Police Recruit / Police Officer (Academy Graduate)



Job Details

Police Recruit / Police Officer (Academy Graduate)
Employer

City of Costa Mesa

Salary

See Position Description

Location

CA, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

0201:18-3R

Department

Police

Opening Date

04/10/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

This recruitment is specifically for full-time entry level candidates (this is not for Lateral Police Officer or Police Reserve candidates).  To apply for Lateral or Reserve Police Officer, click here to visit the Employment Opportunities page.

POLICE RECRUIT $26.56 hourly plus part-time benefits: This is non-sworn, civilian police training work performed while attending a Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy.  Work involves full-time attendance at a P.O.S.T. certified police academy to prepare incumbents to assume the responsibilities of a police officer upon completion of the academy. 

POLICE OFFICER (ACADEMY GRADUATE) $6,995 - $9,375 monthly plus full-time benefits: Upon hire, incumbents are assigned to the  Department's Field Training Program.  Upon successful completion of the training, incumbents acquire the full range of law enforcement duties. 

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%)

Tentative Testing Dates for Cycle 2018-3R:
  • Written Exam: June 26 & 27, 2018 (attendance is only required on one date)
  • Physical Agility Test (PAT) & Oral Interviews: July 21, 2018
  • A separate and/or second interview date may be held depending on the number of candidates

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:
  • Both Levels: 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.
  • Police Officer (Academy Graduate) candidates must provide proof of graduation (within the last 12 months) from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy.
 
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

Please click the following links to review the essential functions for each level:

Police Recruit
Police Officer (Academy Graduate)
 
 

Qualification Guidelines

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Both levels require graduation from high school or its equivalent.  College course work with an emphasis in police science, social sciences, or a related field is desirable.
  • Police Recruit: Current enrollment in a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy is desirable.
  • Police Officer (Academy Graduate): Candidates must have graduated within the last 12 months from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy
 
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
  • Both levels require: 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 (BOTH LEVELS):
  • 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.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Please click the following links to review detailed information on the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for each position.
 
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.

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
Will you be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment/graduation of the academy?
  • 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? If you are out-of-state, do you possess a driver's license in your state of residence as of today, and are you willing and able to obtain a CA driver's license if offered this position?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Indicate which position you are interested in. Note: you should only indicate the position for which you meet the qualifications. Please ensure that you have carefully read the qualification guidelines indicated on the job flyer.
  • Police Recruit (Includes candidates who are currently attending a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy)
  • Police Officer (Academy Graduate who has graduated within the last 12 months from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy)
07
Please indicate your CA P.O.S.T. Police Academy status (if you have completed an academy, ensure your completion date or certificate "Date Issued" is indicated accurately in your application):
  • I am currently attending a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy.
  • I have graduated froma CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy within the last 12 months.
  • I have graduated from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy more than 12 months ago.
  • I have graduated from a CA P.O.S.T. Reserve Academy as a Level I Reserve.
  • I have graduated from a CA P.O.S.T. Reserve Academy as a Level II or III Reserve.
  • I am currently enrolled in a future CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy.
  • I have attended , or am currently attending, a Non-CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy.
  • I have not attended any type of Police Academy.
08
If you graduated from, are currently attending, or are enrolled in a CA P.O.S.T. Academy, please indicate the Academy and dates of attendance, or expected graduation date. If not applicable, note "N/A."
09
If you are applying as a Police Officer (Academy Graduate), you must provide a copy of your CA P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy certificate 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
  • Not Applicable
10
Are you currently working as a sworn officer? If yes, please indicate what agency and the date that you were hired. If no, indicate "No."
11
Are you currently on probation as a sworn officer?
  • Yes
  • No
12
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
13
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."
14
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."
15
Have you used marijuana within the last two (2) years?
  • Yes
  • No
16
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
17
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."
18
Have you ever used prescription medication outside of its intended purpose? If yes, please explain. If no, please indicate "No."
19
Have you ever sold, furnished, manufactured, grown, or transported illegal drugs (to include prescription medication used illegally)?
  • Yes
  • No
20
Are you currently living with anyone, or regularly associate with individuals, who are using drugs or involved in illegal activity?
  • Yes
  • No
21
Have you stolen from your current employer (excludes pens, pencils, etc.) within the last two (2) years?
  • Yes
  • No
22
Have you been involved in any theft/shoplifting in excess of $950 in the past five (5) years?
  • Yes
  • No
23
Have you ever been arrested and convicted for a felony offense?
  • Yes
  • No
24
Are you currently on probation, parole, or any other supervised conditions of release from custody?
  • Yes
  • No
25
Have you been deemed a "primary" or dominant" aggressor in a domestic violence incident?
  • Yes
  • No
26
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
27
Have you engaged in any illegal sex act outlined in the California Penal Code? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
28
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."
29
Have you had three (3) or more at fault traffic accidents in the last three (3) years?
  • Yes
  • No
30
Have you received five (5) or more moving violations in the last seven (7) years?
  • Yes
  • No
31
Have you been reprimanded or counseled for excessive tardiness/absences in the past two (2) years (non-medical or family leave related)?
  • Yes
  • No
32
Have you ever been terminated or resigned in lieu of termination? If no, please indicate "No". If yes, please explain and include date(s) and reason(s) for termination.
33
As a Costa Mesa Police Recruit you will be required to adhere to the grooming policy of the Orange County Sheriff's Academy. This policy requires a cleanly shaven face, #1 guard haircut for men, and neat and easily maintained hair for women. Once hired 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 these standards?
  • Yes
  • No
34
I understand that I shall not smoke or use tobacco products at any time while on duty.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
35
I understand tattoos shall not be visible while on duty.
  • Agree
  • Disagree
36
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
37
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
38
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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