Police Lieutenant - Departmental Examination

The Position

This Departmental Examination for the position of Police Lieutenant is open only to current City of Santa Cruz employees in the Sergeant classification of the Police Department. Per Rules and Regulations 3.7.2 the departmental examinations shall be open only to City employees in classified service positions within a specific classification in a designated department or division. The eligibility list established from this examination is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Under direction, the Police Lieutenant manages police personnel and activities in a division, section, or unit. Performs other management assignments as needed and carries out various administrative duties as assigned.

• On Thursday, 02/26/26 the job posting will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm PST; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit an online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely.
• Response to supplemental questions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. All required documentation must be submitted with your application.
• Tuesday, 03/03/26:
  Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position and candidates will be informed of their status by 03/03/26. Qualified candidates who have successfully passed the application process will be invited to participate in testing as below.
• Wednesday, 03/18/26:
  An oral examination with a panel of external subject‑matter experts will be held. This oral examination will consist of two components:
• Simulation exercise (weight 25%):
  Candidates will be presented with a realistic scenario and must respond as if in the position of Police Lieutenant.
• Oral interview (weight 75%): A structured interview designed to assess technical knowledge and abilities, leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
Candidates with overall passing scores of 70% or higher will be placed on the eligible list. Candidates with scores of 69% or lower will not be placed on the eligibility list.
• Chief’s interview:
  The top five candidates will proceed to Chief’s interview. Candidates will be notified of their status and invitation to the Chief’s interview approximately two weeks following the oral examination.

Under direction, manages police personnel and activities in a division, section, or unit. Performs other management assignments as needed and carries out various administrative duties as assigned.

This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first level supervisory position within the department.

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Deputy Police Chief in that the latter performs responsible administrative and technical work in planning, coordinating, directing, and supervising the activities of a major division of the police department.

• Plans, organizes, manages, and reviews all activities in law enforcement and related work of the patrol section during an assigned watch.
• Promulgates neighborhood policing functions.
• Responds to community complaints and holds subordinates accountable for solving crime and disorder complaints.
• Proactively mentors and leads subordinates.
• Reviews and approves reports submitted by subordinates.
• Plans patrol areas and personnel assignments.
• Supervises subordinate staff; reviews work performed and prepares evaluations.
• Assures clear lines of communication between the command and the field; ensures departmental policies, procedures, and practices are clearly transmitted.
• Makes recommendations on changes in operating procedures and policies, and staffing to the Deputy Chief.
• Provides input into and/or prepares the departmental budget.
• Conducts field inspections.
• Plans for crowd control for special events, parades, funerals, and holidays.
• M…