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Police Officer (Recruit)

City of Sacramento | Sacramento, CA

Posted Date 6/01/2025
Description

You must have taken and passed the Police Officer Recruit examination for further consideration. To take the examination, click here.

Please Note: a candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.


Applicants applying to this posting will be hired as a Police Officer Recruit and must successfully complete a twenty-four (24) week P.O.S.T. Basic Course Police Academy. Upon satisfactory graduation from a P.O.S.T. Basic Course Police Academy, a Police Officer Recruit meeting the requirements of the Police Officer classification shall be advanced to the career classification of Police Officer. Incumbents promoted to CSO II at time of completion of the POST Basic Police Academy, are expected to attend accredited college level courses in order to satisfy the minimum qualification requirements of the Police Officer classification within their limited-term appointment. For more information regarding the Police Officer Recruit or Community Service Officer II positions, please visit the following links:

Police Officer Recruit Classification Specification: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saccity/classspecs/33543?keywords=police%20officer%20re&pagetype=classSpecifications

Community Service Officer II: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saccity/classspecs/1223708?keywords=community%20service%20officer&pagetype=classSpecifications
DEFINITION
To provide services through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The classification of Police Officer is a journey level classification assigned full arrest and citation powers under the California Penal Code. Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Officer Recruit classification in that it has full police authority to carry out the enforcement of laws and ordinances while the Police Officer Recruit is a recruiting and training-level classification with no police authority. Police Officer is distinguished from the Police Sergeant classification in that it is a journey level classification which has no supervisory responsibilities except for training new employees while the Police Sergeant has supervisory responsibility and directs work of subordinate personnel on a continual basis. Police Officers receive assignments and special instruction from higher ranking officers who also review the Police Officer's work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General supervision is provided by higher level sworn personnel.Depending upon assignments, duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Patrol a designated area of the city on foot, on a motorcycle, or in a patrol car, jeep or van to preserve order, prevent crime discover criminal acts, and make arrests.
  • Answer radio dispatched or citizens' request for police services at accident scenes, domestic disputes, law violations, and peace disturbances.
  • Conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, take statements, make arrests, write citations and/or make written reports at crime or accident scenes.
  • Promote and ensure a community-based policing philosophy and strategy, in which collaborative problem solving with citizens and other stakeholders is coveted.
  • Attend, participate, and represent the department at a variety of community events; participate in community engagement activities; build and maintain relationships with community members.
  • Provide first aid to injured or sick subjects.
  • Testify in court at criminal hearings and trials.
  • Provide traffic control at accident scenes, fires, and congested areas.
  • May work in plain clothes to conduct follow-up investigations, and to suppress vice or narcotics activities.
  • Conduct line-ups for identification of suspects.
  • Attend community meetings to discuss crime problems.
  • Evaluate and control violent situations and persons; emphasize de-escalation tactics when appropriate.
  • Order and direct emergency equipment at accident and disaster scenes. Search for missing persons.
  • Drive vehicles under hazardous and emergency conditions. Train new employees in proper police procedures.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Federal, state, and city codes and ordinances relating to law enforcement.
  • Modern approved principles and procedures of police work.
  • Department rules and regulations.
  • General Orders and directives.
  • City streets and principal locations.
  • Court and evidence procedures.
  • Court decisions affecting police practices.
  • Radio procedures.
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation tools.
Ability to:
  • Communicate in English in a clear, distinct, and understandable manner when speaking to individuals, to people of different socio-economic levels, before various public and community groups, and when testifying in court.
  • Write clearly, accurately, concisely, and legibly using correct English, grammatical construction, and spelling.
  • Read and interpret complex technical documents in English.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Observe, assimilate, remember, record, and recall pertinent facts and details.
  • Read maps and mapped information.
  • Apply selected knowledge (i.e., laws, statutes, court decisions, department policies, criminal investigation theories, etc.) in collecting, organizing, and analyzing a variety of information to decide on an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
  • Effectively work with, serve, and communicate impartially with individuals of a variety of culturally diverse and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Analyze problems and rationally and calmly take effective action in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Evaluate and de-escalate stressful and volatile situations.
  • Plan and effectively present material orally to diverse groups.
  • Deal courteously but firmly with the general public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other City employees.
  • Use firearms safely and accurately.
  • Climb barriers, jump obstacles, and perform strenuous physical activities.
  • Control resisting subjects with a minimum of force necessary to effect an arrest.
  • Use modern computer equipment including but not limited to in car mobile data computers, in car video and audio recording devices, body cameras, electronic mapping and GPS equipment, and specialized tracking equipment.
Skill in:
  • Driving a vehicle under hazardous conditions.
  • The use of ancillary police weaponry and weaponless defense.
  • The use of first aid, including but not limited to Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation techniques.
Experience and Education:

I. (1) Successful completion of the Sacramento Police Academy as a City of Sacramento Police Officer Recruit; and (2) Completion of sixty (60)* semester units, or ninety (90) quarter units, from an accredited college or university. (As outlined in the Police Officer Recruit classification specification and Civil Service Board Rules and Regulations).

-OR-

II. (1) Successful completion of the Sacramento Police Academy as a City of Sacramento Community Service Officer; and (2) Completion of sixty (60)* semester units, or ninety (90) quarter units, from an accredited college or university. (As part of the Employee Development Program identified in the City Charter).

-OR -

III. BASIC ACADEMY GRADUATE – (1) Completion of sixty (60) semester units, or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university; and (2) Possession of a valid P.O.S.T Basic Certificate or Basic Course Waiver issued by the State of California and received within three (3) years of the date of appointment.

-OR -

IV. LATERAL ENTRY - Completion of sixty (60) semester units, or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college or university; and (2) Possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate issued by the State of California; and (3) Current employment as a full- time sworn peace officer in a California P.O.S.T. participating law enforcement department or agency; and two (2) years as a full-time sworn peace officer in a California P.O.S.T participating law enforcement department or agency.

-AND-

Be a high school graduate, have passed the General Education Development (GED) Test or other high school equivalency test approved by the State Department of Education that indicates high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.


Substitution:

Four (4) years of honorable military service can substitute for the sixty (60) semester units, or ninety (90) quarter units educational requirement.

*Twenty-six (26) semester college units are earned upon graduation from the Sacramento Police Academy and applied to the sixty (60) semester unit requirement.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment to the Police Officer Recruit Classification. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment to the Police Officer Recruit Classification.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Should certification be used to qualify for the Police Officer Recruit position, then proof of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate issued by the State of California should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Age:
Must be at least 21 years of age by the date of appointment.

Driver License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver license at the time of appointment. Loss of the license is cause for discipline.

Respiratory Protective Equipment:
Work in this class requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Felony Convictions:
Free of felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Employees hired as a lateral entry must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status. All other employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) – All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;
  • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
  • Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
    • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on 40 hours per week (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
    • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
  • Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
  • Supplemental documents such as resume, cover letter, and proof of education are highly preferred and recommended at the time of application submission. Documents should be submitted to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as attachment(s) via online with the employment application, emailed to employment@cityofsacramento.org. If submitting via email, please include your name on your documents.
  • Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply. Proof of education, certification, and/or license will be required at time of appointment.
  • Optional - send a valid and legible copy of your previous result letter to the City of Sacramento Human Resources (refer to Test Exemption section below).
  • If you are currently on an active Eligible (PASS) List for the Police Officer Recruit position, it is unnecessary to reapply and/or retake the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam for this position. Each Eligible (PASS) List is active for one (1) year from the date it is established.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) – In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office by the final filing deadline;
  • Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
  • Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
  • A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
3. Online Exam: (Pass/Fail)- Candidates must have taken and passed the online examination with a score of 70% for further consideration. Only applicants who have successfully passed the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination will be referred to the department after the final filing deadline. The online examination will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the knowledge and abilities as outlined above. Candidates can access the examination at any time by visiting the City of Sacramento’s Examination’s website: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

4. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the online examination will be placed on the eligible list. Candidate’s eligibility expires two years from the date of notification of a passing score for the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination. Candidates can take the examination at any time to maintain eligibility.
  • If you are currently on an active eligible list for the Police Officer Recruit or the Community Service Officer I classification, it is unnecessary to retake the examination.
  • The eligible list is effective two years from the date of passing the examination for the Police Officer Recruit or the Community Service Officer I.
TEST EXEMPTION - If you have previously taken one of the following exams within two years of the final filing date and earned a passing score as listed below, you may be considered exempt from the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam. To receive consideration for exemption, you must have:
  • Earned a T-Score of 45 or higher on the P.O.S.T. Certified Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam
  • Received a passing score on the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam
  • Have selected yes to the Online Examination, Proof of Examination, and Test Exemption from the City Of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination supplemental questions included in this job posting.
To receive consideration for exemption using the P.O.S.T PELLETB exam, submit your result to the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department by the final filing date using one of the following methods:
  • Attach your valid result letter to your online application;
  • Email it to employment@cityofsacramento.org and include Police Recruit 002027-25-PD-16 in the Subject Line.
To receive consideration for exemption using the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam, applicants will have needed to select yes to the Online Examination, Proof of Examination, and Test Exemption from the City Of Sacramento's Entry Level Law Enforcement Examination supplemental questions included in this job posting. The City of Sacramento’s Human Resources Department will verify applicant’s eligibility at the time of the final filing deadline of this job posting. Applicants who request consideration for the exemption and are not in a reachable rank, will be notified by Human Resources.

Per City of Sacramento Human Resources Department requirements to receive consideration for test exemption:
  • For P.O.S.T. PELLETB:
    • The result letter must be issued on agency letter head OR by email with the agency logo
    • The test date must be clearly visible on the result letter
    • The applicant's first and last name must be listed
    • The result letter must be a legible, clear copy
    • PELLETB results must list the reading, writing and total T-scores
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Police Officer Recruit Exam and Test Exemption, please visit: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

5. Oral Interview: (100%) - The oral interview will consist of job-related questions. The Oral Interview is administered by the Sacramento Police Department.

6. Physical Agility Test: (Pass/Fail) - Applicants who pass the oral interview test will be required to pass the physical agility test. The Physical Agility Test is administered by the Sacramento Police Department.

7. Background Process: If considered for appointment, candidates must pass a background investigation, which includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and drug use history.

QUESTIONS
If you have specific questions regarding the Police Officer Recruit position, hiring process, Police Academy, etc.:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
Salary85,126.45 - 114,077.58 Annual
Field
Police
Police1
Police
Highest Educational Degree Required
High school diploma
Job Type
Entry Level

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