement; observes designated areas in which significant crime has been reported.
Responds to radio messages, and citizen requests for protection of life and property and public assistance; appears at scenes of crime and public disorder and determines proper course of action; provides first aid or CPR as first responder; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; restores proper flow of traffic.
Gives verbal warnings and prepares citations, crime reports, arrest reports, patrol reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.
Conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, or other types of incidents involving possible violation of public safety statutes; assists with crime scene investigations and the handling and preservation of evidence; arrests suspects and completes booking reports.
Questions suspects and interviews victims and witnesses; testifies in Court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; completes field and follow-up investigations; monitors status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including Court orders.
Takes written statements; examines conditions of accident scenes; notes and reports traffic hazards; provides first aid for injured persons or requests medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures; writes supplemental reports; testifies in Court regarding observations and actions taken.
Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; assists other law enforcement agencies and public safety personnel in responding to calls.
Develops and maintains positive relations with citizens, business owners, schools, and other community members, and attends public meetings; provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, and events.
Participates in daily police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs; practices at shooting range; may operate training range.
When assigned to Detective detail, conducts criminal and civil case investigations; interviews victims, witnesses, suspects, and other parties to obtain leads and establish the nature and causes of potential crimes and violations of statutes; conducts background investigations for proper business, massage, and alcoholic beverage licenses; researches various records and prepares investigative and special reports.
When assigned to Traffic detail, also enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations.
When assigned to S.W.A.T. detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety.
KNOWLEDGE OF Police science principles, practices and professional standards; Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications; State Penal Codes, Traffic Codes, Civil Codes, and other statutes, Court decisions, and case law; local codes and ordinances; departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, criminal acts, arrest and control techniques, and handling of contraband; crime prevention principles; basic criminal investigation methods; self-defense methods and physical restraint techniques; radio codes and proper field communication techniques; principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, and related police services, including specialty assignments; communicable disease control methods and techniques; proper care and maintenance of property and equipment.
ABILITY TO Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, and firearms and non-lethal weapons; interpret and apply federal and State public safety laws and regulations as well as local codes and ordinances; prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records; convey clear instructions or execute commands; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other divisions, police management, City departments, public and private agencies, community groups, and the general public; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; accurately recall circumstances regarding traffic incidents or crime reports; exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations; think logically and maintain alertness in emergency situations; relate effectively with persons from diverse social, ethnic, political and racial backgrounds and age groups.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE High School graduation or G.E.D. is required. Completion of up to 60 semester level units related to general education and police science is desirable. One year of experience as a Police Recruit, Reserve Officer, or Police Officer with another law enforcement agency is highly desirable. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid Class C California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance. Successful completion of the police academy. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment within one year of assignment. Satisfactory completion of Basic P.O.S.T certification is required within three years of assignment to this classification. Completion of American Red Cross CPR and first aid certification. Ability to work extended hours in order to meet shift needs, complete reports, attend meetings, or conduct police business.
VISION No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected and freedom from uncorrectable color blindness. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
AGE Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
CITIZENSHIP Must be a citizen of the United States OR permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has already applied for citizenship.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Applicants may undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine their suitability for the position.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION Applicants will be administered an Integrity test, and a polygraph examination.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Applicants will undergo a complete, comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation.
CHARACTER Applicants must be of good character and reputation. Applicants will be fingerprinted and records checked in both state and federal Bureaus. Applicants must not have a record of conviction of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses. Credit rating, if established, must be satisfactory.
#J-18808-Ljbffr