Lateral Police Officer



Job Details

Lateral Police Officer
Employer

City of Costa Mesa

Salary

See Position Description

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

0201:18-1L

Department

Police

Opening Date

10/24/2017

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

This recruitment is specifically for full-time Lateral Police Officer.  It is not for entry-level Police Recruit, Academy Graduate Officers, or Reserve Police Officer. To apply for any of those positions, click here to visit the Employment Opportunities page.

LATERAL POLICE OFFICER:
Up to $112,500 annually (Salary range $83,940 - $112,500)
  • Candidates who are hired as Lateral Police Officers are also eligible for a reduced ten (10) month probationary period; upon successful completion of the probationary period, employees are then eligible for POST PAY. In addition, candidates may be eligible for a sick leave bank of up to 80 hours upon hire.

COMMUNITY PROFILE:
The City of Costa Mesa-- just one mile from the Pacific Coast in the heart of Orange County--is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. The city is home to South Coast Plaza, one of the nation's largest shopping centers, and the world-class Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory theater. Costa Mesa is also the capitol of the action sports industry and the headquarters for companies such as Hurley International, Volcom, RVCA, Rip Curl, and Vans.  Costa Mesa encompasses 16 square miles and has a population of about 110,000. Since its incorporation in 1953, Costa Mesa has evolved from a semi-rural farming community of 15,000 to a city with robust local economy that generates tax revenues of about $100 million annually. A general law city, Costa Mesa has a council-manager form of government and staff of approximately 450 full-time employees. Costa Mesa residents enjoy a mild Southern California climate. The City's location provides easy access to many of Southern California's major attractions, including beaches, mountain areas, high and low deserts, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.

For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, click here.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

This recruitment is being conducted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City as vacancies occur. 

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are requested to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application.  Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

NOTE:  The City only sends candidate notifications by email. Please make sure your email address is updated before applying for this recruitment. Please check your email inbox periodically during the application process.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS:
  • Please click here for a list of automatic background disqualifiers. If any of the automatic disqualifiers pertain to you, it is recommended that you do not submit an application for this position as you will be automatically disqualified from the selection process.

Candidates who pass the application screening phase will be selected to continue in the testing process.  Candidates must pass the following tests to be placed on the formal eligibility list.  Eligibility lists are valid for one year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time:
  • P.O.S.T. Written Examination (PELLETB) with a Total T-Score of 50 or higher (Pass/Fail)
  • Physical Agility (Pass/Fail)
  • Oral Interview Evaluations (100%)

Final Phases of the Selection Process:
  • Upon being placed on the eligibility list, appointment(s) will be made after successfully passing each of the following components: polygraph examination, a comprehensive background investigation, interview with the Chief of Police, interview with the City Manager, and the post-offer pre-appointment psychological evaluation and medical examination.  All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States.

Compressed Testing Option:
  • Please note: candidates that are active duty military, currently attending a police academy as an independent, require an approved accommodation, or can show proof of residency over 250 miles from the City of Costa Mesa, may be eligible for the compressed testing option subject to approval and availability. Testing will include the following components in a condensed version:  POST written examination, physical agility test, oral interview, and a pre-background interview. Instructions for requesting compressed testing will be provided to candidates who pass the application screening phase.
 
Required Documentation:
  • A copy of your P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher) must be submitted to complete your application.
  • Candidates who have successfully passed the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with another agency within the last 12 months may submit verification on agency letterhead indicating a Total T-Score of 50 or higher in order to be waived from the written examination.  Please note that P.O.S.T. does not allow individuals to retake the test within 30 days of their last test with any agency.

Documents may be faxed to Human Resources at (714) 754-4943 or mailed to City of Costa Mesa:  Human Resources, PO Box 1200, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200.
 
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please call the Police Recruitment Hotline at (714) 754-4955.

*Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of a scheduled test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

NOTE:  The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
 

Essential Functions

These functions may not be present in all positions in these classes. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Upon hire, completes the Department's Field Training Program; patrols a designated area of the City in a patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; answers calls and complaints involving fire, traffic accidents, robberies, and other misdemeanors and felonies and takes necessary police action; makes arrests; conducts accident investigations and preliminary investigations at the scenes of crimes, administers first aid, fathers evidence, locates and questions witnesses; testifies as a witness in court; patrols various streets, schools, and colleges for parking violations; recovers stolen property; provides information to the public; escorts cars to hospitals; escorts parades and funeral processions; prepares necessary records and reports; may perform jailer duties such as processing arrested persons and maintaining security of the jail; may perform desk officer duties such as handling telephone calls and visitors, and fingerprinting taxicab drivers, entertainers, and various other persons; and performs other related work as required.

Qualification Guidelines

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Graduation from high school or its equivalent.  College course work with an emphasis in police science, social sciences, or related field is desirable.
  • Must possess a current CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher) and be currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency and have successfully passed their probationary period.  We do not accept P.O.S.T. Basic waivers for out of state applicants.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
  • Class C California Driver's License. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS PER P.O.S.T. REGULATIONS:
  • Age: 21 years or older at the time of appointment/graduation of the academy.
  • Vision: 20/20 each eye corrected or uncorrected. Normal color vision.
  • Hearing: Normal hearing acuity.
  • Height/Weight: In proportion to age and frame.
  • Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

SPECIAL NOTE: 
  • Smoking or use of any tobacco products at any time while on duty is prohibited. Tattoos shall not be visible while on duty.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • For detailed information on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities, please click the following link to view the job description: Police Officer

Supplemental Information

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the physical tasks and environmental factors for these classifications. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To view the City''s Benefit Summary Sheet, click here.
 
To view highlights regarding salary and benefits, please click here.
 
Police Recruits are part-time employees appointed by and serve at the will of the Chief of Police.   Police Recruits contribute 6.75% or 7% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 2%@62 or 2%@60 CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligibility.  Upon successful completion of the Academy, Police Recruits transition to a full-time Police Officer and begin contributing as described below.
 
Police Officers are full-time employees who contribute 8% or 12.75% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 3%@50 or 2.7%@57 CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligibility.
 
Police Reserve Officers are part-time employees appointed by and serve at the will of the Chief of Police.   Police Reserve Officers participate in either the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) depending upon eligibility. Employees enrolled in PARS contribute 3.75% of salary with a matching City contribution. Employees enrolled in CalPERS contribute 12.75% - 14% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 3%@50 or 2.7%@57 depending upon eligibility.
 
Employees do not contribute to the Social Security system; however, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare and requires enrollment in an alternative retirement system.  As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to enroll and participate in the direct deposit program. 

01
I have reviewed the job flyer including the link to the automatic disqualifiers.
  • Yes
  • No
02
I have included all of my work history. For applicants with more than 10 years of work history, you must include your work history over the past 10 years as a minimum.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Are you at least 21 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Are you currently working as a sworn Peace Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a law enforcement agency and passed your probationary period? If yes, please indicate what agency, the date that you were hired, and the date you passed probation. If no, indicate "No."
07
Are you currently on probation as a sworn officer?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you currently possess a valid P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or higher?
  • Yes
  • No
09
To qualify for this position, you must provide a copy of your CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher) to the Human Resources Division by faxing it to (714) 754-4943 or by mailing it to City of Costa Mesa: Human Resources, PO Box 1200, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200. I understand this requirement.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
10
If you have successfully passed the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam with a Total T-Score of 50 or higher within the last 12 months with another agency, you may be eligible to have the written exam waived with the City of Costa Mesa if you submit proof on that Agency's letterhead to the Human Resources Division by faxing it to (714) 754-4943 or by mailing it to the City of Costa Mesa: Human Resources Division, PO Box 1200, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200. You may be eligible to have the written examination waived and will be notified by email of your status. I understand this option.
  • Agree
  • Not Applicable
11
Have you ever applied for any position within the Costa Mesa Police Department? If yes, list the position(s) and date(s) applied. If no, indicate "No."
12
Have you ever been disqualified during the background process for any position within a law enforcement agency? If yes, please explain and include the law enforcement agency, date, and reason provided. If no, please indicate "No."
13
Have you used marijuana within the last two (2) years?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Have you ever used illegal drugs known as PCP (phencyclidine), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Ketamine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, other Amphetamines, Cocaine, Magic Mushrooms, Ecstasy (MDMA), Bath Salts, illegal injectable steroids, or any other "hard" drugs or hallucinogens not listed?
  • Yes
  • No
15
Have you used any other "street drugs" not listed above? If yes, indicate the name of the drug(s) and how long ago you used them. If no, indicate "No."
16
Have you ever used prescription medication outside of its intended purpose? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
17
Have you ever sold, furnished, manufactured, grown, or transported illegal drugs (to include prescription medication used illegally)?
  • Yes
  • No
18
Are you currently living with anyone, or regularly associate with individuals, who are using drugs or involved in illegal activity?
  • Yes
  • No
19
Have you stolen from your current employer (excludes pens, pencils, etc.) within the last two (2) years?
  • Yes
  • No
20
Have you been involved in any theft/shoplifting in excess of $950 in the past five (5) years?
  • Yes
  • No
21
Have you ever been arrested and convicted for a felony offense?
  • Yes
  • No
22
Are you currently on probation, parole, or any other supervised conditions of release from custody?
  • Yes
  • No
23
Have you been deemed a "primary" or dominant" aggressor in a domestic violence incident?
  • Yes
  • No
24
Have you been arrested and convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), or accepted any DUI plea agreement to a lesser charge within the last seven (7) years of the date of this application?
  • Yes
  • No
25
Have you engaged in any illegal sex act outlined in the California Penal Code? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
26
Have you ever accessed illegal pornography involving children (to include "sexting" pictures of minors), or accessed pornography on a work computer? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
27
Have you had three (3) or more at fault traffic accidents in the last three (3) years?
  • Yes
  • No
28
Have you received five (5) or more moving violations in the last seven (7) years?
  • Yes
  • No
29
Have you been reprimanded or counseled for excessive tardiness/absences in the past two (2) years (non-medical or family leave related)?
  • Yes
  • No
30
Have you ever been terminated or resigned in lieu of termination? If no, please indicate "No". If yes, please explain and include dates(s) and reason(s) for termination.
31
As a Police Officer, the grooming policy for the Costa Mesa Police Department requires moderately tapered hair that does not extend below the top edge of the shirt collar and does not cover the ear for men, and neat, clean and well groomed hair for women. Facial hair other than sideburns and mustaches shall not be worn. Will you be able to comply with this standard?
  • Yes
  • No
32
I understand that I shall not smoke or use tobacco products at any time while on duty.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
33
I understand tattoos shall not be visible while on duty.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
34
If you are successful in completing the testing process, you may be selected to continue in the background process which includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. Recent drug usage, theft, or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations. I understand this requirement.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
35
I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to: noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
36
I certify that all information I provided in my application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and that purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.
  • Agree
  • Disagree

* Required Question

Employer
City of Costa Mesa
Address
77 Fair Drive
Post Office Box 1200
Costa Mesa, California, 92626
Phone
(714) 754-5350

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