Reserve Police Officer

DEFINITION
 
To perform a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
 
The State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) has established three levels of reserve peace officer to provide flexibility to law enforcement agencies as listed:
 
Reserve Police Officer – Level III:  Incumbents may perform specialized limited support duties, and other duties that are not likely to result in physical arrest, while supervised in the accessible vicinity by e Reserve Officer Level I or a full-time regular Police Officer or higher.  Additionally, Reserve Police Officer Level III may transport prisoners without immediate supervision.
 
Reserve Police Officer – Level II:  Incumbents may perform general law enforcement assignments while under the immediate supervisor of a Police Officer who has completed the Regular Basic Course.  Reserve Officer Level II may also work assignments authorized for Reserve Officer Level III without immediate supervision.
 
Reserve Police Officer – Level I:  Incumbents may work alone and perform the same duties as a full-time regular Police Officer.
 
All Reserve Police Officers Level I/II/III are extra help employees.  Extra help is not in the competitive service and is authorized solely to provide necessary help on a limited or short-term basis not to exceed 999 hours in any fiscal year.  Extra help employees are paid on an hourly basis.  Reserve Police Officers are compensated for hours worked at the incoming step for a Police Officer.
 
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
Depending on Reserve Officer Level and assignment duties may include some or all the listed below:
 
Essential Functions:

1. Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
2. Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving crime victims, traffic hazards, automobile accidents, stray animal reports, misdemeanors and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents.
3. Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.
4. Search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contra band and lost or missing people.
5. Serve search and arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under federal, state and local laws and  codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
6. Perform booking procedures for new prisoners; transport prisoners to county jail as requested by court order.
7. Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer.
8. Serve as liaison and public relations officer for the assigned area; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; may develop reliable informants and provide intelligence information to divisional and/or departmental personnel.
9. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
10. Prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.
11. Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
12. Respond to questions, concerns, and requests for service from the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; provide information as appropriate and resolve complaints.
13. Direct and control traffic, crowds, bicyclists, skateboarders and parade congestion during special events or other emergency situations.
14. Perform related duties as required.

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
 
License:  Possession of a valid California Driver's License as issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles; P.O.S.T Certificate at a Level required for the position.
 
Education:  Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
 
Experience:  None required.
 
Training Options:
 

1. Level III Reserve:  Successful completion of Module III from an approve California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Academy Course (Penal Code sections 830.6 (a)(1) and 832.6 (a)(3);
2. Level II Reserve:  Successful completion of Module III and II from an approved California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Academy Course (Penal Code sections 830.6 (a)(1) and 832.6 (a)(2);
3. Level I Reserve:  Successful completion of Modules III, II and I from an approved California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Academy Course (Penal Code sections 830.6 (a)(1) and 832.6 (a)(2); OR Satisfactory completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved California Peace Officer Academy OR Successful completion of the California Basic Course Equivalency Examinations administered by the State of California commission on Peace officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

 
Peace Officer Status Requirements:  Must meet Peace Officer Status Requirements pursuant to California State penal and government codes, including but not limited to:

1. Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Not have been convicted of a felony.
4. Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose a criminal record.
5. Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
6. Be a high school graduate, or pass the GED, or pass the CA High School Equivalency Exam, or have attained a two-year, four-year or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
7. Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a peace officer.

 
Ability to:
Read, understand and apply departmental policies, rules, instructions, law and ordinances and general literature pertaining to law enforcement activities; analyze situations accurately and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action, give due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation; demonstrate keen powers of observation and memory; secure information from witnesses and suspects; make independent decisions while working in the field, write clear and comprehensive reports; understand and carry out oral and written directions; learn the use and care of firearms; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the general public; meet and maintain standards of adequate physical stature, endurance and agility; work under physical and mental pressure in potentially hazaradous situations.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veteran's Preference Application (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)

Applicants must submit the request form and certified DD-214 prior to the closing date.

SELECTION PROCESS: The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by Human Resources.  Applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams.  A score of 80% or above is required to advance through each phase of the process. An application must be completed. A resume is not a substitute for an application.