Police Officer (Lateral/Pre-Service) for the City of Sebastopol

Company: The Local Government Services/Regional Government
Location: Carmel Valley
Posted on: June 23, 2022

Job Description:

Position Description

The Sebastopol Police Department is moving forward in its pursuit of community policing as a philosophy, management style, and an organizational strategy that promotes police and community partnerships. We know great people like you can help us build it better.

If you want to be part of a department that is dedicated to providing outstanding law enforcement services to the community and is a service-oriented agency that prides itself on integrity, professionalism, and concern for the quality of life in our community, we invite you to apply.

The City of Sebastopol Police Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Officer (Lateral/Pre-Service). This recruitment is being conducted to create an eligibility list to fill potential current and future vacancies. Regional Government Services and its staff is conducting this recruitment for the City of Sebastopol.

Under the direction of the Chief of Police, Police Lieutenant, or Police Sergeant, Police Officers in the city of Sebastopol perform law enforcement and crime prevention work, control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations, and perform related work as required. Police Officers serve an eighteen (18) month probationary period.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for this position is an energetic, motivated, and responsible individual who has strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation. Candidates who have a solid work history and a demonstrated interest in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. The pursuit of formal education is also desirable.

In addition, the candidate will:

* Possess a valid graduation certificate from a California Basic P.O.S.T. accredited Police Academy by date of appointment.
* Be 21 years old by date of appointment as a Police Officer.
* Possess a high school diploma, G.E.D., or High School Equivalency certificate.
* Possess a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.
* Not have any felony convictions and/or disqualifying criminal histories.
* Be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship at least one year prior to application date. (Application for citizenship shall not have been denied).
* Demonstrate ability to evaluate and analyze circumstances and situations in order to apply knowledge and decide appropriate action.
* Demonstrate the ability to assimilate, interpret, remember, recall, relate and act upon facts and details heard, observed, and read; follow oral and written instructions.
* Demonstrate initiative, alertness, integrity, reliability, courtesy, and good judgement.
* Be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of people of various educational and socio-cultural backgrounds.
* Identify, adopt, and exhibit appropriate demeanor and behaviors (interpersonal abilities) in order to deal effectively with a variety of people.
* Write clearly, accurately, concisely, and legibly using grammatically correct construction, spelling, and punctuation.
* Have the ability to work regular hours, days, overtime, weekends, holidays, variable shifts, evenings, on call and emergency call outs.
* Be of good moral character.
* Enforce laws regardless of personal ethics or feelings.
* Be in sound physical condition and demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties and the requirements of California Peace Officer Standards and Training.
* Have the physical tolerance to work under adverse environmental conditions, extended or disrupted work schedules, stressful circumstances, and repetitive, routine conditions.
* The ability to speak, read, and/or write in the Spanish language is highly desirable.

ABOUT THE CITY

The City of Sebastopol is a small semi-urban community located in Sonoma County, California. The City, incorporated in 1902, currently has a population of about 7,800 and serves the West County trade area population of about 50,000. The City of Sebastopol has a Council-Manager form of government, with five Council members elected at-large. The City has its own Police, Fire, and Public Works departments, as well as other City departments.

Sebastopol's low crime rate, outstanding schools and superior quality of life has made it a highly desirable community. In 2016, Sebastopol was ranked #3 on Livability's list of "10 Best Small Towns 2016". It also has been designated as a "Slow City," joining over 200 small towns throughout the world that are committed to staying green, local, friendly, and artistic. For more information about the City of Sebastopol, please visit https://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us

Examples of Duties

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may be assigned):

* Patrols the City in radio-equipped car and on foot to observe, investigate and report suspicious and hazardous conditions, and apprehends and arrest law violators.
* Responds to routine and emergency calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County and State laws.
* Investigates crimes, accidents, deaths, and disturbances and gathers evidence; interviews, questions, and takes statements from complainants, suspects, and witnesses, and completes case reports.
* Directs traffic, including regulation of vehicle flow at times of emergency, congestion, or special events; stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warns drivers against unlawful practices; issues citations and makes arrests as necessary.
* Collects and preserves evidence; appears in court to present evidence and testimony in connection with criminal prosecution.
* Attends fire scenes to assist in the protection of life and property; administers first aid in emergency situations.
* Serves warrants, subpoenas, writs, and other legal documents.
* Prepares reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
* Operates applicable radio communications equipment.
* Assists in booking and caring for prisoners.
* Provides information and direction to the public and assist in developing community crime prevention programs, and may speak before businesses, school, civic and social groups.
* As assigned may assist in conducting special studies of traffic or other police issues.
* Makes every reasonable effort to continually improve the manner in which the job is performed and increase the quality of service to the public.
* Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

* Modern police methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques, standard radio broadcasting, and police reports.
* Criminal law, including apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies.
* Rules of evidence pertaining to the search, seizure, and preservations of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.

Ability to:

* Deal effectively and fairly with the public, department supervisors, administrators, and fellow officers. Demonstrate keen powers of observations and memory.
* Safely use and care for firearms.
* Think and act quickly and judge situations and people accurately.
* Understand and apply laws and regulations.
* Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
* Understand and carry out clear oral and written instructions.
* Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
* Meet the physical requirements established by the department.

EXPERIENCE and EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency such as a General Education Degree (G.E.D.) or High School Equivalency certificate and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are conditions of initial and continued employment and upon appointment, possession of certificate of completion of a Basic Police Academy certified by California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) at the time of appointment.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States (or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for, and who has applied for, citizenship at least one year prior to application for employment. Application for citizenship shall not have been denied.)

Age: The candidate shall be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

Weight: Weight shall be in good proportion with height.

Hearing: The candidate shall have normal hearing.

Vision: The candidate shall possess normal color vision. Each eye must be free of any abnormal condition or disease and acceptably corrected to 20/30.

Physical and Mental Condition: The candidate shall be of sound physical condition; in good health, and free from chronic disease, impairment of bodily function, loss or impairment of the use of any digit; be of adequate physical stature, and possessing strength, endurance and agility demonstrable in tests of physical performance. The candidate shall be of good mentality and emotional maturity and free from history of psychosis or psychoneurosis, or other disabling defects, as demonstrable in pre-employment psychiatric testing.

Character and Background: The candidate must successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of initial employment with the Sebastopol Police Department. The investigation must show that the candidate possesses traits including initiative, alertness, integrity, reliability, courtesy, and good judgement; and has not been convicted of any felony or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.

Spanish Speaking ability is highly desirable, but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Positions in the class are occupied by uniformed and armed police personnel. Shift schedules and job assignments may be rotational. The duties involve both field and office work and may require frequent public contact including difficult or tense situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work may include prolonged sitting, moderate to heavy lifting (from 25lbs-100lbs +), reaching, climbing, stooping, twisting, grasping, crawling, pulling, and pushing activities. The position also emphasizes speech, hearing, and vision attributes.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefit package includes:

* Choice of Kaiser or REMIF Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance for employee and dependents
* Employer contributes 100% Kaiser premium. Employee pays premium difference for Blue Cross
* Employer contributes 100% Dental & Vision Benefits
* Life Ins. - $50,000 for employee. Increased coverage may be purchased by employee
* Long-term Disability Ins. administered through PORAC
* Child Care Benefits - Optional in exchange for dental benefits
* PERS Pension Plan (3% @ 50 for Classic Members. 2.7% @ 57 for PEPRA Members (hired after 1/1/13). Uniform Allowance is not PERSable income for PEPRA members
* Uniform reimbursement: $1,000 for full-time sworn Police Officer per fiscal year
* New hire receives one-time payment of $800 for purchase of service firearm
* Deferred Compensation Plans are available
* Worker's Compensation benefits
* Vacation, and Sick Leave accrual benefits.
* 14 paid Holidays; Funeral, Medical, Family & Personal Leave benefits
* Payroll Direct Deposit
* Overtime, On Call, Court Time, Field Training, Relief Shift, Graveyard Shift, K9 Handler Incentive, and Bilingual Incentive Pay
* Longevity Pay granted after completion of 8 years at 2%, 15 years at 4% and 20 years at 6%
* Section 125 pre-tax premium plan available
* Mileage Allowance & Business Travel expense reimbursement per Travel Policy
* Please refer to the Sebastopol Police Officer's Association (SPOA) Memorandum of Understanding for a comprehensive list of benefits and services at Signed-MOU_CC-Adopted-9-3-19.pdf.aspx (sebastopol.ca.us)

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

DEADLINE TO APPLY: OPEN AND CONTINUOUS*

* This recruitment is Open and Continuous. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. A first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for November 8, 2021.

To apply for this position, please go to: https://bit.ly/SEB_PoliceOfficer

Applications must be submitted on-line through this applicant tracking system. Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification.

If you have completed a California P.O.S.T Certified Basic Academy course, you are required to upload a copy of your Certificate of Completion to your application and submit it with your application materials.

If you are currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academy course, you are required to upload a copy of proof of enrollment to your application and submit it with your application materials.

False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list or discharge from employment. All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed to determine each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training and education qualifications.

SELECTION PROCESS

* Each application, answers to supplemental questions, and associated documents will be reviewed to determine each candidate's ability to meet the positions minimum qualifications.
* A combination of supplemental questionnaire, phone screen interviews, and/or knowledge/skills exam may be used to determine candidates who are most qualified.
* Candidates who are most qualified will be invited to an Oral Interview Examination/Department Selection Interview at a date to be determined.
* A Qualified List is established through competitive examination, which may consist of any combination of written examination, practice test, simulation exercise and/or oral interviews.
* The most qualified candidates who are on the Qualified List may be invited for a hiring interview and may be required to complete a reference check a comprehensive background investigation. See "LAW ENFORCEMENT Pre and Post Offer HIRING PROCESS" below.
* All candidates who are successfully hired as a result of this recruitment will be required to complete an 18-month probationary period following appointment.

LAW ENFORCEMENT Pre and Post Offer HIRING PROCESS: All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process, such as: reference check, background investigation, fingerprint criminal history check, post-offer drug test, post-offer psychological and post-offer medical examination, the cost of which will be borne by the City. EOE/ADA

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Neither Regional Government Services nor the City of Sebastopol are responsible for failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Barbara Duncan at bduncan@rgs.ca.gov

Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise RGS/by emailing bduncan@rgs.ca.gov upon submittal of application.

The City of Sebastopol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, medical condition or disability.

01

Please indicate whether you are applying as a Lateral Applicant, an Academy Graduate (not currently employed as a Police Officer) or a current Academy attendee.

* Lateral: I am a current full-time Police Officer in possession of a California Basic P.O.S.T Certificate. As required, I will submit proof of my P.O.S.T. Certificate with my application.
* Academy Graduate: I am a graduate of a California P.O.S.T Academy and possess a California P.O.S.T Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate, but I am not a current full-time Police Officer. As required, I will submit proof of this and my T-Score of 42.5 or higher (valid within the past 12 months) with my application.
* Current Academy Attendee: I am currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Police Academy. As required, I will submit proof of my enrollment with my application.
* None of the above.

02

If you are an Academy Graduate, please confirm that you have attached your California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Completion Certificate to your application.

* Yes

03

If you currently enrolled/attending a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Police Academy, please confirm that you have attached proof of your enrollment with your application.

* Yes

04

If you are currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, please indicate which academy you are currently attending and your anticipated graduation date. If you are not currently attending the academy, please indicate N/A.

05

Are you currently in possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License?

* Yes
* No

06

Please indicate your highest level of education.

* Some High School
* I possess a High School Diploma, a G.E.D., or a High School Equivalency Certificate
* Some college or community college
* Bachelor's Degree
* Master's Degree or higher

07

Please indicate that you have included at least ten (10) years of past work history in your application.

* Yes
* I do not have 10 years of work history, but have included all of my past work experience.

08

Are you able to read, write and/or speak a language other than English?

* Yes
* No

09

If you answered "Yes" to having the ability to read, write, and/or speak a language other than English, please list the language(s) in which you are bilingual. If you are not bilingual, please indicate N/A.

10

Applicants for the Police Officer position must meet minimum standards. The following questions relate to the standards that the City of Sebastopol Police Department has adopted as prima facie disqualification for public safety applicants. I understand that any material misstatement of fact or significant admission during the application or background process shall be disqualifying, including inconsistent statements made during the initial background interview (Personal History Statement) or polygraph examination or discrepancies between this background investigation and other investigations conducted by other law enforcement agencies.

* Yes
* No

11

Do you understand you may not meet the positions minimum standards if you have received three (3) or more moving violations (or a single violation of a potential life threatening violation, i.e., reckless driving, speed contest, suspect of a pursuit, hit and run, etc.) within three (3) years prior to application? (Moving violations for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included.)

* Yes
* No

12

Do you understand you may not meet the minimum standards of the position if you have been involved in two (2) or more chargeable collisions w

Keywords: The Local Government Services/Regional Government , Salinas , Police Officer (Lateral/Pre-Service) for the City of Sebastopol, Other , Carmel Valley, California