Police Officer - LATERAL

Overview

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT - OPEN UNTIL FILLED. The City of Napa Police Department is advertising vacancies for Police Officers. This recruitment and examination is conducted to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list.

Upcoming salary increases and hiring incentives are noted below for eligible lateral candidates.

• 1) $15,000 appointment incentive (paid to hired candidates on the first paycheck following hire date)
• Relocation assistance (as defined by IRS rules)
• Vacation accrual credit (includes 80 hours at time of hire; conversion to vacation accrual tier based on total years of service as a peace officer after probation)
• Upcoming salary increase:
  Additional 2% salary increase effective March 1, 2026
• Hiring incentives are available for up to five (5) positions until filled

The Napa Police Department is a dynamic and progressive police agency dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. Programs include Youth Diversion, Homeless Outreach, and School Resources Officer, supporting the community policing philosophy and the Mission Statement: "Community, Service, Excellence."

The Department strives to be a model organization, committed to integrity and professionalism, with a priority to ensure the community remains a safe haven for residents and visitors.

We are seeking gifted individuals with integrity who can demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making under all conditions. Consideration as a Lateral Police Officer is available to applicants with one year of experience in a sworn law enforcement position in the State of California (as defined in Penal Code Section 830.1) and possession of a California POST Basic Certificate. Lateral (Outside California): one year of sworn law enforcement experience and successful completion of the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process is required by time of hire.

Academy Graduate: possession of a current California POST Basic Police Academy Certificate is required at time of application.

This recruitment and examination is being conducted to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies. Ideal candidates will demonstrate competencies in technical knowledge, building trust, interpersonal communications, decision-making, conflict resolution, stress tolerance, initiating action, managing work, and more as described in the detailed competencies below.

• Technical Professional/Knowledge and Skills
• Building Trust
• Interpersonal Communications
• Decision-making
• Resolving Conflict
• Stress Tolerance
• Initiating Action
• Managing Work

Note:

You must attach a copy of your California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate to your application. Failure to attach required documents will result in candidate disqualification.

• Completed Employment Application (online)
• Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
• California POST Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Certificate
• Acknowledgement of ability to comply with Police Department Recruitment and Selection Standards

• Patrols an assigned area of the city by vehicle or on foot to ensure life and property safety, observe situations, deter crime, and protect constitutional rights.
• Identify problems in a beat or community and develop tactical action plans.
• Maintain law and order; enforce laws and ordinances; respond to emergencies and suspicious activities.
• Investigate traffic accidents; provide first aid; coordinate traffic and crowd control; issue citations.
• Investigate criminal activity and incidents; manage crime scene control and evidence; interview witnesses.
• Prepare and document cases; testify in court; complete reports and records.
• Maintain contact with the public and other agencies; may perform work in a specialty assignment as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. A typical path:

• Experience: One year of experience in a sworn law enforcement position in California as defined in Penal Code Section 830.1.
• Certification: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California POST Basic Certificate is required. Lateral applicants from outside California are encouraged to apply; you must show proof of the California POST Basic Course Waiver and obtain a waiver letter prior to eligibility.
• Knowledge of: Law enforcement terminology; safety practices;
  English grammar, punctuation; basic computer skills; problem solving; communication techniques.
• Ability to: Communicate effectively; learn and interpret laws and policies; think and act quickly in emergencies; analyze situations; exercise sound judgment; write clear reports; operate vehicles in high-speed/emergency contexts; build relationships with stakeholders; use department software; meet minimum firearms handling standards.

Due to the varied nature of police work, incumbents may perform physically…