City of Santa Cruz
Police Officer Academy Graduate / Lateral Transfer
City of Santa Cruz, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
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Police Officer Academy Graduate / Lateral Transfer
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City of Santa Cruz
Position Overview The City of Santa Cruz is now recruiting for Police Officer Lateral and Academy Graduate candidates. Join the SCPD team for a career that offers excitement, growth opportunities, great coworkers and the chance to make a positive impact in your community.
Why SCPD? Core values are people with positive attitudes, integrity, energy, and problem solvers. Our officers are trained leaders who value teamwork, care about the community and work daily to keep it safe. Come join a department that has received national and international acclaim for our innovative community-based policing strategies. We believe in fostering an environment of strong critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. You will work alongside great team members and interact with our diverse community.
Each and every officer embodies a commitment to change and improving the quality of life in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department serves a community of over 65,000 citizens, swelling to over 100,000 during the summer. There are 94 sworn officers assigned to patrol, traffic, parks, community services, downtown, investigations, K9 unit, motors and undercover task force assignments. The City of Santa Cruz has a strong interest in and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our recruitment, hiring and retention practices. We actively seek and encourage applications from talented individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Recruitment #26-PD-05 APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Apply online with required application materials: complete the online application form. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a fully completed application.
Responses to supplemental questions
Possession of a POST certificate awarded by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) must be attached to your application. An incomplete application will be screened as such.
Entry-level candidates attach current POST Academy Completion Certificate.
Lateral Transfer Candidates attach current POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate.
Proof of educational degrees (if applicable) must be attached to qualify for educational incentive.
Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications. For lateral or academy graduate candidates, no written examination or physical agility testing is required.
If you meet the minimum qualifications and provide the required POST certifications, you will be requested to submit a sworn Personal History Statement (PHS) within 14 days of notification.
Selected candidates will proceed to: Oral interview panel, background investigation and polygraph examination, interview with the Chief of Police, psychological examination, and medical examination (includes drug/alcohol screening).
Pay & Incentives
Newly hired Lateral Police Officers receive up to $20,000 in incentives: $5,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, $5,000 at 1.5 years post-hire, $5,000 at 2.5 years post-hire, and $5,000 at 3.5 years post-hire.
Education Incentive:
Two-year college degree (AA or AS) = $2,500 bonus at end of probation.
Four-year college degree (BA or BS) = $5,000 bonus at end of probation (higher prize only).
Educational Tuition Reimbursement: up to $500 per fiscal year for approved courses; approval from the Chief of Police required.
Bilingual Pay Differential: 5% of base pay per month for certified bilingual officers, subject to approval.
Employee Referral Incentive: referrals must check "City Employee" box and provide referring employee name.
Background Investigation and Polygraph Test An intensive background investigation will be conducted per POST guidelines, including a polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references. Suitability is based on POST job dimensions such as problem-solving, learning, observation, interpersonal sensitivity, etc.
Driver's License Requirements Applicants must obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record by time of hire.
Contact For more information, contact the Police Department recruiting team at (831) 420-5801 or email HR@santacruzca.gov. To schedule a ride‑along or tour, visit the Police Department webpage.
Basic Function Under general supervision, preserves the peace; protects life and property; prevents and detects crimes; enforces laws and ordinances; and maintains a public service approach toward the community, and performs other job‑related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics This is the entry and journey level classification of the City’s sworn police service. Incumbents rotate through various assignments and may be assigned to any of the following divisions or units: Patrol; Traffic Enforcement; Investigation; Juvenile; Forgery Detail; Crime Prevention; or Special Assignments. Other special duties may include bomb or scuba diving squads, hostage/crisis negotiations, FTO, firearms instructor or other training programs.
Typical Duties
Patrol assigned areas in a motorized vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect crime.
Respond to calls concerning traffic accidents, crimes, disorder and emergency situations.
Pursue and apprehend suspects.
Enforce traffic laws; investigate traffic accidents; administer first aid and control crowds.
Conduct initial and follow‑up investigations of crimes; collect and preserve physical evidence; photograph crime scenes; question suspects, witnesses and victims.
Make arrests and transport prisoners.
Prepare crime reports, incident reports, traffic collision reports, citations, property reports and special reports as assigned.
Participate in the Community Awareness Program.
Provide escort or traffic control during parades, funerals and special events; coordinate with school crossing guards.
Prepare cases for prosecution and appear in court as a witness.
Process and serve warrants; serve subpoenas, summonses, notices and other legal papers.
Collect, preserve and transport physical evidence.
Answer questions and provide information to the public.
Assist and cooperate with other law enforcement and public safety agencies.
Perform related duties as assigned within the guidelines or policies of the department.
Working Conditions Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods; lift and drag 165 pounds; meet current POST vision and hearing guidelines; carry and operate a firearm; work in intense life‑threatening conditions; drive standard police vehicles. Exposure to noise, outdoors, inclement weather, animals, chemicals, fumes, explosives, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, traffic hazards, moving objects; dangerous persons, animals, firearms, bodily fluids. Ability to travel to various sites and maintain a safe driving record.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience
High school graduation or tested equivalent.
For Entry Level Candidates
Possession of a current Academy Completion Certificate awarded by POST.
For Lateral Transfer Candidates
Possession of a current Basic Law Enforcement Certificate awarded by POST.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working Knowledge
Laws pertaining to search and seizure, arrest and interrogation of suspects.
Rules of evidence and basic criminal law.
The use and care of standard police firearms.
Some Knowledge
Techniques of criminal investigations.
Court procedures in criminal and civil cases.
Abilities
Learn modern police procedures and techniques.
Understand, interpret and apply state and local laws, department policies and other legal literature.
React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations.
Pursue, subdue and control or physically restrain a suspect.
Observe and remember facts and details of incidents.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully.
Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation.
Write clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner.
Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.
Special Requirements
Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends.
Psychological suitability for police work as determined by a psychological exam.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Must be at least 21 years of age at appointment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Physical Condition
Physical health, strength and agility to meet demands as determined by a physical agility test and medical exam.
Corrected vision of 20/20 for both eyes together; uncorrected vision of 20/80 for those who wear glasses or hard contacts; no uncorrected vision standard for those who have worn soft contacts for at least one year. Current POST vision guidelines must be met.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.
Desirable Qualifications
Bilingual and/or bicultural Spanish speaking.
Career Ladder
Police Chief
Police Deputy Chief
Police Lieutenant
Police Sergeant
Police Officer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Police Officer Academy Graduate / Lateral Transfer
role at
City of Santa Cruz
Position Overview The City of Santa Cruz is now recruiting for Police Officer Lateral and Academy Graduate candidates. Join the SCPD team for a career that offers excitement, growth opportunities, great coworkers and the chance to make a positive impact in your community.
Why SCPD? Core values are people with positive attitudes, integrity, energy, and problem solvers. Our officers are trained leaders who value teamwork, care about the community and work daily to keep it safe. Come join a department that has received national and international acclaim for our innovative community-based policing strategies. We believe in fostering an environment of strong critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. You will work alongside great team members and interact with our diverse community.
Each and every officer embodies a commitment to change and improving the quality of life in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department serves a community of over 65,000 citizens, swelling to over 100,000 during the summer. There are 94 sworn officers assigned to patrol, traffic, parks, community services, downtown, investigations, K9 unit, motors and undercover task force assignments. The City of Santa Cruz has a strong interest in and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our recruitment, hiring and retention practices. We actively seek and encourage applications from talented individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Recruitment #26-PD-05 APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Apply online with required application materials: complete the online application form. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a fully completed application.
Responses to supplemental questions
Possession of a POST certificate awarded by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) must be attached to your application. An incomplete application will be screened as such.
Entry-level candidates attach current POST Academy Completion Certificate.
Lateral Transfer Candidates attach current POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate.
Proof of educational degrees (if applicable) must be attached to qualify for educational incentive.
Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications. For lateral or academy graduate candidates, no written examination or physical agility testing is required.
If you meet the minimum qualifications and provide the required POST certifications, you will be requested to submit a sworn Personal History Statement (PHS) within 14 days of notification.
Selected candidates will proceed to: Oral interview panel, background investigation and polygraph examination, interview with the Chief of Police, psychological examination, and medical examination (includes drug/alcohol screening).
Pay & Incentives
Newly hired Lateral Police Officers receive up to $20,000 in incentives: $5,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, $5,000 at 1.5 years post-hire, $5,000 at 2.5 years post-hire, and $5,000 at 3.5 years post-hire.
Education Incentive:
Two-year college degree (AA or AS) = $2,500 bonus at end of probation.
Four-year college degree (BA or BS) = $5,000 bonus at end of probation (higher prize only).
Educational Tuition Reimbursement: up to $500 per fiscal year for approved courses; approval from the Chief of Police required.
Bilingual Pay Differential: 5% of base pay per month for certified bilingual officers, subject to approval.
Employee Referral Incentive: referrals must check "City Employee" box and provide referring employee name.
Background Investigation and Polygraph Test An intensive background investigation will be conducted per POST guidelines, including a polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references. Suitability is based on POST job dimensions such as problem-solving, learning, observation, interpersonal sensitivity, etc.
Driver's License Requirements Applicants must obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record by time of hire.
Contact For more information, contact the Police Department recruiting team at (831) 420-5801 or email HR@santacruzca.gov. To schedule a ride‑along or tour, visit the Police Department webpage.
Basic Function Under general supervision, preserves the peace; protects life and property; prevents and detects crimes; enforces laws and ordinances; and maintains a public service approach toward the community, and performs other job‑related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics This is the entry and journey level classification of the City’s sworn police service. Incumbents rotate through various assignments and may be assigned to any of the following divisions or units: Patrol; Traffic Enforcement; Investigation; Juvenile; Forgery Detail; Crime Prevention; or Special Assignments. Other special duties may include bomb or scuba diving squads, hostage/crisis negotiations, FTO, firearms instructor or other training programs.
Typical Duties
Patrol assigned areas in a motorized vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect crime.
Respond to calls concerning traffic accidents, crimes, disorder and emergency situations.
Pursue and apprehend suspects.
Enforce traffic laws; investigate traffic accidents; administer first aid and control crowds.
Conduct initial and follow‑up investigations of crimes; collect and preserve physical evidence; photograph crime scenes; question suspects, witnesses and victims.
Make arrests and transport prisoners.
Prepare crime reports, incident reports, traffic collision reports, citations, property reports and special reports as assigned.
Participate in the Community Awareness Program.
Provide escort or traffic control during parades, funerals and special events; coordinate with school crossing guards.
Prepare cases for prosecution and appear in court as a witness.
Process and serve warrants; serve subpoenas, summonses, notices and other legal papers.
Collect, preserve and transport physical evidence.
Answer questions and provide information to the public.
Assist and cooperate with other law enforcement and public safety agencies.
Perform related duties as assigned within the guidelines or policies of the department.
Working Conditions Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods; lift and drag 165 pounds; meet current POST vision and hearing guidelines; carry and operate a firearm; work in intense life‑threatening conditions; drive standard police vehicles. Exposure to noise, outdoors, inclement weather, animals, chemicals, fumes, explosives, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, traffic hazards, moving objects; dangerous persons, animals, firearms, bodily fluids. Ability to travel to various sites and maintain a safe driving record.
Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience
High school graduation or tested equivalent.
For Entry Level Candidates
Possession of a current Academy Completion Certificate awarded by POST.
For Lateral Transfer Candidates
Possession of a current Basic Law Enforcement Certificate awarded by POST.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working Knowledge
Laws pertaining to search and seizure, arrest and interrogation of suspects.
Rules of evidence and basic criminal law.
The use and care of standard police firearms.
Some Knowledge
Techniques of criminal investigations.
Court procedures in criminal and civil cases.
Abilities
Learn modern police procedures and techniques.
Understand, interpret and apply state and local laws, department policies and other legal literature.
React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations.
Pursue, subdue and control or physically restrain a suspect.
Observe and remember facts and details of incidents.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully.
Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation.
Write clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner.
Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.
Special Requirements
Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends.
Psychological suitability for police work as determined by a psychological exam.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Must be at least 21 years of age at appointment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Physical Condition
Physical health, strength and agility to meet demands as determined by a physical agility test and medical exam.
Corrected vision of 20/20 for both eyes together; uncorrected vision of 20/80 for those who wear glasses or hard contacts; no uncorrected vision standard for those who have worn soft contacts for at least one year. Current POST vision guidelines must be met.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.
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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