POLICE RECRUIT

Join the City of Signal Hill Police Department for a rewarding career, where Officers care about their community and the community supports its Officers. The Department is devoted to enhancing the quality of life in the City by providing a proactive and professional level of police service, and treating all persons with fairness, respect, and dignity. Upon satisfactory completion of P.O.S.T. academy and meeting other requirements as a recruit, a Police Officer's salary is $77,465.69 - $98,868.02 annually.

The City of Signal Hill is not only a small 2.2-square-mile city. It is also a tight-knit and peaceful community that recognizes and appreciates the value of its Police Department. The Signal Hill Police Department has a state-of-the-art facility, technology, equipment, and a great relationship with the community, making us THE PLACE TO WORK in Los Angeles County.

This is a non-sworn, non-represented, civilian classification, specifically designed to train police officer candidates for eligibility as a sworn police officer with promotion to the position of police officer contingent upon satisfactory completion of police academy training and meeting all other requirements.

Applicants must submit a completed application and scan and attach a Preliminary Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) to be considered.

The PIQ may be downloaded from question (1) of the Supplemental Questionnaire or CLICK HERE.

PIQ must be attached to your application before you click SUBMIT Application.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.

Police recruits attend a basic police recruit academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Position requires full-time attendance at a P.O.S.T. certified academy to prepare the recruit to assume the responsibilities of a police officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours.

Academy training progress is reviewed through the formal evaluation system of the police academy by designated academy staff. Non-academy work performed at the Police Department is reviewed through conference, written reports, inspections and observations of results achieved by superior officers.

Upon graduation from the academy, police recruits are elevated to sworn police officer with full salary, safety status, and benefits. All new hires must pass a 12 month probationary period to attain permanent police officer status.

Example of Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Attends a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy designated by the City of Signal Hill to obtain formal training in police work associated with public safety and the protection of life and property.
• May perform non-sworn work in the Police Department's jail operation, communication center, property and evidence handling, service desk, community relations or any other designated department area as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship at the time of application.
• Equivalent to completion of high school. Completion of sixty college units of study from an accredited community college, college or university with an emphasis on criminal justice, administration of justice or related field is desirable.
• Must have reached 21st birthday upon completion of the police academy.
• Vision uncorrected at least 20/70 and correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Normal depth perception and color vision in both eyes.
• Hearing must be normal in both ears as passed by the City's Medical Examiner.
• Height and weight must be in proper proportion.
• Ability to meet physical requirements will be established by competent authority.
• Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

EXAMINATION PLAN:
Completed City Application & Supplemental Questionnaire . Qualifying
Completed Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) . Qualifying
Written Exam (PELLETB) . 20%
Physical Agility Test (PAT) . Qualifying
Writing Skills Exercise . 10%
Interview . 70%

The City does not have, nor do we recommend, any study materials.

***IMPORTANT*** A comprehensive background investigation and polygraph will be conducted on any eligible persons considered for hire. Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may be grounds for disqualification. A pre-employment medical, psychological evaluation AND a drug screen will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Proper English grammar and vocabulary.

Ability to:

• Qualify for and satisfactorily meet the ongoing standards of a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy.
• Learn to apply the technical, legal, administrative, and human principals involved in modern police work.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action including emergency situations.
• Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, with respect for the rights of others.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation and to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing and to prepare comprehensive records and reports.
• Develop a skill and proficiency in the use and handling of firearms.
• Work effectively with co-workers, supervisor, and the public.

Physical Requirements:

• Coordination of eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements, such as self defense or in the use of radar devices, ETS, intoxilizers and other police equipment.
• Will exert physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, and running.
• Operation of equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as the operation of a police vehicle or the use of firearms.
• Ability to lift, push and pull 75 to 100 pounds.

Conviction History
The selected candidate of a sensitive position will be subjected to a background check including Live Scan fingerprinting Department of Justice (DOJ) and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a finalist. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.

Medical Standards
The selected candidate must pass a pre-placement medical examination and submit to a drug screen test.

Additional Information
Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill.

Disaster Service Workers
All City of Signal Hill employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - WHILE IN POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 6.75% of the normal cost of the benefit . There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,100 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $400 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,100. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,100) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans
• Social Security Participation
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - UPON GRADUATION FROM THE POLICE ACADEMY

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 11 paid holidays per year (88 hours)
• 28 hours of personal leave annually
• Employees hired on or after December 4, 2010 will participate in the 3% @ 55 PERS retirement formula and contribute 9% of the required employee's share. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months
• 2.7% @ 57 PERS retirement formula. Employees will be required to contribute 12.75% of the total normal cost of the benefit. There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided to new PERS members and those candidates who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,100 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $400 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,100. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,100) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified Retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium
• Employees contribute $625 per year towards their retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans - employee paid
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program or Education Incentive Program
• Advance POST Pay
• Senior Police Officers and Investigations (Detectives) receive an additional 7.4% differential to Police Officer Pay
• Traffic Officers and special assignment Officers receive an additional 5.4% differential to Police Officer pay
• Patrol Officers receive 1/2 hour briefing overtime each shift (7 hours per month paid at time and a half)
• 12 hour shift, allowing three and four days off per week
• $925 annual uniform allowance for Patrol Officers
• The Police Department is a certified employer of the Department of Veterans Affairs On-the-Job-Training (VA OJT) Program. Qualified veterans are eligible to receive up to one year of GI Bill benefits while in training as a Police Officer
  

City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws.

AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.