Lateral / certified officer · Posted Aug 14, 2026

Police Officer - Lateral

Pay
$8,240/mo to $10,209/mo$8,240.27 - $10,209.33 Monthly
Closes
Not statedOpen
Bonus
$25,000$8,333.33 at completion of the Officer's field training/ $8,333.33 upon successful completion of probation/$8,333.33 at the Officer's two - year anniversary with the Downey Police Department
Laterals
Out-of-state OKLateral start $134,687For consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process. Proof of acceptance in the Waiver process must be submitted at the time of application submission.

In the posting's words

The sentences our figures come from.AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $134,687.27/annuallyAA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $134,687.27/annuallyA $25,000.00 hiring incentive$8,333.33 at completion of the Officer's field training/ $8,333.33 upon successful completion of probation/$8,333.33 at the Officer's two - year anniversary with the Downey Police Department21 years of age at time of appointmentCurrent employment as a full-time, paid peace officer in a CA P.O.S.T. approved agency in good standingFor consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process.For consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process. Proof of acceptance in the Waiver process must be submitted at the time of application submission.3/122.7% @ age 57 formula as a new member to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS); Laterals with active classic CALPERS membership or classic membership in another California retirement plan that provides eligible reciprocity with CalPERS, will qualify for the 3% @ age 55 retirement formulaThis recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice

The posting

From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 1, 2026 · original
Earning Potential AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $134,687.27/annually BA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $139,092.93/annually. AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $138,292.04/annually BA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $142,815.61 /annually. *Above calculations are based on step E This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice. Lateral Hiring Incentives A $25,000.00 hiring incentive ($8,333.33 at completion of the Officer's field training/ $8,333.33 upon successful completion of probation/$8,333.33 at the Officer's two - year anniversary with the Downey Police Department. The carry-over of the accumulated sick leave balance at separation from the former agency, up to 360 hours. The carry-over of the accumulated vacation balance at separation from the former agency, up to 80 hours. Vacation accrual rate based on prior years of Lateral Police Officer experience and in accordance with the current Memorandum of Understanding between the Downey Police Officers' Association and the City of Downey. Bilingual Pay in the amount of $1,820 per year. In addition to pay, the City offers competitive benefits including City paid medical insurance coverage up to the Kaiser (HMO Plan) family rate currently at $1,962.06 per month, a tuition reimbursement program that covers up to the Cal State rates, and a "3/12" work schedule. Education Incentive Pay: An additional 7% of base pay for an Associate's degree or equivalent units (60) OR Intermediate California (CA) P.O.S.T. Certificate. An additional 10.5% for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent units (124) OR Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate. Merit Longevity: Employees become eligible for additional merit longevity pay increases after 5 years at 2.75%, 10 year at 5.5%, at 20 years of service, 8.25%, and at 25 years of service, 13%. Effective 12/23/02, full-time years of service as a certified Peace Officer with another CA P.O.S.T. law enforcement agency shall apply to longevity as though earned with the City of Downey after the initial probationary period has been completed. Retirement: In accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), new hires enrolled after January 1, 2013 will be under the 2.7% @ age 57 formula as a new member to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). This enrollment will require a member contribution of 12.25% of reportable earnings. Laterals with active classic CALPERS membership or classic membership in another California retirement plan that provides eligible reciprocity with CalPERS, will qualify for the 3% @ age 55 retirement formula. This formula will require a member contribution of 9% of reportable earnings. Description: To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; enforce State and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs. The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer. Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage. Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s). Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders. Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases. Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property. Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public. Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy. Experience: Current employment as a full-time, paid peace officer in a CA P.O.S.T. approved agency in good standing. Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment. Height in proportion to weight; Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness; Hearing within normal limit; and Legally authorized to work in the United States. Out-of-State Police Officers: For consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process. Proof of acceptance in the Waiver process must be submitted at the time of application submission. For more information on the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process, contact CA P.O.S.T. at (916) 227-4254 e-mail bcw@post.ca.gov or go click here to go to the Peace Officers Standards and Training website .

About Downey PD

Full department page
  • Starting pay$98,883
  • Top of scale$122,512
  • Sworn officers (2025)117
  • Open jobs2

Similar jobs in California

All California jobs
California jobs, by emailGet alerts