Police Officer; Lateral​/Academy Graduate

This is an open recruitment to fill (1) current vacancy and to establish an eligibility list used to fill future vacancies. Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASES. Apply early as this position may close at any time without notice. First review June 1, 2026. Effective July 1, 2025, new hires will receive a hiring bonus of $13,000.00. This bonus will be paid in three installments: 1.

$5,000.00 will be paid on the first paycheck following the Employee's hire. 2. $4,000.00 will be paid on the first paycheck after successfully completing the Employee's probationary period. 3. $4,000.00 will be paid the first paycheck after forty-two (42) months of continued employment as a Police Officer.

The incumbent will enjoy a family environment and be a part of an enthusiastic work force that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events.

The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare them for advancement by introducing them to a variety of law enforcement related projects and responsibilities. If you want to join a hard-working team that shares a commitment to keep the City of La Palma safe, clean, and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of La Palma.

Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work!

Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; performs investigative work; participates in and provides support and assistance to special department crime‑prevention and enforcement programs; performs related duties as required.

This is the entry level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status. Positions allocated to the Police Officer class are assigned to a number of functional areas within the Police Department; some of the duties assigned, as determined by the Chief of Police, require prior experience with the La Palma Police Department.

Patrols City in radio equipped car, on foot, on bicycle or motorcycle; answers calls for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws; conducts preliminary and follow up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents. Makes arrests as necessary; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogates suspects; gathers and preserves evidence;

testifies and presents evidence in court. Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses. Prepares reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed. Checks buildings for physical security. Searches, fingerprints, and transports prisoners. Administer CPR and first aid as necessary. Establishes, fosters and maintains positive and harmonious working relationships with co workers, the general public, contractors, vendors, citizen groups, and elected officials.

Assists in training and evaluating patrol personnel. Traffic Safety Patrols streets during designated times to control traffic safety conditions and to enforce traffic safety laws. Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; observes conditions and events which affect traffic safety and either takes corrective actions or reports such conditions and suggestions for improvement. Responds to calls related to traffic incidents and emergencies;

responds to and investigates traffic accidents. Assists and advises motorists in traffic and pedestrian safety. Court Services Processes prisoners; serves warrants…