Police Officer Recruit

Job Description:

Police Officer Recruit

Description

Description

Join the City of Laguna Beach Police Department and be a guardian of our seaside haven!

Passionate individuals wanted for a thrilling career in law enforcement - protect paradise with PRIDE !

Hiring Process Overview

A 4% Cost of Living Increase is scheduled for 01/01/2025.

During Academy Training: Hired at Step 1 ($7,501 monthly)

Upon Academy Graduation: Increase to Step 2 ($7,885 monthly)

Under general supervision of a Police Corporal, Sergeant, or Watch Commander, Police Officer Recruits attend the police academy, and assume non-sworn duties within the Laguna Beach Police Department. Recruits are hired at the first step of the salary range ($7,501 monthly) and are required to attend the police academy training which is approximately six (6) months in length. This training is intense and requires a high degree of discipline. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority.

Upon graduation from the academy and approval by the department, Recruits are appointed as probationary police officers and begin field training. Upon appointment, the monthly salary will be increased and incumbents will be enrolled in the P.E.R.S. safety retirement formula of 2.7% @ 57.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Interested candidates must submit a completed online application in order to be considered.

TESTING PROCESS:

Written Examination : Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam

• Passing scores: Video - 70% or higher; Reading - 75% or higher; and Writing - 75% or higher

- OR -

P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)

• Passing score: Total T-Score - 50 or higher
• Laguna Beach Police Department does have future test dates and will send out invites via email; however, if you have taken the PELLETB test with another agency within the last year, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement.

- AND-

Physical Agility Test (PAT)

Qualified applicants who complete steps 1 & 2 will be invited to the PAT when a test date is established. The PAT is typically scheduled several times per year.

PANEL INTERVIEW EVALUATIONS: Candidates who successfully pass the Pellet-B written exam & PAT will be invited to the interview evaluation.

ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates must pass all steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Police Officer Recruit . They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent is required. College coursework in criminal justice, administration of justice, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Some experience involving public contact work or the enforcement of public safety rules and policies is preferred.

License/Certificate Requirements: Must obtain a valid California Class C or Class 3 driver's license and provide evidence of an acceptable driving record; must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supplemental Information

Re-application: Candidates who fail the interview or background process during the selection process for this position will not be eligible to reapply for twelve (12) months from the date of disqualification.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Additional resource: Commission on POST > Home (ca.gov)

The Department: The Police Department is organized into two divisions and provides general law enforcement services, including animal control and oversight and management of our local animal shelter. There are 104 full-time positions, of which 58 of the positions are sworn personnel. The department augments its services with the assistance of Reserve Police Officers, Community Volunteers, Animal Shelter Volunteers, Police Explorers, Police Cadets, and Traffic Control Aides.

Click here: Police Officer Common Disqualifiers

Pre-placement Process: A pre-background interview will be scheduled upon successful completion of the panel interview stage. Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a thorough background security investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, and pre-employment physical examination including a drug test.

Benefits for Laguna Beach Police Employees' Association (PEA)

Retirement: The City offers membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. 2.7% at 57 for PEPRA CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 50 for tier I Classic CalPERS Safety members; 3% at 55 for tier II Classic CalPERS Safety members.

Health Coverage: The City currently offers medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. In addition, the City provides life insurance and a long-term disability plan for employees.

Vacation: Vacation leave accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. This increases to 136 hours per year after five years of service, and to 176 hours per year after nine years of service. A cash-out option exists for accrued vacation time.

Holiday: The City provides 90 hours for 11 paid holidays per year.

Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year. Unused sick leave may be accumulated without limit.

Special Assignment Pay
Canine Handler - 14 hours per month at two thirds of their regular rate of pay, then paid at time and a half for the off-duty caring, grooming, feeding, training, and otherwise maintaining of their department-issued canine or Support Services dog/equipment

Community Outreach Officer and Field Training Officer - 10% of base pay

School Resource Officer, Motorcycle, and Detective - 5% of base pay

Educational Incentive Pay
Educational Degree: Sworn employees in the position of Police Officer, Police Corporal and Police Sergeant are eligible for a bonus of 2.5% of base salary for an AA Degree, or 5% of base salary for a BA or BS Degree.

POST Certifications:
Sworn police department employees are eligible for the following:
1. 4% of base salary for an Intermediate POST Certificate.

2. 9% of base salary for an Advanced POST Certificate. The two POST certificates are not cumulative. An employee with Advanced POST will receive 9% and not any additional compensation for first having an Intermediate POST Certificate.

Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, and the Support Services Supervisor, are eligible for the following:
1. 5% of base salary for a Dispatcher Advanced POST Certificate.

When an employee receives either an Intermediate or Advanced POST Certificate they shall provide the City with a copy of the Certificate and will then be paid by the City retroactively to the effective date of the Certificate.

Other Benefits
The City offers a Flexible Spending Account, Educational Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Program, Exceptional Performance Pay Program, and Bilingual Pay Program.

Salary:

$90,012.00 - $126,612.00 Annually