Police Officer

Job Overview

The City of South Pasadena Police Department is recruiting to establish an eligibility list for the position of Police Recruit. This is an entry‑level, non‑sworn, probationary position. Candidates will be placed in a 6‑month POST certified Police Academy paid for by the City. While enrolled, recruits are subject to the academy’s academic and physical requirements. Successful completion leads to appointment to a probationary Police Officer and subsequent POST Field Training Officer program.

While enrolled in the academy, incumbents participate in and complete a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry‑level Police Officers, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.

Under general supervision, a newly appointed sworn Police Officer protects life and property, prevents crime, arrests criminals, and generally enforces laws and ordinances. The officer is responsible for a designated beat area, works assigned shifts, and may patrol by driving or walking. Assignment may include the Detective Bureau or traffic enforcement. The officer reports to a Corporal, Sergeant, or higher‑level supervisor.

Patrol responsibilities include enforcing motor vehicle operation and parking regulations, preventing crimes, inspecting and reporting conditions that may lead to delinquency, conducting traffic accidents, criminal investigations, and other investigations; writing reports; collecting and preserving evidence; interviewing witnesses; testifying in court; apprehending suspects; performing jail booking procedures, including fingerprinting and photographing; receiving complaints and reports; providing public information; giving first aid;

mediating disputes; performing background investigations; acting as dispatcher; locking/unlocking park gates; and other related duties as required.

Police Officer Recruits must attend a POST Basic Police Academy and satisfactorily pass all requirements that lead to possession of the POST Basic Police Academy completion certificate. A high school diploma or GED Certificate is required. Candidates must be 21 years of age upon appointment. College‑level coursework in Administration of Justice is desirable. Possession of a valid California Driver's License Class “C” or higher is required.

Candidates shall be either a United States citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.

Knowledge of: Basic reading, writing and spelling; laws of arrest and seizure;
California Vehicle and Penal codes.

Ability to: Follow and understand oral and written instructions; utilize oral and written communication skills; gain cooperation of others; analyze situations; learn the use and care of automobiles, firearms, and other job‑related equipment; meet standards of physical and health conditions, endurance, and ability.

Physical Demands: Drive a vehicle safely under various conditions; lift, carry, drag, pull, and push objects of varying weight and size; stand, walk, and run for extended times over various distances; observe and recognize people, activities, vehicles, street signs, and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during the day and night; use only that force necessary to control situations and persons;

use a variety of lethal and less‑than‑lethal weapons safely; administer First Aid, CPR, and AED; vision must be 20/70 uncorrected (20/20 corrected) and possess normal color perception and normal hearing.

Successful completion and possession of a POST Basic Academy Certificate is required for appointment to the position of sworn Police Officer.

As a Police Officer Recruit, the environment is mainly indoor classroom and outdoor training. As a sworn Police Officer, duties may be performed outdoors, subject to heat and cold, noise, toxic agents, smoke and violence, and may include overnight hours, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. Occasionally, shift work will be in…