Police Officer Trainee

City of La Mesa - "The Jewel of the Hills"

Announces An Exceptional Career Opportunity

POLICE OFFICER

The La Mesa Police Department maintains the highest commitment to the community through service, honor, integrity and professionalism. There are numerous assignments within the department which include patrol, field training officer, investigations, motor officer, school resource officer, special investigations unit, street team, honor guard and the Special Response Team. If you are interested in joining the LMPD's tradition of excellence, apply today.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Police Officer Trainee is the entry-level position to a career in municipal law enforcement. After successfully completing the Police Academy, the Police Officer Trainee will advance to the classification of Police Officer. Upon hire, Trainees shall attend the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute and complete a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy. Trainees will receive miscellaneous, non-safety member benefits and shall be enrolled in CalPERS as miscellaneous, non-safety members. Trainees shall progress to Police Officer upon:

• Graduation from the police academy, or upon assignment to a field training program after completion of a portion of the academy meeting the requirements of Penal Code Section 832, and
• Subscribing to the oath or affirmation required by the California Constitution and administered by a duly empowered official of the City of La Mesa.

As a Police Officer, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations; participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

The Hiring Process

Step 1. Application submitted through the City website during an open recruitment.

Step 2. Screening. The screening is performed by Human Resources to determine that you are not automatically disqualified based upon some of your application answers. Refer to the La Mesa Police Department Background Investigation Automatic Disqualifying Factors.

Step 3. Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T). Written Test*. This is a test written and created by P.O.S.T. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions that measure general aptitudes needed to be a Police Officer. No prior law enforcement knowledge is necessary to pass the test. Application Preparation Guide can be found on the P.O.S.T. website at www.post.ca.gov.

*P.O.S.T. Written Test may be waived if applicant meets certain criteria. See “Examination Process” in this job announcement for more information.

Step 4. Physical Abilities Test (PAT). The Work Sample Test Battery consists of the five elements listed below:

OBSTACLE COURSE/AGILITY RUN-Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted

BODY DRAG-Lift and drag 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet

CHAIN LINK FENCE-Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards

SOLID FENCE CLIMB-Run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards

500 YARD RUN-Run 500 yards

At the time of the test, a test monitor will describe the test more fully and answer any questions you might have. This is a physically strenuous test designed to simulate the actual physical demands placed on police officers. If you are not in top physical condition, it is advised that you begin NOW to improve areas where you may need work

Step 5. Panel Interview and Pre-Background Interview. Candidates that pass the written test and PAT will be scheduled for an interview with staff members from the La Mesa Police Department. Your qualifications, communication skills, and many other job-related factors will be evaluated relating to your suitability and fitness to begin a police career with the La Mesa Police Department. Following the interview you will sit down with a Background Detective and complete a Pre-Background Interview.

Step 6. Background Investigation. The Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation of your background. You will be requested to authorize organizations and individuals who know you, to release and verify relevant information about you. The Background Detective will contact prior employers, relatives, and references. Information provided during these contacts may result in other individuals being contacted. The detective will check into your employment history, credit status, driving record, and other pertinent information. A criminal history check will also be made. You will be scheduled for an in-depth background interview with the Background Detective. During this appointment, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. The entire investigation can be lengthy (expect anywhere from two to eight months). Start collecting your personal, employee and residence reference information now to include names, home and work addresses, home and work telephone numbers, and personal email addresses. The more you do now the less stress it will cause you later. Also, locate or request documents you will need in the background process to include your high school and/or college diploma, birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, DD-214 if prior military, selective service information, marriage license and dissolution of marriage and any high school and/or college transcripts. View La Mesa Police Department’s background disqualifying factors