Description  Benefits  Supplemental Questions

Lateral Eligibility:  Applicant must have passed a P.O.S.T. approved academy and possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. Out-of-state applicants may also be eligible for hire as a Lateral candidate by successful completion of the "Basic Course Waiver Process" administered by California P.O.S.T. Position Description: Under general supervision, performs varied law enforcement duties; enforces laws and regulations and apprehends law breakers; provides information, advice and assistance to the public in their use of police and other City services; conducts crime investigations; and does related work as required.

Representative Duties:

Patrols assigned area by automobile or on foot for the prevention and detection of crime and enforcement of laws and regulations; responds to radio messages or telephone instructions and investigates reported disorders or crimes; notes and reports complaints, accidents, offenses and damages to property; reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; directs traffic.   Makes arrests and advises suspects of rights; prepares reports on arrests and property impounded; inspects crime scenes and questions witnesses; checks alibis of suspects and attempts to determine the validity of statements made; analyzes clues and information related to a crime to determine how it was committed; reviews modus operandi of known criminals in attempting to determine relationships between criminals and crimes under investigation; reports on the progress of investigations and prepares assigned cases for court; serves warrants; appears in court to testify regarding arrests and other law enforcement activities.   Observes and reports conditions conducive to crime; provides information and assistance to the public; issues warnings and citations to traffic law violators and inspects vehicles; searches and transports prisoners.   Conducts special investigations and projects; makes public presentations to schools, businesses, and neighborhood groups; assists in the training and development of new employees.   May act as temporary supervisor or Watch Commander.   Contacts and Relationships: The employee is involved in extensive public contact often in high stress and emotionally charged situations. Effective handling of the contacts is of significant importance to ensure a positive public reaction and acceptance of the police service. The employee is expected to deal effectively and courteously with the public and exercise tact and discretion at all times.   Accountability: Employee is accountable for taking prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations applying learned techniques and procedures. Employee is expected to follow departmental rules, regulations and guidelines in handling a major portion of the work.   Working Conditions: Employee may be exposed to physical and verbal abuse where considerable self-control must be exercised. Some of the work may require considerable physical exertion and exposure to inclement weather, toxic substances and hazards associated with driving and/or directing traffic. Incumbents are assigned to shift work and rotated among various assignments.

Qualifications Guidelines:

Education and Experience: Educational achievement equivalent to the completion of 60 semester units at a recognized college or university is highly desirable. (Up to 15 units from the police academy may be combined with other college units to meet the required 60 semester units.)  Applicant must have passed a P.O.S.T. approved academy and possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. Out-of-state applicants may also be eligible for hire as a Lateral candidate by successful completion of the "Basic Course Waiver Process" administered by California P.O.S.T. This position requires the knowledge, abilities, and skills listed below:  Some knowledge of the principles and practices of modern crime investigation and criminal identification techniques, police patrol duties and laws governing the arrest and custody of prisoners, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.  Ability to deal effectively with people from essentially all socio-economic levels. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to engage in strenuous physical activity. Ability to maintain composure and take responsible action during stress situations. Ability to address groups of people. Ability to observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places. Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately. Ability to learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations. Ability to prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports. Ability to respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner. Ability to make clear and concise radio transmissions. Ability to deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions. Ability to meet Police Officer requirements contained in the California State Government Code. Skill in the use of firearms and interrogation techniques. Essential Functions: Physically fight/wrestle combative or resisting subjects. Restrain and subdue subjects. Arrest, detain and transport subjects. Pursue fleeing suspects on foot, jumping/climbing over barriers. Read and understand reports, documents, and other job related literature. Respond to radio instructions/telephone messages. Search suspects and properties/vehicles. Investigate crimes. Secure and protect property. Identify colors of vehicles/possible suspects. Serve warrants. Prepare cases for court and write reports; testify effectively in court. Conduct interviews and interrogate subjects. Gather, evaluate, analyze and present facts and evidence. Safely drive a vehicle under a variety of conditions. Handle, maintain and use weapons. Subdue attackers using batons, control holds. Use restraining devices. Know and apply city and departmental policies and all laws applicable to performance of duties. Respond to citizen inquiries in person, via telephone and in writing. Administer CPR and other first aid. Lift, carry, drag and pull people and objects. Be able to communicate with citizens in times of emergency. Administer roadside sobriety tests and use chemical kits. Produce computer generated reports. Special Requirement: Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a Class C California Driver's License and a good driving record.   Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Candidate must meet City's medical standards pertaining to physical requirements prior to employment.

Supplemental Information:

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.  Applications and answers to the Supplemental Questions are required.  Applicants must apply online at www.walnut-creek.org.  A limited number of applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process. All applicants will be notified by email or telephone whether or not they are invited to participate further in the examination process. In addition, applicants can log on to their account and check their current status online. The selection process shall include a qualifications appraisal interview and other test elements determined to be appropriate by the City. An eligible list will be established as a result of this examination process and will be valid for a period of six months. Applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo a physical agility exam, complete medical exam including a drug screen, a thorough Police Department background investigation and a psychological evaluation. The City reserves the right to request a candidate to submit to a polygraph exam.  If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination process, please provide the Human Resources Division with advanced notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.

Agency:	City of Walnut Creek
Address:	1666 North Main Street    Walnut Creek,  California  94596  Map/Directions
Phone:	925-943-5815
Web Site:	http://www.walnut-creek.org