DEFINITION

• Under general supervision, patrols an assigned area in the prevention of crime and enforcement of law and order; carries out special assignments related to departmental operations or law enforcement in general; conducts investigations; performs related work as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• These functions may not be present in all positions in multiple position classes. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability.

PATROL AND TRAFFIC SAFETY

• Patrols an assigned area during an assigned shift and looks for indicators of possible criminal activity or threats to life and property; answers calls for police services; enforces City, county, and state laws; makes field contacts and completes forms; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, suspected homicides, and other criminal incidents.
• As a Motor Officer, patrols the City on a motorcycle or in a radar-equipped patrol unit; responds to calls related to traffic incidents and any other emergencies; observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws.
• Makes arrests as necessary; serves warrants and subpoenas; conducts searches and seizures involving people, vehicles and structures; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogates suspects; gathers and preserves evidence; receives, searches, and books prisoners; fingerprints and transports prisoners; testifies and presents evidence in court.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.
• Writes reports and field notes; participates in staff development; attends briefings and training sessions; performs routine maintenance on assigned patrol vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.
• Makes traffic stops and issues warnings, citations, or makes arrests as necessary; checks vehicles and observes vehicle occupants; investigates scenes of vehicle accidents, provides emergency medical care as necessary, directs traffic and arranges for clearing of roadway, interviews drivers and witnesses and prepares reports; directs traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
• Assists the public and answers questions; administers first aid and responds to calls for medical assistance; establishes and maintains good relationships with the general public.

FACILITY:

• The Police Department Facility is located in the Civic Center, built in 1990, at 100 West California Avenue, which includes a Community Center with basketball courts, gymnastic equipment, aerobics, and two racquetball courts.

REQUIREMENTS

• Age: Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Education: Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Fitness: Vision must be correctable to 20/30.
• Applicant must pass a P.O.S.T. approved medical and psychological exam.

EXPERIENCE

• Completion of P.O.S.T. approved basic academy and/or been employed by a California Law Enforcement Agency within one (3) year of application date to qualify for a “Lateral” position.

CERTIFICATION

• If applicable, a copy of the applicant’s P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate must accompany the application. A California Driver’s License must be obtained prior to appointment.

 
BENEFITS:

• The City of Ridgecrest provides employees a tiered cafeteria plan with a minimum of $575.00 per month to purchase medical, dental and life insurance. A tuition reimbursement plan is available, as is incentive pay from 5% to 12.5% for certain P.O.S.T. Certificates or academic degrees held or obtained while employed by the City of Ridgecrest. New employees earn a minimum of 80 hours vacation, 104 hours of sick and 11 regular holidays plus 48 hours of floating holiday time annually. Officers receive $1200.00 annual uniform allowance; a City paid Life Insurance equal to $50,000 or one times annual salary whichever is greater; and other bonus pays as negotiated by the Police Employee Association of Ridgecrest (PEAR).