Police Officer (Lateral / Academy Graduate)

MORE THAN A JOB- AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, GROW, AND MAKE AN IMPACT! Click Here to Learn About the City of Fountain Valley Fountain Valley Police Department The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County, California. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized, full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community, dedicated to protecting life, property, and public safety. With City events like our Summerfest and Concerts in the Park, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within 15 miles radius of the city, providing many options for a rich work-life balance. The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate the courage to protect life and property in our community; the dut y to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve public trust. Headed by Chief of Police Craig Heredia, the Police Department is comprised of dedicated sworn and non-sworn professionals, including 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 40 Police Officers, a Support Services Manager & Support Services Supervisor, Dispatchers (full and part-time), a Crime Analyst, an Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Cadets, Police Services Officers, and administrative staff. Are you looking to do meaningful police work in a department where your voice matters, your leadership is visible, and your work truly impacts the community you serve? Join a tight-knit Southern California police department where professionalism, trust, and balance are more than buzzwords - they're how we operate every day. We are currently recruiting experienced lateral police officers and recent police academy graduates who are motivated, community-oriented, and ready to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking agency. Why Join Fountain Valley Police Department? We offer a Hiring Incentive Bonus!! Lateral Police Officers - $10,000 paid in two (2) installments: $5,000 plus 40 hours of compensatory time at the time of hire and $5,000 after successful completion of the probationary period. Prior sworn law enforcement service will be considered for Longevity Pay (5 years=5%; 10 years=7%; 15 years=8%; 20 years=9% of base pay) Police Officer Academy Graduates - $5,000 paid in two (2) Installments: $2,500 at the time of hire and $2,500 after successfully completing the probationary period. Build a stable, meaningful career with competitive pay and benefits (See "Benefits" tab for more details regarding our comprehensive total compensation package). Specialties: General Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic including motorcycle, Regional Narcotics Program, S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics – part of West County), Drone Operator, and Canine. Special Compensation: Police Officers will be eligible for the following special compensation if certain criteria are met. Please refer to the POA MOU for more details. P.O.S.T. Certification Pay: Intermediate is 5%; Advanced is 12% of base salary Physical Fitness/Wellness pay of $495 per month Special Assignment Pay (Canine Officer, Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, SWAT) Bilingual premium up to $200 per month depending on qualification level A Department That Knows Your Name - Our size allows for strong relationships - between officers, leadership, and the community. You are not a number here; you are a valued professional. Community-Focused Policing: Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Officers are encouraged to build relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively. Work-Life Balance Matters: We prioritize sustainable staffing, realistic workloads, and predictable scheduling whenever possible - so you can excel at work and enjoy life outside the badge. Opportunities to Grow: From specialty assignments to training and professional development, we support career growth and recognize initiative. Accessible Leadership: Our command staff is visible, approachable, and invested in your success. Lateral Police Officers – We Value Your Experience We welcome experienced officers who are seeking a department with strong culture, supportive leadership, and a true sense of purpose. Lateral hires may be eligible for: Expedited hiring process (Interview only after review of application) Salary placement based on experience Reduced or modified field training, when applicable Recognition of prior service and certifications Academy Graduates – Start Your Career Strong A supportive Field Training Program Mentorship from experienced officers Early opportunities to build confidence and competence in the field. Ready to Make A Difference? If you’re looking for a department where integrity, teamwork, and community truly come first, we invite you to apply and learn more about what makes our agency special. To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link: Police Officer **You must be POST-certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position** Lateral Candidate Qualifications (All required certifications/licenses MUST be submitted with the completed employment application) Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy; Must have current or prior sworn law-enforcement experience (with successful completion of probationary period); [TR1] Out-of-State applicants may meet California’s Regular Basic Course (academy) training requirement by completing the Cali