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City of Cotati

Cotati, CA 94931

Phone: 707-665-3629 

Fax: 707-665-4226    

E-mail: info@cotati.ca.us 
Website: www.ci.cotati.ca.us

Salary: $4,975 - $6,047/month

Population: 7,800 

Sworn Officers: 10 

Application Deadline: 2/28/11

City Of Cotati - Police Officer

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; provides traffic enforcement and control; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work or administration; performs other related duties as required.

The Police Officer is the working level class responsible for the performance of the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is responsible for performing the more complex and difficult tasks, as well as the serving as a watch commander of an assigned shift.

Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant, or higher ranking position depending upon assignment.  May provide technical/training supervision for assigned officers, special programs, or as assigned officer-in-charge.

• Patrols assigned areas by car, bicycle or on foot; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; answers complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.

• Enforces traffic laws; performs crowd control, operates handheld, and stationary radar devices; controls and directs traffic when necessary; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; serves search warrants and subpoenas; administers CPR and first aid in cases of emergency; issues citations and makes arrests; transports, books, and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.

• Coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property or coordinate these activities with a Police Sergeant; collects, preserves, maintains, and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies in court in connection with prosecution of offenders; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.

• May be assigned to perform K-9 special assignment duties, which include the care, feeding, and training of the dog; utilizing the dog in tactical or non-emergency situations; representing the department in educational or other community events.

• May be assigned to perform Traffic Officer - Motorcycle special assignment duties.

• May be assigned to coordinate or participate in programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Bicycle Patrol, Explorer or Citizen Volunteer.

• Conducts property and building checks for burglary and other criminal activity; responds to questions, concerns, and requests for service from the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.

• Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer, officer in charge or in a variety of special program areas.

• Responds to and resolves animal control issues.

• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.  Practices community policing philosophies.

• Education and/or Experience:  Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Police Officer.  A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience in law enforcement and an associate’s degree are desirable.

• License/Certificate:  Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license and certificate of completion of a Basic Police Academy certified by California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Penal Code, Government Code, Vehicle Code and other related regulations, and court decisions; technical aspects of law enforcement activities, including juvenile programs, record keeping, automated records systems, search and seizure, code violations and care and custody of persons, and property; care, maintenance and operation of a variety of law enforcement radio, and personal equipment; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; police office procedures, practices, and equipment; basic principles of law enforcement information systems, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence, and reach sound conclusions; work under pressure, analyze information and act quickly and calmly in emergency, and non-emergency situations; observe and accurately remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places; function with a significant degree of independence; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; elicit information from upset and irate people; follow written and oral directions; administer first aid; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:

Safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms, and a police vehicle in emergency situations; operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The salary range is $4,975 to $6,047 per month.  Excellent Benefits.

See City's website at www.ci.cotati.ca.us and click employment (after 02/14/11)

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants must submit a completed City of Cotati application form to the Personnel Officer, 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931.  Although a resume may also be submitted, it will not be accepted as a substitute for any of the required application documents.

PART I – All completed applications will be reviewed by a screening committee.  For Lateral and Graduate Academy applicants, a copy of your POST Police Academy Certificate must be included with your application.  Applications received without a copy of your POST Police Academy Certificate will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in the process.  For current Academy Attendees, you must be in the final phase of a POST Academy at time of application.

PART II – Successful candidates from the screening will be invited to an appraisal interview.  The appraisal interview is designed to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related information.

PART III – Final selection of the candidate for the open position will depend upon successfully passing city-sponsored polygraph, physical and psychological examinations and a background investigation.  All other candidates that successfully pass all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list that will be effective for one year from the date of the list.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EEO:

If, because of a disability or for religious reasons, you would like to arrange for an accommodation in order to participate in the appraisal interview, we encourage you to contact Jone Hayes at 707 665-3629.

APPLICATION/INFORMATION:

Applications and information may be obtained on the City’s website at:

www.ci.cotati.ca.us

after 2/14/11

FINAL FILING DATE:

All completed applications must be received by the City of Cotati no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 28, 2011.

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