Police Officer Academy Graduate

PLEASE NOTE:  Do not apply to this position if you are not currently enrolled in or a graduate of a California Police Academy.  This is not a Police Recruit position.

For an inside look at the Carlsbad (CA) Police Department Click Here

Under general supervision, the Police Officer Academy Graduate will perform law enforcement and crime prevention work;  control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations;  perform investigative work; and do related work as assigned.

In some cases, the City of Carlsbad Police Department may hire an individual who has put themselves through a POST approved basic academy. After successful completion of the background and application process, the academy graduate will become a sworn officer and will be assigned to a field training officer at the Police Department. Following the successful completion of several phases of field training, the new officer will be assigned to work a shift on their own.

The City of Carlsbad embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and recognizes the vital relationship of a culturally diverse, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. A diverse, equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal. 

Selection Process

Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are categorized as "Highly Qualified" will continue in the selection process.

Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.  Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.

Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a required lie detection polygraph screening.

Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.

Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration.

Patrol city on radio, car or on foot; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.

Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.

Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.

Prepare reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.

Serve warrants and subpoenas.

While on patrol, stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary.  Check buildings for physical security.  Receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners.  Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.

Administer first aid in emergencies situations.

As assigned by the Chief of Police, participate as an investigative officer in a comprehensive program involving juvenile delinquency and the investigation of alternative methods for handling juveniles in the criminal Justice system.

Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.Ability to:

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.

• Use and care for firearms.

• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.

• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.

• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.

• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

• Meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the city.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

• Must be currently enrolled or have graduated from a POST Certified California regular basic academy

• At least 21 years of age at time of appointment

• 20/100 uncorrected in both eyes corrected to 20/20

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship

• Free of any felony convictions and most misdemeanor convictions