City of Downey
About The Position
NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. Testing will be conducted based on a reasonable pool of qualified applicants. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.
The Police Officer Recruit is a non-sworn training position. An incumbent is required to complete a formal and comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Academy training program sponsored by the City of Downey. A full‑time Basic Academy can be approximately four to six months. Upon completion of training and graduation from the Academy with acceptable class standing, a candidate is eligible for placement consideration in the position of sworn Police Officer with the City of Downey.
About The Police Academy The Academy provides training in basic criminal investigation processes and techniques; preparation of various reports; analysis of situations to make appropriate decisions under stressful situations; testify and present evidence in court, and practices and theory in criminal and civil law enforcement.
A qualified candidate for the Police Recruit position must be prepared and available to attend a full‑time Basic Academy.
Police Recruit – Essential Functions While enrolled in the Police Basic Academy an incumbent must:
Participate in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry‑level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program.
Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct.
Sworn Police Officer – Essential Functions Following graduation from the Academy and upon appointment to the position, essential duties include:
Upon completion of the Academy, sworn police officer will be assigned to a 22‑week POST approved Field Training program. During the field training process, the employee must show proficiency in City orientation, patrol and safety tactics, traffic enforcement, applicable laws, departmental policies and procedures and other police related functions.
Upon completion of the FTO program patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s).
Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders.
Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases.
Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Successfully complete the City of Downey Police Department Field Training Program; requires the ability to meet and maintain POST physical standards; possess analytical and decision‑making skills and ability to identify problems, weigh solutions, recognize alternatives and their implications independently and quickly; possess interpersonal skills to effectively interact with those encountered in the performance of duties, specifically within a diverse population, including surrounding communities; skill in speaking clearly using appropriate vocabulary to provide information and relate evidence in court; ability to exercise authority in both physical and verbal actions in activities which may involve hostility and resistance; skill and ability to write accurate and descriptive reports; and, skill in using a personal computer and keyboard. Ability to learn and maintain acceptable working knowledge, including safety considerations on the operation and use of assigned equipment and tools required in the performance of duties.
License Requirement Due to the performance of field patrol duties, possession of a valid California Driver's License and possession of an acceptable driving record and the ability to maintain a valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record during the course of employment is required.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
21 years of age upon appointment
Of good moral character and free of felony convictions
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Experience and Education No previous law enforcement experience or Police Academy training required. High school diploma or equivalent required. Completed formal education or coursework in criminal justice or a related field that provides knowledge or exposure to law enforcement or public safety service is helpful.
Additional Information Physical tasks and environmental conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Exposure to slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are frequently encountered. An incumbent must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires ability to work in cramped spaces or run, jump, vault or climb as needed to apprehend a suspect. An incumbent must be available to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime.
Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements for driving, walking, standing, and sitting for short and prolonged periods, bending, stooping, lifting, running, jumping, leaning, squatting, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, turning and twisting. The ability to safely push, pull, carry, drag up to 100 pounds with or without assistance is required. The ability to reach above and below shoulder level; both light and firm grasping; finger dexterity to hold and handle a revolver and pull the trigger, operate a computer terminal or keyboard, operate patrol vehicle controls switches for lights, sirens or public address system, and to manually check weapons or perform safety checks to maintain operational condition is required. To operate a police vehicle, foot manipulation to operate accelerator or brake pedals with the right or left foot or to use the foot as an aide to control suspect's foot while patting down a suspect is required. The ability to feel for patting down suspect's body, to determine level of warmth to test or confirm evidence of fire, or feel body for warmth or pulse, seeing, hearing, seeing, and smelling is required. The ability to see with both eyes (correctable to 20/20), including the ability to distinguish colors; ability to hear within normal limits, speak, and smell. The ability to talk to order suspects to halt and to drop any weapons, to communicate and warn other officers of a dangerous situation, to conduct field interviews with suspects or witnesses, and to talk on the police radio to indicate status of incident and other vital details is required. Physical duties of the position may expose an incumbent to blood, other bodily fluids, or communicable diseases.
Non-Smoking Policy In an effort to promote wellness, the City of Downey Police Department prohibits safety employees from the use of tobacco products either on or off the job.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides the City of Downey information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
Application Review & Selection Testing Process PART I: Qualifying Written Examination Applicants successful in Part I will be invited to the written examination: a 100‑item multiple‑choice test. An applicant must receive a minimum score of 70 % in each of the examination components in order to continue in the selection process.
The written exam will be waived for candidates that have taken the California P.O.S.T. PELLET‑B Exam within one (1) year of date of application and received a T‑Score of 42. Candidates are required to attach proof of their qualifying T‑Score on agency letterhead from the agency that administered the exam with their application.
PART II: Qualifying Physical Agility Those applicants meeting the required pass point on the written examination will be invited to the qualifying physical agility assessment. The assessment is evaluated on a point basis. Components:
1.5 mile run (max time allowance 15 min)
500 yard run (max time 3 min 19 sec)
Climbing over six‑foot walls (chain link and solid wall)
99 yard obstacle course
Lifting and dragging a dummy
30 push‑ups (max time allowance 2 min)
30 sit‑ups (max time allowance 2 min)
PART III: Appraisal Examination Applicants who pass the Qualifying Physical Agility will then be invited to participate in an appraisal examination. This testing component will assess the candidate's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to successfully perform in the position. An interview panel will be conducted by subject matter experts.
Eligible List The names of those candidates who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be placed on the Eligible List for the position of Recruit/Police Officer. The duration of the List is generally one year but may be exhausted sooner dependent upon the targeted Police Academy program schedule selected by the Downey Police Department.
Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph exam and fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice will be conducted. A psychological assessment will be scheduled following the completion of the background investigation with acceptable results. Upon the issuance of a conditional offer of employment, a job‑related pre‑placement medical exam with the City's industrial medical provider is required and will include a drug screen.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904‑7292 at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
Benefits Summary To view the benefit summary for this position please click HERE.
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
Application Questionnaire 1. Are you at least 20 years of age?
Yes
No
2. Have you completed any coursework within the last two (2) years in criminal justice or related field?
Yes
No
3. Have you completed any training within the last two (2) years related to law enforcement/criminal justice?
Yes
No
4. Have you ever been convicted of any offense declared by law to be a felony in this state or any other state?
Yes
No
5. Have you used any federally illegally controlled substances within the last five (5) years? Please be aware that this question does not apply to any prior use of cannabis. The City is not seeking information from you about any prior use of cannabis (marijuana) under Government Code section 12954.
Yes
No
6. Have you been dishonourably or less than honourably discharged from the United States Armed Forces?
Yes
No
7. Please explain any "Yes" answers to questions nine (9) through eleven (11) above.
Required Question
8. In the space below please indicate the number of at fault vehicle accidents you have been involved in within the last five (5) years.
9. In the space below, please enter how many moving and non‑moving traffic citations you have received in the last five (5) years.
Required Question
Seniority Level Internship
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Police Officer Recruit is a non-sworn training position. An incumbent is required to complete a formal and comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Academy training program sponsored by the City of Downey. A full‑time Basic Academy can be approximately four to six months. Upon completion of training and graduation from the Academy with acceptable class standing, a candidate is eligible for placement consideration in the position of sworn Police Officer with the City of Downey.
About The Police Academy The Academy provides training in basic criminal investigation processes and techniques; preparation of various reports; analysis of situations to make appropriate decisions under stressful situations; testify and present evidence in court, and practices and theory in criminal and civil law enforcement.
A qualified candidate for the Police Recruit position must be prepared and available to attend a full‑time Basic Academy.
Police Recruit – Essential Functions While enrolled in the Police Basic Academy an incumbent must:
Participate in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry‑level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program.
Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct.
Sworn Police Officer – Essential Functions Following graduation from the Academy and upon appointment to the position, essential duties include:
Upon completion of the Academy, sworn police officer will be assigned to a 22‑week POST approved Field Training program. During the field training process, the employee must show proficiency in City orientation, patrol and safety tactics, traffic enforcement, applicable laws, departmental policies and procedures and other police related functions.
Upon completion of the FTO program patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s).
Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders.
Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases.
Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Successfully complete the City of Downey Police Department Field Training Program; requires the ability to meet and maintain POST physical standards; possess analytical and decision‑making skills and ability to identify problems, weigh solutions, recognize alternatives and their implications independently and quickly; possess interpersonal skills to effectively interact with those encountered in the performance of duties, specifically within a diverse population, including surrounding communities; skill in speaking clearly using appropriate vocabulary to provide information and relate evidence in court; ability to exercise authority in both physical and verbal actions in activities which may involve hostility and resistance; skill and ability to write accurate and descriptive reports; and, skill in using a personal computer and keyboard. Ability to learn and maintain acceptable working knowledge, including safety considerations on the operation and use of assigned equipment and tools required in the performance of duties.
License Requirement Due to the performance of field patrol duties, possession of a valid California Driver's License and possession of an acceptable driving record and the ability to maintain a valid Driver's License and an acceptable driving record during the course of employment is required.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
21 years of age upon appointment
Of good moral character and free of felony convictions
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Experience and Education No previous law enforcement experience or Police Academy training required. High school diploma or equivalent required. Completed formal education or coursework in criminal justice or a related field that provides knowledge or exposure to law enforcement or public safety service is helpful.
Additional Information Physical tasks and environmental conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Exposure to slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are frequently encountered. An incumbent must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires ability to work in cramped spaces or run, jump, vault or climb as needed to apprehend a suspect. An incumbent must be available to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime.
Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements for driving, walking, standing, and sitting for short and prolonged periods, bending, stooping, lifting, running, jumping, leaning, squatting, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, turning and twisting. The ability to safely push, pull, carry, drag up to 100 pounds with or without assistance is required. The ability to reach above and below shoulder level; both light and firm grasping; finger dexterity to hold and handle a revolver and pull the trigger, operate a computer terminal or keyboard, operate patrol vehicle controls switches for lights, sirens or public address system, and to manually check weapons or perform safety checks to maintain operational condition is required. To operate a police vehicle, foot manipulation to operate accelerator or brake pedals with the right or left foot or to use the foot as an aide to control suspect's foot while patting down a suspect is required. The ability to feel for patting down suspect's body, to determine level of warmth to test or confirm evidence of fire, or feel body for warmth or pulse, seeing, hearing, seeing, and smelling is required. The ability to see with both eyes (correctable to 20/20), including the ability to distinguish colors; ability to hear within normal limits, speak, and smell. The ability to talk to order suspects to halt and to drop any weapons, to communicate and warn other officers of a dangerous situation, to conduct field interviews with suspects or witnesses, and to talk on the police radio to indicate status of incident and other vital details is required. Physical duties of the position may expose an incumbent to blood, other bodily fluids, or communicable diseases.
Non-Smoking Policy In an effort to promote wellness, the City of Downey Police Department prohibits safety employees from the use of tobacco products either on or off the job.
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides the City of Downey information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
Application Review & Selection Testing Process PART I: Qualifying Written Examination Applicants successful in Part I will be invited to the written examination: a 100‑item multiple‑choice test. An applicant must receive a minimum score of 70 % in each of the examination components in order to continue in the selection process.
The written exam will be waived for candidates that have taken the California P.O.S.T. PELLET‑B Exam within one (1) year of date of application and received a T‑Score of 42. Candidates are required to attach proof of their qualifying T‑Score on agency letterhead from the agency that administered the exam with their application.
PART II: Qualifying Physical Agility Those applicants meeting the required pass point on the written examination will be invited to the qualifying physical agility assessment. The assessment is evaluated on a point basis. Components:
1.5 mile run (max time allowance 15 min)
500 yard run (max time 3 min 19 sec)
Climbing over six‑foot walls (chain link and solid wall)
99 yard obstacle course
Lifting and dragging a dummy
30 push‑ups (max time allowance 2 min)
30 sit‑ups (max time allowance 2 min)
PART III: Appraisal Examination Applicants who pass the Qualifying Physical Agility will then be invited to participate in an appraisal examination. This testing component will assess the candidate's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to successfully perform in the position. An interview panel will be conducted by subject matter experts.
Eligible List The names of those candidates who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be placed on the Eligible List for the position of Recruit/Police Officer. The duration of the List is generally one year but may be exhausted sooner dependent upon the targeted Police Academy program schedule selected by the Downey Police Department.
Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph exam and fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice will be conducted. A psychological assessment will be scheduled following the completion of the background investigation with acceptable results. Upon the issuance of a conditional offer of employment, a job‑related pre‑placement medical exam with the City's industrial medical provider is required and will include a drug screen.
Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904‑7292 at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.
Benefits Summary To view the benefit summary for this position please click HERE.
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
Application Questionnaire 1. Are you at least 20 years of age?
Yes
No
2. Have you completed any coursework within the last two (2) years in criminal justice or related field?
Yes
No
3. Have you completed any training within the last two (2) years related to law enforcement/criminal justice?
Yes
No
4. Have you ever been convicted of any offense declared by law to be a felony in this state or any other state?
Yes
No
5. Have you used any federally illegally controlled substances within the last five (5) years? Please be aware that this question does not apply to any prior use of cannabis. The City is not seeking information from you about any prior use of cannabis (marijuana) under Government Code section 12954.
Yes
No
6. Have you been dishonourably or less than honourably discharged from the United States Armed Forces?
Yes
No
7. Please explain any "Yes" answers to questions nine (9) through eleven (11) above.
Required Question
8. In the space below please indicate the number of at fault vehicle accidents you have been involved in within the last five (5) years.
9. In the space below, please enter how many moving and non‑moving traffic citations you have received in the last five (5) years.
Required Question
Seniority Level Internship
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr