LATERAL POLICE OFFICER , PRE-SERVICE POLICE OFFICER, AND POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

WE'RE HIRING!
Come be a part of a place where character counts, where performance and excellence are celebrated, and where input and ideas are welcomed to ignite innovation. Be a part of a department that accepts responsibility, is accountable for their actions, and helps to promote an environment that listens and learns and invites and inspires new ideas, and helps employees develop and grow, while providing real feedback! APPLICATION FILING PERIOD
This recruitment is set to close on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

THE POSITIONS
Lateral Police Officer: You are a currentsworn police officer with a public law enforcement agency who has completed probation and possesses a valid current/valid Basic California POST Certificate.
Pre-Service Police Officer:You are a Police Academy Graduate or currently attending a CA POST Basic Police Academy.
*Police Officer Recruit:You have never attended a CA POST Basic Police Academy. This is a non-sworn position; incumbents in this position will be promoted to a sworn Police Officer upon successful completion of a CA POST Academy.

*Police Officer Recruit position requires the mandatory completion of a Physical Agility Test, Orientation, and Pellet-B Exam. All 3 components are conducted in a single one-day testing process.
The testing date is tentatively scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026.If you have taken the POST PELLET-B Written Exam within 1 year of our testing date and passed with a minimum T-Score of 42, you can submit your T-Score results letter in lieu of participating in the written exam. T-Score result letters should be submitted by email to humanresources@montereypark.ca.gov or as an attachment with your online application. If your test results are more than 1 year of our testing date, your submitted T-Score will not be accepted, and you will need to participate in the scheduled written test date.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Uniformed Patrol is a usual basic assignment where officers work given areas and shifts. They report to Field Commanders, usually a Sergeant, and work closely and cooperatively with other units, officers, and staff. Officers may be recalled to duty in cases of emergency. Patrol Officers are expected to follow training and prescribed procedures meticulously, and to use safety, skill and judgment at all times. After proper experience and depending on needs of the department, officers may be given Investigation, Task Force, or other special full-time or supplemental assignments. Under direction, patrols the community to prevent crime and enforce laws; investigates complaints, apprehends criminals and suspects; protects lives and property; assumes responsibilities and performs related duties as required.Patrol by automobile or foot; respond to radio messages; observes conditions and activities; checks atypical, suspicious, or illegal situations and takes proper action; maintains communications, prepares written reports; observes traffic, reports hazards, directs traffic, investigates and prepares reports on accidents; issues warnings and citations; investigates complaints by obtaining facts; interrogates victims, suspects and witnesses; checks records from many sources; observes in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles; participates in stake-outs; cooperates with and receives assistance from other policing agencies; utilizes county, state, and federal services; makes arrests, books and transports prisoners, and testifies in court; completes cases, writes reports, and maintains records.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

All Candidates:High school diploma or equivalent.
Laterals:Must be currently employed as a police officer and have passed their probationary period with their current employer.
Pre-Service:Must be currently enrolled in or have completed a POST Certified Academy Course.
Recruits:Must be 21 years of age prior to completion of academy training.

License and Certifications
All Candidates:Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Lateral Candidates: Possession of a current/valid Basic California POST Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• various Departmental, County, State, and Federal policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature;
• functions of law enforcement; armed and unarmed defense;
• high-speed emergency driving;
• life-saving techniques;
• vehicle code and penal code.

Ability to:

• follow and understand oral and written instructions/communications;
• gain cooperation of others, analyze situations, learn the use and care of automobiles and small firearms;
• and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action;
• write clear and accurate reports;
• understand and follow oral direction;
• keen observation and ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents;
• provide extensive services to the community and a commitment to building relationships within the community;
• serve alongside fellow Officers, City leadership, and community members with integrity and professionalism;
• display an openness to new ideas and help promote a positive work environment.

Desirable Abilities
Ability to interpret, apply, and make decisions based on federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations; motivated to foster change in the community through commitment to professional enforcement practices; and excellent communication and collaboration skills. Ability to recognize and apply alternative solutions to problems, and make legal, logical and critical decisions in emergencies while working in a stressful environment; have a public servant’s heart with an understanding of community-oriented policing and its application; clear thought and ability to perform in critical decision-making in emergency situations, while remaining calm; treat all people encountered, equally and with respect, while seeking to understand another’s view; thrive in a team environment that encourages cooperation, communication, and mutual sharing of risk, responsibility, and reward; and the ability to utilize ideas, innovation and inspiration to find “a better way” by viewing issues or problems as opportunities versus obstacles.

Physical Characteristics
Requires heavy lifting, carrying, climbing, running, and exposure to potentially hazardous situations and environmental conditions. Vision must be 20/70 uncorrected (20/20 corrected), normal color perception, and normal hearing. Must meet standards of physical and health conditions, endurance, and agility. Tattoos, other forms of body art, and/or objects used to pierce the body shall not be visible to the public during performance of duties. Additionally, tattoos, body art and/or objects utilized in body piercing shall not be displayed to other City and Department employees while on or in property and/or facilities owned, operated or under the dominion and control of the City/Department, where the content of the tattoo, body art and/or piercing may be perceived by a reasonable City/Department employee as evidence of harassment or discrimination.