Police Officer

Police OfficerThis position is a member of the Palm Springs Police Department and provides services in the enforcement of laws including the protection of persons and property, the prevention of crimes; the control of traffic flow and enforcement of State and local traffic regulations; and performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.Pay incentives include a $30,000 hiring bonus available to eligible new hire lateral police officers and longevity pay based on years of service in a full-time sworn law enforcement position with the City of Palm Springs or with another law enforcement agency. Additional pay is available for education, special compensation, and other benefits.Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.Respond to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contraband and lost or missing people.Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; contact and interview witnesses to gain additional information.Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records, and enter data into computer as necessary.Investigate organized crime and gang activities, subjects, groups, and representatives relative to assigned area of responsibility; collect intelligence information and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents.Conduct a variety of investigations relative to assigned area of responsibility including narcotics, crimes against property and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports, and follow up on investigations.Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.Develop, conduct and participate in training exercises and classes; respond to and resolve questions and concerns; stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.Perform unique duties of assigned area of responsibility including SWAT, K-9, bicycle, and mounted police units.Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities.May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor.Provide news releases to the media; conduct television interviews for public awareness.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. "Full-time work" means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as "desirable" or "preferred" are not included as part of the minimum requirements.For more information about the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver click here.Experience:Current employment, or employment within the last three (3) years as a full-time Sworn Peace Officer, for a City, County, or State Government and possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver is required.California public agency experience as a Sworn Peace Officer, for a City, County, or State Government is highly desirable.Training:High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by the completion of a California P.O.S.T. Certified Police Academy, or California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver is required.License or Certificates:Possession of an appropriate valid driver license with a satisfactory driving record is required.Possession of a Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate or California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver is required.Possession of an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate is required.Additional Special Requirements:Cannot be related to any other employee in the Palm Springs Police Department.In accordance with Government Code Section 1031 and 1031.5, to be appointed as a peace officer in California, you must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Citizenship status must be conferred within three years of applying for citizenship or within 3 years before date of appointment to the position of Sworn Police Officer.Must reside within 1 hour driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department at time of appointment to the position of Sworn Police Officer.Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including a criminal history check for job related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening and a physical and drug screen.Working Conditions:This position works in an emergency police services environment; travel from site to site; have exposure to potentially hostile environments; and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, running, standing, sitting, walking or driving for prolonged periods; the ability to discharge a firearm.A completed application and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as "see attached" or "see resume" as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise. The selection process for this position, may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates. Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.The City of Palm Springs provides a comprehensive benefit program for employees including:Medical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceRetiree Health Savings PlanLife InsuranceEmployee paid Supplemental Insurance ProgramsEmployee paid Deferred Compensation ProgramEmployee Assistance ProgramTuition Reimbursement ProgramRetirement Plan through Calfornia Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click here to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.