Police Officer - Lateral

Hiring Bonus

$40,000 ($4,000 upon hire; $6,000 upon successful completion of field officer training; $6,000 upon successful completion of second year of employment; $8,000 at the completion of third year of employment; $8,000 at the completion of fourth year of employment; and $8,000 at the completion of fifth year of employment with the City of Scotts Valley). This specific portion of the policy is limited to the fiscal year funding availability, as determined by the City Manager.

• Physical health, strength and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and a medical exam based on California POST guidelines.
• Applicants who have not had corrective surgery and do not wear contact lenses or glasses must have 20/40 or better vision. Applicants wearing glasses must have 20/20 vision in each eye and 20/40 or better in the worst eye without glasses. Applicants wearing hard contact lenses are not allowed unless vision is 20/40 or better in the worst eye. Applicants wearing soft contact lenses must have 20/20 in each eye, 20/200 or better in each eye without lenses, and must have successfully worn soft lenses for one year.
  
  Applicants who have had corrective surgery must have 20/40 vision or better without contact lenses and the surgery must have been performed at least one year prior to the date of application. Depth perception, peripheral vision and color discrimination must be free of significant deficiencies and within POST guidelines.

Police officers perform any combination of the following duties, depending on specific assignment; patrol the city in radio‑dispatched vehicles and on foot; answer calls for protection of life and property; enforce City, State and Federal laws; enforce traffic law; operate radar equipment; suppress crime by interrogation of suspicious persons; observe unusual situations on patrol beat; and settle disputes and arguments. Perform traffic control, accident investigation, render emergency assistance to citizens in need of immediate help;

transport prisoners; serve warrants; participate in investigations of felonies and misdemeanors; interview persons involved in crimes and accidents; document incidents using computers; perform security checks of public, commercial and residential buildings; observe assigned area for suspicious activities and unsafe conditions; provide assistance to other officers and law enforcement agencies. Participate in community‑based policing, fostering familiarity between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem‑solving.

The Scotts Valley Police Department serves a community of over 11,000 citizens. During work hours, the population may swell to over 30,000. There are 22 sworn police officers assigned to patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations, juvenile, training and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). The discipline is service oriented.

• Retirement: City participates in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Current enrollees in the Classic plan must contribute 9% with 3.0% at age 50 and 3‑year average. New enrollees or those with a >6‑month break must contribute 13.75% with 2.7% at age 57 and 3‑year average (subject to change in July).
• Health Insurance: Dental/vision premiums paid by the City. Medical premiums:
  • City contribution: $1,286.26
  • Employee Only: $2,601.73
  • Employee + 1: $3,370.60
• Life Insurance: $50,000 double indemnity policy paid by the City.
• Long‑Term Disability: Premiums paid by the City.
• Uniform Allowance: Fully provided, including cleaning.
• Vacation…