Police Officer Lateral

Salary : $91,145.60 – $110,801.60 Annually

Location : City of Vernon City Hall 4305 Santa Fe Ave. Vernon, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 4030-031-10-7-2024

Department: Police

Opening Date: 10/07/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Summary

POLICE OFFICER LATERAL
MONTHLY SALARY: $7,597 – $9,234
PLUS AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR THE VERNON POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES. THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR RECENT CALIFORNIA STATE POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATES.THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

SUMMARY: Under basic supervision, provides swift, professional, responsive, and courteous police services for the Vernon Police Department (VPD); responds to calls for service, enforces laws and ordinances, and maintains peace and safety in the community; basic duties include patrol, interventions, investigations, and traffic regulation.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Police Officer is the experienced sworn public safety designation; working under basic supervision, and performing a variety of skillful, professional, specialized and complex duties.

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job announcement does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Enforces state and federal laws, and City regulations; performs work according to VPD policies to enforce laws, preserve peace, solve problems, and provide for a safe residential and business environment through community policing; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Provides community-oriented police services, and improves the quality of life in partnership with the community; works with citizens to address the issues of safety, crime, and neighborhood problems; assures citizens are treated with courtesy and respect for individual liberties.
• Preserves the peace of the community through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance, and arrest; utilizes all lawful means to improve the quality of life by recognizing and resolving problems.
• Patrols the City, looking for unusual and suspicious activities and persons; recognizes criminal activities and suspects, and uses reasonable cause to stop vehicles and initiate contact with persons of interest.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; investigates, documents, and resolves citizen complaints, traffic incidents, crimes, and dangerous and illegal activities; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases; provides scene security for emergency services personnel.
• Responds to citizens’ requests for assistance, enforces traffic regulations and safety issues, apprehends violators, and assures public safety; applies laws and regulations fairly and consistently.
• Investigates crimes and accidents; secures and processes crime and accident scenes, and identifies and collects evidence; arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners.
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork; testifies in court as directed.
• Maintains VPD vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations.
• Performs specialized functions in areas of expertise, including training, D.A.R.E., canine, and other special enforcement, assessment, surveillance, intervention, and investigative teams.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND completion of training and Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certificate.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Driver’s License is required. Must maintain Peace Officer certification with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and Basic POST certification. Upon hire must participate in and successfully complete a minimum of 19 weeks of Field Training. Additional technical training and certifications may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in the field on patrol; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet VPD standards.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:
Completed application packets will be reviewed and only those applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process, which may include a panel interview. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be submitted online. If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Copies of required certifications must be submitted with the application. Stating “see resume” is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at www.cityofvernon.org. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information.

ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW: (Weighted 100%)
Those candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in an oral board interview to evaluate experience, education, and qualifications for the position.

BACKGROUND:
Candidates are subject to and must successfully pass an extensive and thorough background investigation.

CITY OF VERNON
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Lisette Grizzelle, Senior Human Resources Analyst

(323) 583-8811, ext. 166

“The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer”

The City of Vernon offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long term disability insurance.

Retirement Benefit: Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS):

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired safety employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (“PEPRA”), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at 57 benefit formula. New members will be required to pay 9% as their member contribution.

An employee who is a “classic” member of CalPERS, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 3% at 50 benefit formula. Employees contribute 9% as their member contribution.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan: The City offers a monthly allowance towards the purchase of a HMO, PPO or HSA medical plan for the employee and their family members. Any remaining amount can be used towards the purchase of a HMO or PPO Dental plan and Vision coverage for dependents. Vision coverage is included at no cost to the employee. Supplemental Insurance plans are available.

“In Lieu” Holidays: Police Officers & Police Sergeants eligible for holiday time in an amount equal to the number of observed holidays multiplied by the employees’ paid hours per shift, credited on July 1.

Bilingual pay: Safety employees in eligible positions who successfully demonstrate proficiency in speaking a foreign language is eligible to receive an additional $275.00 a month.

Vacation: After 1st year 120 hours; after 10 years 160 hours; after 25 years 170 hours.

Sick Leave: 80 hours of sick leave per calendar year, accruing at a rate of 3.08 hours per pay period.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,200.00 is available to those who satisfactorily complete job related college courses.

Other Benefits: Police employees work a 3/12 schedule. In addition, the City offers premium pay, POST certificate pay. In addition, the City offers paid parental leave, bereavement leave and jury duty.

Miscellaneous Benefits: The City provides an interest-free loan program for the purchase of a computer, corrective eye surgery and a hearing aide device.

The City of Vernon encourages you to log onto our website for the benefit details

01

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid California State Driver’s License?

• Yes
• No

03

If your driver’s license is out of state, do you have the ability to obtain a California state driver’s license by the time of appointment?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

04

Are you currently employed as a sworn peace officer (as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1 (a) and 830.2 (a) with a California law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you within the last three years from the date of your application been previously employed as a sworn peace officer (as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1 (a) and 830.2 (a)) by a California law enforcement agency and possess a valid California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate? If yes, please attach your POST Basic Certificate to your application.

• Yes
• No

06

Pre-Employment Background QuestionnaireAs an applicant for this position with the City of Vernon, you are required to complete this background questionnaire. This questionnaire supplements your application, which will be treated in the same manner. The information you provide below will not be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Designated employees in the Vernon Police Department Professional Standards and Training Unit will review this information only after your successful completion of the written exam requirement.Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are not required nor are you expected to furnish any information in this questionnaire that is of a medical nature. For example, do not report any work absences for illness or workers compensation claims. Do not discuss or report any disabilities you might have. This information is strictly medical in nature, and as this questionnaire is part of the pre-job offer background investigation, is not subject to disclosure during this portion of the background investigation.For the purpose of this questionnaire, illegal drug possession shall be defined as each time the illegal drug was in your personal possession either on/or within the body or in the hands, clothing, vehicle, home, residence, or any other area that you controlled.Please read and answer all of the questions. You are admonished to answer all questions completely and truthfully. If you are dishonest in your answers, fail to fully answer any question, or misstate any material facts, you will be disqualified from further consideration for this position. Remember that your response may be subject to verification by a polygraph examination. I have read and understand the information above.

• Yes
• No

07

The purpose of a pre-employment background investigation, for all intents and purposes, is to verify that the application you have submitted and any statements you have made to the City of Vernon concerning your qualifications are true.The California Courts have held that an employer has a legal duty to know the persons whom it employs. In some cases, California law may mandate a background investigation before employment, while in other cases it is merely a case of public policy or prudence before placing someone in a position of public trust.Both State and Federal Courts have also held that there is an absolute necessity for public employees to be truthful. You must understand that a lack of truthfulness or deception of any type on your part will automatically and irrevocably result in your application being rejected from further consideration.For some people, there may be one or more incidents or occurrences in their background which they regret or over which they may feel some embarrassment. A prospective employer will not make inquiries into areas of a person’s background which have no legitimate bearing on their qualifications for the job. However, you should understand that the mere presence of so-called “negative” information in your background is not automatically disqualifying. For example, an applicant may have engaged in petty thievery as a child, have used illegal drugs, may have been fired from a job, or even have been convicted of a crime as an adult. While these things, in and of themselves, may not automatically remove that person from consideration for a job, lying about them will. I have read and understand the information above.

• Yes
• No

08

A pre-employment background investigation is not intended to be an intimidating experience or an unwarranted invasion into your privacy. Your background investigator will contact persons who know you, including present and/or former employers, and will examine official documents and records concerning you to assure that you have been honest in your application in order to fulfill the legal mandates imposed by the Courts and the Legislature. The more forthright you have been, the greater the likelihood that your background investigation can be completed in a timely and successful manner.ADVISEMENT TO APPLICANTI understand that any false statements and/or deliberate misrepresentations, whether by omission or commission, will result in my application being automatically and irrevocably rejected from further consideration. I certify that I have read the above statement, understand its contents, and may print a copy for my records. My typed name below indicates my understanding of the above advisement.

09

INSTRUCTIONSCarefully read and answer each question.If you answer “YES” to any question, you MUST write a complete and thorough explanation as a response to question #28. Reference your answer to the corresponding question number.All written responses must be answered completely, accurately, truthfully, and thoroughly. Provide date, locations, amounts, etc.Vague, ambiguous, misleading, or unanswered responses may be cause for disqualification from further consideration.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), do not list any medical related information or history about yourself on this questionnaire or any attached pages.Those employed with the Vernon Police Department must be able to read, interpret, comprehend, and complete police reports, forms, and other documents accurately and in a timely manner. For this reason, in addition to evaluating your moral character and suitability, we will evaluate your ability to complete this questionnaire accurately. Your ability to write clear statements, which accurately describe an occurrence, will be evaluated.If you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at (323) 583-8811. I have read and understand the information above.Y/N

• Yes
• No

10

Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been arrested, detained, or questioned by any law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

11

In the past 10 years, have you committed any felony crime that was undetected?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you ever committed identity theft, fraud, forgery, or counterfeiting whether or not it was detected?

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever had a restraining order issued against you?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you ever committed (detected or undetected), been accused of, or questioned about child abuse, child neglect, child molestation, or illegal sex acts?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you ever viewed, purchased, sold, or subscribed to child pornography? (books, magazines, internet, etc.)

• Yes
• No

16

Have you ever stolen anything where if you would have been caught you could have been arrested or faced criminal prosecution?

• Yes
• NO

17

Have you ever stolen any money, goods, or services from a place where you worked?

• Yes
• No

18

Have you ever belonged to or associated with a subversive or militant group, criminal street gang, alliance, or organization that advocates racism or hatred toward others because of their way of life, background, culture, or customs?

• Yes
• No

19

Have you ever touched, held, or possessed any illegal drug or substance? Includes prescription medication that is not prescribed to you. (If so, provide type of substance, dates you possessed, and number of time for each illegal substance.)

• Yes
• No

20

Were you discharged from any military branch in any way other than honorable?

• Yes
• No

21

Have you ever been fired or resigned in lieu of being terminated from any employment in the past 10 years?

• Yes
• No

22

In your past 10 years of employment, have you received any disciplinary actions? (Includes suspensions, written reprimands, verbal reprimands, counseling)

• Yes
• No

23

Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment?

• Yes
• No

24

In the past 5 years, have you been issued a traffic citation? (If so, give date, location, type of violation, issuing agency, and the disposition for each citation.) If no, type N/A.

25

In the past 5 years, as a driver, have you been involved in a motor vehicle collision? (If so, give date, location, type of injuries involved, whether or not law enforcement responded, whether or not a report was taken for each collision.) If no, type N/A.

26

Have you ever driven off or fled the scene of a traffic collision whether or not it was detected? (hit and run)

• Yes
• No

27

Has your driver’s license ever been suspended or revoked?

• Yes
• No

28

Have you ever been disqualified from employment by any law enforcement agency? (regular or volunteer)

• Yes
• No

29

Have you ever been rejected or disqualified by any law enforcement agency for any reason during a hiring process?

• Yes
• No

30

Have you been deemed a “primary” or “dominant” aggressor in a domestic violence incident?

• Yes
• No

31

Please use the space below to provide a complete and thorough explanation for any questions to which you answered “yes.”

Required Question