• Specialties: General Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic including motorcycle, Regional Narcotics Program, S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics – part of West County), Canine, and Community Services Officer.

• Special Pays: Canine Officer, Bilingual,  POST Certificate Pay up to 12%,  Wellness Pay, Retention Incentive Premium, Specialty Assignment (Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, SWAT), Retention Incentive Premium up to 9% (longevity pay). 

• Benefits: Tuition Reimbursement, Uniform Allowance, Health Allowance, 11-paid Holidays, Life Insurance and AD&D. 

COME BE A PART OF OUR FAMILY AND SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK!

THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY

The City of Fountain valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With just under 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized full service City which maintains a personal touch with the community we serve. From City events like our Summerfest to staff events like our Summer Barbeque, we take pride in engaging with staff and the community. On the off hours, the City is only 7 miles from the beach and less than 15 miles to Disneyland, so opportunities abound for work-life balance. 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate the courage to protect life and property in our community.  The duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve the public trust.

The Police Department is comprised of dedicated professionals including the Chief of Police, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Support Services Manager, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 39 Police Officers, 9 full-time Dispatchers and 1 part-time Dispatchers,  Crime Analyst, Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers and administrative staff. 

**You must be POST certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position** 

POLICE ACADEMY ENROLLED – Must be currently enrolled in a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy. Provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application. Must have and maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff.

POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE – Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy within the last 3 years. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required. Provide a copy of your academy's official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the Police Academy with your application.

LATERAL – Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy and are currently working as a Peace Officer. 
Out-of-State applicants must obtain California P.O.S.T. basic course waiver.

SPECIAL COMPENSATION:
Incumbents will be eligible for the following special compensation if he/she attains the required certification, passes the required testing or is given a special assignment:

• Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate pay of 5% or Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate pay of 12% per month.
• Physical Fitness/Wellness pay of $50 per month for Tier 1 or $195 per month for Tier 2 qualification.
• Specialty Assignment Pay
• Bilingual premium of $35 per month for Level 1 or $70 per month for Level 2 qualification.

CLASS DEFINITION
To perform responsible work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, patrol, crime prevention, investigation, and other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is distinguished by the highly responsible police work performed in the prevention and detection of crimes and for maintaining order.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant. 
 

• Patrol an assigned area searching for indicators of possible criminal activity or threats to life and property; answer calls for police service; enforce City, county, and state laws; make field contacts and prepare required reports; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, suspected homicides, and other criminal incidents.
• Make traffic stops and issue warnings, citations, or arrests as necessary; check vehicles and observe occupants of vehicles; responds to calls related to traffic incidents and other emergencies; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage; observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary; serve warrants and subpoenas; conduct searches and seizures involving people, vehicles, and structures; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; receive, search, and book prisoners; fingerprint and transport prisoners; and testify and present evidence in court.
• Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; arrest suspected perpetrator(s).
• Writes reports and field notes; participates in staff development; attends briefings and training sessions; performs routine maintenance on assigned firearms and other equipment.
• Assist the public and answer questions; administer first aid and respond to calls for medical assistance; establish and maintain good relationships with the general public.
• Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
• Drive vehicles under hazardous and emergency conditions.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

• When assigned, make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police Department activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• High School graduate, pass the General Education Development Test (GED) or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.
• Associate of Arts or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
• Currently enrolled in a California Peace Officer Standards police training academy and be in good standing. Must be able to show proof of academy completing at the time of appointment.
• Or must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy and are currently working as a Peace Officer.

EXPERIENCE: 

Previous law enforcement experience is highly desirable.

REQUIRED LICENSE:

Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Candidates selected for processing will be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records.
• Candidates must be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• Candidates must be free of any felony convictions.
• Candidates must have normal hearing acuity.
• Candidates must have vision of 20/70 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20 and normal color vision.
• Candidates must have height and weight in accordance with age, sex, and frame.
• Police Officers must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends as assigned.
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Federal, State, and City laws, ordinances and regulations.
• The vehicle code, penal code, laws of arrest; search and seizure; rules of evidence; and court procedures.
• Modern law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing practices and procedures.

REQUISITE ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action; and cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Persuade, convince, and/or train other; advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Operate a computer and a variety of software.
• Make clear and concise radio transmissions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• The proper use and care of firearms.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, employees, other officers, supervisors, City officials, and the general public.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations to include on-site work at calls and incidents, in a City vehicle and at the Police Station. When working outdoors, may be exposed to the elements; may work under damp or dry conditions; crouch, walk, bend, reach, twist, drag, lift, and carry items weighing 45 pounds or more; prolonged sitting, standing, and grasping; run for extended times over various distances and conditions such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls; observe and recognize people, activities, vehicles, street signs, environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during day or night; may be exposed to dust, chemicals, solvents, grease/oil, fumes, electrical, and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration, and noise; meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision (including the ability to distinguish colors), speaking, hearing, dexterity, and use of both hands and legs appropriate to the duties to be performed. May administer first aid and in an emergency, push, pull, drag, and move individuals and/or others weighing 150 pounds or more. May be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids or communicable diseases. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing, sense of smell, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed with the ability to work irregular hours and schedules.

NOTE: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of the following:

1. Oral interview.
2. Personality test.
3. Extensive background investigation including credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting).
4. Polygraph examination / post conditional offer.
5. Psychological evaluation / post conditional offer.
6. Pre-employment medical examination including drug screen / post conditional offer.

Applicants failing any portion of the selection process will not be considered for appointment.

Re-application:

Those candidates who failed any component of the City of Fountain Valley's selection process for Police Officer during a previous recruitment may re-apply only after twelve months have passed since notification the City will discontinue processing him/her due to failing any portion of the selection process.

Complete application package:

Candidates must fill out the application and supplemental questions completely and provide required documentation if applicable. Incomplete applications including references to see the resume for qualifications are incomplete and will be disqualified. Candidates are encouraged to provide accurate answers as the City will verify the qualifications for each candidate.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process.

The selection process may include but is not limited to: application review and evaluation, written examination, physical ability test, practical skills test and oral interview. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference check, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), polygraph, post-offer psychological, post-offer drug test and post-offer medical examination. The specific selection process will vary based upon the position. Candidates must fill out the application and supplemental questions completely. Incomplete applications including references to see the resume for qualifications are incomplete and will be disqualified. Candidates are encouraged to provide accurate answers as the City will verify the qualifications for each candidate.

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the test date.

Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applicants. If you have any questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at 714-593-4472 or joinfvpd@fountainvalley.org.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION

Non-exempt

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

Updated 1/3/2023

For more information and to submit an application, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fountainvalley/jobs/3495724/police-officer-lateral-academy-graduate