Police Officer II; Lateral Officer * Eligible

Overview

Now hiring lateral Police Officers! If you are an experienced sworn law enforcement officer in California, consider applying. This position is eligible for the City's Hiring Bonus Program. Candidates may qualify for a $35,000 hiring bonus, paid in 3 installments: $15,000 at hire, $10,000 at year 1 anniversary, and $10,000 at year 2 anniversary. Those participating in the Hiring Bonus Program are expected to make a 3-year commitment to the City of Madera.

Candidates demonstrating sufficient work experience may be placed at the top step of the assigned salary range if approved by the City Manager.

The Police Officer II is the senior class in the Police Officer series. Officers are responsible for performing the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities, under general supervision.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) years full‑time sworn law‑enforcement experience in California
• College coursework in criminology, police science, or a related field desirable
• California POST Basic Certificate
• Valid Class C California driver’s license or ability to obtain

Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications. Eligible candidates will be called for an oral interview (weighted 100%). Candidates earning at least 70 % on the interview will be recommended to the Civil Service Commission. Persons selected for further consideration must pass polygraph, background investigation, chief’s interview, psychological assessment, and medical evaluation (including drug screen). Appointment is conditional upon successful completion.

Eligible veterans may receive five preference points; attach DD214 for consideration.

Longevity Pay up to 7.5 % based on continuous full‑time City service.

• 10 years: 2.5 %
• 15 years: 5.0 %
• 20 years: 7.5 %

Retention Bonus
: $1,500 lump sum in January 2026 and January 2027.

• POST
  
  Incentives:
  
  60 College Units 2.5 %; B.S./B.A. Degree 5.0 %; POST Intermediate 2.5 %; POST Advanced 2.5 %
• Specialty Assignment Pay 5.0 % (detectives, traffic division, FTO, range master/firearms instructor, weaponless defense tactics instructor, SRO)

Education Reimbursement up to $2,400 per fiscal year for college coursework with prior approval.

Bilingual Incentive English/Spanish or ASL for qualifying individuals after passing annual bilingual test.

Retirement City participates in CalPERS defined‑benefit system. Classic and New members gain defined contributions per CalPERS formulas.

• Classic Members before 04/21/2012: 3 % at 50‑formula, employee 4 % pre‑tax contribution.
• Tier 1 Members 04/21/2012 or after: 3 % at 55‑formula, employee 3 % pre‑tax.
• New Members 01/01/2013 or after: 2.7 % at 57‑formula, employee 13.75 % pre‑tax.

Paid Leave paid vacation, paid sick leave, and non‑chargeable bereavement leave for immediate family.

Holidays accrue paid holiday time equal to City holidays; 4 hours per pay period, up to 80 hours banked.

Health Insurance City contributes monthly to purchase health, dental, and vision coverage; contracts with Anthem/Kaiser; 100 % premium coverage for employee and family.

Safety Equipment all safety equipment, including initial soft body armor, provided by city.

Uniform Allowance $77.57 per pay period ($2,016.86 per year).

Daylight Savings Transition Pay time and a half for extra hour in fall; regular pay for spring adjustment.

Life Insurance $25,000 life and accidental death policy, $5,000 dependent life; optional supplemental coverage.

Long‑Term Disability up to two‑thirds income protection.

Employee Assistance Program free counseling and services for employees and dependents.

Deferred Compensation optional 457 plan; contributions reduce taxable income.