What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer (Lateral) position at City of Salinas, CA?
Salary : $8,026.00 - $10,755.00 Monthly
Location : Salinas Police Services Headquarters, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 24-00507
Department : Police
Opening Date : 03 / 13 / 2024
Closing Date : Continuous
The Salinas Police Department invites motivated individuals who are current sworn law enforcement officers to apply for the Police Officer Lateral position. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to serve the Salinas community and be a part of a hard-working team at the cutting edge of law enforcement. The department strives for excellence by training and developing employees to their highest potential. As a department, we lead by example.
Hiring Incentive : The first 10 lateral officers hired on or after April 5, 2024, will receive a $40,000 hiring incentive. $10,00 will be paid at time of hire, $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the department's field training program and $10,000 paid one year from the completion of the field training program, and $10,000 two years from completion of the field training program. An eligible City of Salinas employee who refers a lateral candidate will receive $2,500. Please be sure to give employee's name in supplemental question section of your application if one referred you.
California Lateral Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements
- Must have completed a valid POST police academy.
- Must possess or be eligible for a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate. Copy of certificate, copy of POST profile or Letter from POST must be attached to application.
- Be in good standing with California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Out of State Applicants
Note : Only those applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to interview. Applicants must complete a thorough background investigation, polygraph exam, medical evaluation, psychological exam and final Chief's interview before being hired as a Police Officer.
Application questions can be referred to Sr. Human Resources Anlayst, Maria Avila at or (831)758-7231. For questions about the department, please email or visit
Summary of Duties : Under direction, utilizes specialized training and equipment to protect life and property by enforcing laws and preventing crimes. In an assigned beat or assignment, responsibilities may include; patrolling in a police vehicle or on foot, responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, providing information and assistance to the public, preparing and participating in planned events, preparing for and attending court. Works closely with the community members to preserve the peace and promote public safety. Performs related special assignments or other related work as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics : Incumbents may enter the class either as a recruit, academy graduate or lateral status. Police recruits are entry-level positions with little or no related training or experience required. Recruits must complete a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified basic law enforcement training academy prior to appointment to probationary status as a police officer. Academy graduates and lateral entry police officers are appointed to full probationary status at time of hire.
Essential Job Functions
Patrol Division Assignment
Other Major Assignments
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of :
Skill in :
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Essential duties require the mental and / or physical ability to maintain physical and emotional conditioning to optimally perform in this position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, type, use telephone, two-way radio, computer, use and control of firearms; see well enough to drive vehicles, read small print on documents and maps, detect subtle shades of color; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone and two-way radio conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard at fifty feet of distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push / pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, reach overhead, climb over obstacles such as fences and walls while running in foot pursuit of a crime suspect; physical mobility sufficient to move in and out of a vehicle repeatedly, sprint from a stand-still; physical strength to carry 30 pounds of equipment on the body for period of at least ten hours per shift, occasionally lift more than 120 pounds, repetitively lift up to 100 pounds; physical stamina sufficient to sit and drive for prolonged periods of time, mental acuity and alertness to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw rapid valid conclusions, make rapid valid judgments and decisions. Other physical requirements as described in the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening Manual.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
Veteran's Preference : A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker : In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
Selection Process : Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and / or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.Finalist interview / assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.
Equal Opportunity Employer : The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and / or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.
Salary Steps : The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)
For a complete listing of benefits, please click to visit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this position.
As an applicant with the Salinas Police Department, you are required to complete this Pre-Investigative Questionnaire. The information in this form will be used during the pre-employment screening process in determining your suitability for the position. It is your responsibility to complete this form and provide the required information. You must respond to all questions. Applicants are not expected or required to reveal any medical or disability related information. Answers are also subject to verification by polygraph and / or medical examination including but not limited to, a drug screening. Any false statements or omissions on this form can and often will result in you being removed from the hiring process, the withdrawal of any conditional offer, or be considered for immediate dismissal if an appointment is made. Please acknowledge that you have read the above statement.
Have you been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the past three years?
Have you been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs two or more times?
Have you been convicted of two or more misdemeanor offenses under California law in the past three years?
Have you ever been arrested or convicted for Domestic Violence?
Have you used or illegally possessed any hallucinogenic, including Ecstasy, within the past seven years?
Excluding cannabis, have you illegally used or possessed any drug not mentioned above, including cocaine and other prescription drugs not prescribed to you, within the past three years?
As an adult, have you ever manufactured or cultivated any drug or illegal substance?
Did you attach a copy of your California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate to your application? If out of state applicant, did you attach of the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver?Applications will be considered incomplete without the required document.
How did you hear about this recruitment?
If a City of Salinas employee recommended that you apply for this position, please provide his / her name. This information will be used to verify referral hiring incentive eligibility.
Required Question
Salary : $10,000
