Police Officer Lateral

The Role

We’re looking for compassionate and committed individuals to build progressive relationships and make a difference in Mountain View’s diverse and engaged community. The Police Department is committed to the philosophy of Community Policing, which includes developing connections within our diverse community and working proactively to identify and solve community issues. Our Officers and their approach to police work reflect this commitment.

At the commencement of employment, Police Officer Laterals will begin their field training program with the Mountain View Police Department. The length of the field training program for Lateral Police Officers may be modified based upon performance and experience. Applicants are encouraged to learn more about the department on our website. Review our detailed job description here.

What You'll Do

The Police Officer Lateral will provide community service such as:

• Respond to requests for police service
• Provide public assistance and education
• Proactively detect and address community concerns and issues
• Problem solve and mediate utilizing the principles of de-escalation
• Build progressive relationships with a foundation of respect and trust
• Facilitate due process with professionalism: conduct interviews and investigations, prepare reports, apprehend and process offenders and testify in court

How You'll Do It

The Mountain View Way:

• Provide Exceptional Service: We value being responsive to the communities needs and seek to earn the public’s confidence and satisfaction with fair and impartial services that are highly competent, professional and accessible to all.
• Act with Integrity: We value a commitment to the nobility of policing, and the ethical standards of the organization and our profession. We are trustworthy, reliable and committed to doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.
• Treat Others with Respect: We value approaching every contact with a guardian mindset that embodies treating people with dignity and respect, giving them a voice and listening, being impartial and fair, and building trust in our interactions with the public and our colleagues.

Eligible Police Officer Lateral candidates will possess the following:

• Law enforcement experience in the state of California within 3 years of application (must be in good standing/off probation)
• Basic POST certificate
• 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college (college units must be completed by time of application)
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license
• Vision and hearing capability consistent with POST
• A minimum of 21 years of age

You’re a leader who can help the community solve problems and work through difficult situations. You have effective verbal and written communication skills. You’re friendly and approachable; you like people and enjoy helping them. You have the ability to focus and be fully present while working on multiple assignments. You understand the importance of acting confidently as well as compassionately.

Submit your application and resume online at Government Jobs or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650) 903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will be open on a continuous basis with a first review date of August 7, 2024. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early. Depending on the number of applicants this process may be altered.

*BONUS OPPORTUNITY

The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments; $2,500 in your first paycheck and $2,500 following successful completion of the probationary period.

Fine Print. Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Candidates on the eligibility list must successfully pass a medical exam, psychological screening and an extensive background investigation conducted under POST guidelines, including a polygraph and a DOJ and FBI fingerprint check, prior to employment. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Division upon submittal of application. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for law enforcement agencies.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.