City of Buena Park
Police Officer Pre-Trained (Academy Graduated)
City of Buena Park, Buena Park, California, us, 90622
Police Officer Pre‑Trained (Academy Graduated)
Apply for the
Police Officer Pre‑Trained (Academy Graduated)
role at the City of Buena Park Police Department. The position is open to candidates who have graduated from a California police academy but are not currently employed as a police officer in a California law‑enforcement agency. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice.
Salary Up to $137,467 annually. 5% salary increase effective July 4, 2026. $12,000 signing bonus divided into three $4,000 payments (at hire, after field training and probation, and after second year of service).
Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Enforce federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement.
Patrol assigned area of the city by vehicle or on foot to detect and prevent crime and maintain order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of special assignment.
Prepare citations, arrest reports, crime reports, observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.
Respond to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life, property, and public assistance; appear at crimes and scenes of disorder and determine proper course of action.
Give verbal warnings and issue citations; inspect premises; assist in the investigation of crimes; conduct preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths or other incidents involving possible violation of public safety laws and codes.
Question suspects, interview victims and witnesses; book property and evidence; perform basic crime scene investigation; testify in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; complete field and follow‑up investigations.
Take written statements; examine conditions of accident scenes; clear scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; note and report traffic hazards; provide first aid for injured persons or request medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures.
Report abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspect establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings and assure that proper licenses and permits are in effect.
Intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; monitor status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders.
Develop and maintain positive relations with citizens, business owners, and other members of the community.
Participate in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs.
Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and take custody of prisoners; guard and transport prisoners; provide meals and complete daily records.
When assigned to reserve detail, track and coordinate the scheduling and training of Reserve Police Officers.
When assigned to traffic detail, enforce specialized traffic and motor vehicle codes and prepare traffic and collision reports and investigation records; set up DUI monitoring; coordinate work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts.
When assigned to field training officer detail, organize, coordinate, and provide officer training in the field related to proper surveillance, handling of traffic stops, and preparation of departmental reports.
When assigned to K‑9 detail, assist in searches of suspects and properties; train animals and conduct exercises of proper pursuit and control methods; feed and maintain animals.
When assigned to detective detail, conduct crime scene investigations and pursue cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the court system.
When assigned to SWAT detail, respond 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.
When assigned to gang detail, monitor and investigate associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determine means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; testify in cases.
When assigned to school resource detail, visit public schools, prepare and make educational presentations, maintain communications with school officials, work with district staff on attendance and truancy issues, and counsel students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations.
Provide escorts or guard services for parades, public activities, or meetings.
Qualifications Guidelines Knowledge of:
Police science principles, practices and professional standards.
Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications.
State laws, penal codes, traffic codes, civil codes, statutes, court decisions, and case law.
Local codes and ordinances, departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, arrests, and custody of prisoners or contraband.
Criminal investigation methods and identification methods.
Crime prevention principles, use of police records, and law‑enforcement practices.
Self‑defense methods and physical restraint techniques.
Radio codes, transmission procedures and communication techniques.
Principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, and related police services, including specialty assignments.
Communicable disease control methods and techniques.
Proper care and maintenance of property and equipment; effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, firearms and weapons.
Interpret and apply state public safety laws, codes, and local ordinances.
Prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records.
Analyze solutions to law‑enforcement problems; convey clear instructions or execute commands.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with divisions, police management, city departments, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; 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 backgrounds and age groups.
Physical and Mental Demands Physical Demands:
Frequent use of hands to handle tools and controls; reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level; climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry safety gear; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat or crawl; walk, sit and run; pull and carry persons in emergency situations; administer first aid; lift, carry and move objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more.
Mental Demands:
Use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn new information or new skills; remain calm and use effective judgment in dangerous situations; interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff and other agencies.
Work Environment Work in outside weather conditions, in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment. Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, inclement weather, loud noises such as sirens, alarms and diesel engines. Requires use of safety helmets, armored vest, earplugs, utility belts and other specialized equipment. Subject to threat of injury and life‑threatening hazards.
Education, Training, and Experience High school graduation or GED AND successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. certified law‑enforcement basic training academy (certificate must be current at time of hire). Completion of up to 60 semester‑level units related to general education and police science is desirable.
Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements
Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance.
Successful completion of the police academy.
For specialty assignments, completion of required training and certification within one year of assignment.
Completion of Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced P.O.S.T. certification within three years of assignment to this classification.
Ability to work extended hours to meet shift needs.
Retirement: CalPERS; employee pays member contribution.
Vision: No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected; freedom from uncorrectable color blindness.
Age: Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien eligible for citizenship.
Psychological assessment and polygraph examination required.
Background investigation and fingerprinting mandatory.
Good conduct: Seniority employees must refrain from smoking non‑tobacco substances on or off duty.
Application Process Submit a concise and complete City application online at
www.buenapark.com/hr . Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City employment application. Selected candidates will be invited to a selection process that may include oral interview, written exams, physical agility testing and oral presentations. Eligible candidates will be placed on an employment‑eligible list valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability. The City of Buena Park Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy requires all applicants to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment.
Benefits
Salary: 7 steps, each step approximately 5% higher.
Retirement: CalPERS.
Vacation: Ten working days per year for first five years of service; additional days thereafter.
Sick leave: 8 hours per month, no maximum accumulation.
Holidays: Approximately eleven holidays plus one floating holiday.
Education reimbursement: $5,000 per calendar year plus book costs (starting January 1, 2024).
Bilingual pay: $300/month.
Longevity pay: 3% base salary adjustment for 20‑24 years of service; 5% for 25+ years.
Shift differential: $175/month.
Uniform allowance: $800 annually.
Medical, dental, vision insurance (partial city coverage).
LIFE insurance fully paid by City.
Long‑term disability fully paid by City.
OC Credit Union available to all City employees and families.
Other benefits: 3/12 and 4/10 work schedules; full flexible cafeteria plan; employee gym; assistance program.
Optional benefits: Deferred compensation 457 plan; Scholar Share 529 college savings plan; accident, cancel, short‑term disability insurance.
Additional information about the position and benefits can be obtained from the City of Buena Park Human Resources Department.
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Police Officer Pre‑Trained (Academy Graduated)
role at the City of Buena Park Police Department. The position is open to candidates who have graduated from a California police academy but are not currently employed as a police officer in a California law‑enforcement agency. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice.
Salary Up to $137,467 annually. 5% salary increase effective July 4, 2026. $12,000 signing bonus divided into three $4,000 payments (at hire, after field training and probation, and after second year of service).
Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Enforce federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement.
Patrol assigned area of the city by vehicle or on foot to detect and prevent crime and maintain order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of special assignment.
Prepare citations, arrest reports, crime reports, observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports.
Respond to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life, property, and public assistance; appear at crimes and scenes of disorder and determine proper course of action.
Give verbal warnings and issue citations; inspect premises; assist in the investigation of crimes; conduct preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths or other incidents involving possible violation of public safety laws and codes.
Question suspects, interview victims and witnesses; book property and evidence; perform basic crime scene investigation; testify in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; complete field and follow‑up investigations.
Take written statements; examine conditions of accident scenes; clear scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; note and report traffic hazards; provide first aid for injured persons or request medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures.
Report abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspect establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings and assure that proper licenses and permits are in effect.
Intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; monitor status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders.
Develop and maintain positive relations with citizens, business owners, and other members of the community.
Participate in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs.
Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and take custody of prisoners; guard and transport prisoners; provide meals and complete daily records.
When assigned to reserve detail, track and coordinate the scheduling and training of Reserve Police Officers.
When assigned to traffic detail, enforce specialized traffic and motor vehicle codes and prepare traffic and collision reports and investigation records; set up DUI monitoring; coordinate work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts.
When assigned to field training officer detail, organize, coordinate, and provide officer training in the field related to proper surveillance, handling of traffic stops, and preparation of departmental reports.
When assigned to K‑9 detail, assist in searches of suspects and properties; train animals and conduct exercises of proper pursuit and control methods; feed and maintain animals.
When assigned to detective detail, conduct crime scene investigations and pursue cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the court system.
When assigned to SWAT detail, respond 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.
When assigned to gang detail, monitor and investigate associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determine means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; testify in cases.
When assigned to school resource detail, visit public schools, prepare and make educational presentations, maintain communications with school officials, work with district staff on attendance and truancy issues, and counsel students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations.
Provide escorts or guard services for parades, public activities, or meetings.
Qualifications Guidelines Knowledge of:
Police science principles, practices and professional standards.
Federal Constitution rights governing search and seizure and Miranda applications.
State laws, penal codes, traffic codes, civil codes, statutes, court decisions, and case law.
Local codes and ordinances, departmental policies and practices, and rules governing criminal evidence, arrests, and custody of prisoners or contraband.
Criminal investigation methods and identification methods.
Crime prevention principles, use of police records, and law‑enforcement practices.
Self‑defense methods and physical restraint techniques.
Radio codes, transmission procedures and communication techniques.
Principles of human behavior; professional standards; contemporary patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, and related police services, including specialty assignments.
Communicable disease control methods and techniques.
Proper care and maintenance of property and equipment; effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
Operate police motor vehicles, radio communications equipment, computer equipment, firearms and weapons.
Interpret and apply state public safety laws, codes, and local ordinances.
Prepare and present clear, accurate and concise police reports and statistical records.
Analyze solutions to law‑enforcement problems; convey clear instructions or execute commands.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with divisions, police management, city departments, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; 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 backgrounds and age groups.
Physical and Mental Demands Physical Demands:
Frequent use of hands to handle tools and controls; reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level; climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry safety gear; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat or crawl; walk, sit and run; pull and carry persons in emergency situations; administer first aid; lift, carry and move objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more.
Mental Demands:
Use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn new information or new skills; remain calm and use effective judgment in dangerous situations; interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff and other agencies.
Work Environment Work in outside weather conditions, in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment. Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, inclement weather, loud noises such as sirens, alarms and diesel engines. Requires use of safety helmets, armored vest, earplugs, utility belts and other specialized equipment. Subject to threat of injury and life‑threatening hazards.
Education, Training, and Experience High school graduation or GED AND successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. certified law‑enforcement basic training academy (certificate must be current at time of hire). Completion of up to 60 semester‑level units related to general education and police science is desirable.
Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements
Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance.
Successful completion of the police academy.
For specialty assignments, completion of required training and certification within one year of assignment.
Completion of Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced P.O.S.T. certification within three years of assignment to this classification.
Ability to work extended hours to meet shift needs.
Retirement: CalPERS; employee pays member contribution.
Vision: No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected; freedom from uncorrectable color blindness.
Age: Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien eligible for citizenship.
Psychological assessment and polygraph examination required.
Background investigation and fingerprinting mandatory.
Good conduct: Seniority employees must refrain from smoking non‑tobacco substances on or off duty.
Application Process Submit a concise and complete City application online at
www.buenapark.com/hr . Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City employment application. Selected candidates will be invited to a selection process that may include oral interview, written exams, physical agility testing and oral presentations. Eligible candidates will be placed on an employment‑eligible list valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability. The City of Buena Park Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy requires all applicants to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment.
Benefits
Salary: 7 steps, each step approximately 5% higher.
Retirement: CalPERS.
Vacation: Ten working days per year for first five years of service; additional days thereafter.
Sick leave: 8 hours per month, no maximum accumulation.
Holidays: Approximately eleven holidays plus one floating holiday.
Education reimbursement: $5,000 per calendar year plus book costs (starting January 1, 2024).
Bilingual pay: $300/month.
Longevity pay: 3% base salary adjustment for 20‑24 years of service; 5% for 25+ years.
Shift differential: $175/month.
Uniform allowance: $800 annually.
Medical, dental, vision insurance (partial city coverage).
LIFE insurance fully paid by City.
Long‑term disability fully paid by City.
OC Credit Union available to all City employees and families.
Other benefits: 3/12 and 4/10 work schedules; full flexible cafeteria plan; employee gym; assistance program.
Optional benefits: Deferred compensation 457 plan; Scholar Share 529 college savings plan; accident, cancel, short‑term disability insurance.
Additional information about the position and benefits can be obtained from the City of Buena Park Human Resources Department.
#J-18808-Ljbffr