Lateral Police Officer - School Resource Officer

Salary
$5,920 - $7,196 Monthly (DOQ) without certifications
$6,334 - $7,700 for candidates who hold POST Intermediate Certification
$6,749 - $8,203 for candidates who hold POST Advanced Certification

*Base salary to increase by 3% in July 2026.

This sworn officer position is a permanent appointment to the specialty assignment of School Resource Officer.

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public, including speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot, bicycle or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.
• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorist with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations.
• Makes arrests and serves warrants and subpoenas; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
• Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes as assigned including conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
• Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; works to resolve cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• Provides emergency medical attention to the public when responding to calls for assistance, and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Provides mutual aide to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with departmental policy.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
• Serves writs, warrants, subpoenas and other legal documents.
• May perform and/or coordinates specific program or project areas, such as: community-oriented policing; school liaison; project and resource development; investigations; crime prevention; and/or field training.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Oversees the use and care of equipment as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Law enforcement principles, practices and techniques related to patrol, traffic enforcement, crime scene control and investigation, protection of life and property, pursuit, apprehension and transportation of suspects.
• Investigation and identification techniques and equipment.
• Rules of evidence regarding search and seizure and the preservation of evidence.
• Courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying.
• Applicable laws, codes, ordinances, court decisions and departmental rules and regulations.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agencies and impact weapons.
• Techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol and emergency conditions.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often when relations may be confrontational or stressed.
• Community-based policing, intelligence-led policing, and other similar practices used to develop relationships with the community in order to best identify and solve public safety problems.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Observe accurately, recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, facts of incidents and places.
• Interpret apply and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct reports, records and other written materials.
• Identify and be responsive to community issues, concerns and needs.
• Emphasize community-based policing, have a familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and act in collaborative problem solving, while de-emphasizing the paramilitary aspects of the job
• Coordinate and carry out special assignments.
• Monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply them in work situations.
• Enter information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.
• Make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner under patrol and emergency conditions.
• Operate the equipment and vehicles of the department in a safe and responsible manner.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

1. Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
2. Valid basic certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). This must be attached to your application.
3. Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

• Previous Law Enforcement experience as a member of a Juvenile Unit or as a School Resource Officer;
• Experience in the investigation of threats towards schools, school staff or students;
• A demonstrated desire to work with schools to create a safe learning environment while representing Law Enforcement;
• Experience in planning and instituting mass casualty response training;
• Ability to lead by example with strong interpersonal skills;
• Experience in leading youth organizations and interaction with youth, such as coaching, mentoring or tutoring;
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and effective manner;
• Public speaking experience;
• Successful completion of POST Certified SRO Course or equivalent/similar training.

• Responsibility for providing safety and security at school campuses;
• Handling incidents, investigations and follow-up activities that are initiated at school campuses or have ties to the student body;
• Responsibility for creating and maintaining relationships with school administrators, employees, parents, and students;
• Providing expertise in juvenile justice matters.