Police Officer - Lateral

Earning Potential

AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $/annuallyBA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 5 to 9 years of service = $/annually.
AA degree OR Intermediate POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $/annuallyBA/BS degree OR Advanced CA POST Certificate, 10 to 19 years of service = $/annually.

* Above calculations are based on step E

Effective the start of the pay period that includes January 1, 2025, employees received a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase.

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice.

Lateral Hiring Incentives

A $25,000.00 hiring incentive ($8,333.33 at completion of the Officer's field training/ $8,333.33 upon successful completion of probation/$8,333.33 at the Officer's two - year anniversary with the Downey Police Department.

The carry-over of the accumulated sick leave balance at separation from the former agency, up to 360 hours.

The carry-over of the accumulated vacation balance at separation from the former agency, up to 80 hours.

Vacation accrual rate based on prior years of Lateral Police Officer experience and in accordance with the current Memorandum of Understanding between the Downey Police Officers' Association and the City of Downey.

Bilingual Pay in the amount of $1,820 per year.

In addition to pay, the City offers competitive benefits including City paid medical insurance coverage up to the Kaiser (HMO Plan) family rate currently at $1,962.06 per month, a tuition reimbursement program that covers up to the Cal State rates, and a "3/12" work schedule.

Education Incentive Pay: An additional 7% of base pay for an Associate's degree or equivalent units (60) OR Intermediate California (CA) P.O.S.T. Certificate. An additional 10.5% for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent units (124) OR Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Merit Longevity: Employees become eligible for additional merit longevity pay increases after 5 years at 2.75%, 10 year at 5.5%, at 20 years of service, 8.25%, and at 25 years of service, 13%. Effective 12/23/02, full-time years of service as a certified Peace Officer with another CA P.O.S.T. law enforcement agency shall apply to longevity as though earned with the City of Downeyafter the initial probationary period has been completed.

Retirement: In accordance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), new hires enrolled after January 1, 2013 will be under the 2.7% @ age 57 formula as a new member to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). This enrollment will require a member contribution of 12.25% of reportable earnings. Laterals with active classic CALPERS membership or classic membership in another California retirement plan that provides eligible reciprocity with CalPERS, will qualify for the 3% @ age 55 retirement formula.

This formula will require a member contribution of 9% of reportable earnings.

Description:To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; enforce State and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
• Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
• Investigates crimes…