POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL AND ACADEMY GRADUATE

Join our team as a Police Officer and make a difference in the community through dedicated service, professional policing, and a commitment to public safety! What is the Role? El Cerrito Police Department is a modern, well-managed department providing police services to a community of over 25,000 members. The department offers many opportunities for professional growth including: Investigations, Field Training, Hostage Negotiation Team, Special Response Team, and K9. This position requires an ability to learn and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures; carry out oral and written directions; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and meet the on-going physical requirements of the position. City Perks CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 3% @ 50 and PEPRA members 2.7% @ 57 retirement formula. Classic employee contribution - 12%, PEPRA employee contribution - 13.75%. Medical/Dental Insurance: Fully paid medical coverage (up to the Kaiser family rate) and dental coverage for employees and their dependents ($38,064 annual value); cash in lieu option available at $350 per month. Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life insurance up to $100,000. Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly. Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Plans and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offered. Holidays: 11 holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays and 1 birthday holiday. Vacation: Vacation ranging from 11 - 33 days per year based on years of service. (Prior public service years may be considered for initial accrual year placement in offer process for laterals). Sick Leave: Accrued at 10 hours per month. Tuition Reimbursement: Cost reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies. Bilingual Pay: The City pays $1,200 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City. Retiree Health Savings Account: The City contributes $200 per pay period towards a post retiree health savings account; employee contribution is $100 per pay period. Longevity Pay: The City pays longevity pay at a percentage of base pay, dependent on years of service with the City of El Cerrito - 3% at year 5; 6% at year 10, and 9% at year 20. Education Incentive: 3% for an AA/AS degree, 5% for a BA/BS, or 6% for an MA degree. Specialty Pay: 5% extra for detective, traffic, K-9, community liaison and any other specialty assignment. Uniform Allowance: The City pays $1,000 (annually) towards uniforms. Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Are We a Match? You enjoy community focused policing and building relationships with members of the public, businesses, and community partners. You can make thoughtful decisions in rapidly changing situations. You can communicate with professionalism and empathy, especially during difficult or stressful interactions. You value working in a diverse community. You are adaptable and can handle complex incidents or unexpected situations. You want to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the community. For additional recruitment information, visit our website: El Cerrito Police Department Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 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. Patrols an area of the City to observe and address suspicious or potential criminal activity; 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. Secures crime scenes and evidence; conducts comprehensive investigations; 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. Prepares reports on arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed; prepares and maintains other related reports, logs, records, and accurate files. Provides information, directions, and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with concerns or unusual situations; communicates with community stakeholders on quality-of-life issues and facilitates discussion towards viable, long-term solutions. Observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles and arranges for 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. Prepares cases for trial; testifies and presents evidence in court; coordinates activities of pre-trial investigation and preparation for the District Attorney’s Office; communicates with Deputy District Attorneys while filing police reports and in preparation for court trial. Develops and maintains good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations; maintains contact with community member(s) regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserves good relationshi