Police Officer (Lateral)

Town Of Los Gatos, CA
Los Gatos, California 95032 United States  View Map
Posted: Jun 06, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Federal Government
  • Public Safety
  • Summary

    Salary : $132,392.00 - $160,925.44 Annually
    Location : Town of Los Gatos, CA
    Job Type: Full-Time
    Job Number: 2024-006
    Department: Police
    Opening Date: 05/07/2024
    Closing Date: Continuous

    Continue your career in law enforcement with the Town of Los Gatos.
    New Salary: July 2025: $63.6508-$77.3680 per hour

    July 2026: $66.19-$80.46 per hour

    Plus excellent benefits. Placement within the range depends on experience.
    The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno (LGMS) Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. We are accepting applications from lateral police officers who are equally committed to providing the highest quality of service to our community and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
    Grow your career with us!The Police Officer classification series offers career growth opportunities for both new professionals and those with more work experience. The Department has a culture of promoting from within and offers different opportunities to broaden and gain specialized experience.

    • Crisis Response Team
    • Bicycle Team
    • Collision Reconstruction Team
    • Defense Tactics Instructor
    • Peer Support Team
    • Crime Scene Investigation Team
    • Crisis Negotiations Team
    • Task Force Officer
    • Explorer Police Advisor
    • Crisis Intervention Team
    • Homeless Liaison
    Specialized Assignments (receive additional 5% incentive pay)
    • Canine Officer
    • School Resource Officer
    • Motorcycle Officer
    • Field Training Officer (FTO)
    • Investigations
    ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
    The Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno have a combined population of about 34,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life with low crime rates. The LGMS Police Department is budgeted for 39 sworn and 21 civilian personnel and has over 50 community volunteers. The members of the LGMS Police Department work hard to provide a full range of services. They are committed to providing our residents, businesses, and visitors with the highest quality service. We are proud of the relationship with our community and are constantly solidifying that relationship through partnerships, collaboration, and individual contacts. The Police Department's vision includes:
    • Building a highly competent, professional police department.
    • Building community relationships.
    • Engaging in community problem solving.
    Learn more about the LGMS Police Department.

    ABOUT THE TOWNThe Town of Los Gatos is a general law city operating under the Council/Manager form of government. The Town Manager and Town Attorney are appointed and directly report to the Town Council. The Town's 200 full- and part-time employees are organized into the following departments: Parks & Public Works, Community Development, Police, Library; and Administrative Services. The Town's fiscal year 2023/24 General Fund budget is $56.1 million. Learn more about the Town of Los Gatos.
    Duties and Responsibilities

    ABOUT THE POSITION
    Under general supervision, police officers perform various peace officer duties involving protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, traffic control, crime prevention and suppression. Duties may include but are not limited to:
    • Identify problems or issues that are important to the community, and seek resolution of such problems through the resources of the Police Department, other Town Departments, and/or governmental agencies.
    • Conduct preliminary or follow-up investigations of burglaries, thefts, robberies, deaths, accidents, and other disturbances.
    • Collect and present evidence and testify at hearings and in court in connection with criminal prosecutions.
    • Answer calls for protection of life and property in the enforcement of Town, County and State laws.
    • Initiate or maintain the custody of prisoners and transport to jail.
    Officers must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. There is an 18-month probationary period. This position is a non-exempt classification represented by the Los Gatos Police Officers' Association (POA).
    Minimum Qualifications

    REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
    • Lateral Eligibility: To be eligible for consideration, applicants must possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate and have successfully completed probation with a California law enforcement agency.

    • Graduation from high school or equivalent, and; at least one of the following criteria:
      • 60 semester college credits or 90 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university at time of graduation from academy. (Police Academy credits are accepted as part of the education requirements);
      • Military Veteran with four (4) or more years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or the National Coast Guard and an honorable discharge;
      • Three (3) years experience as a Police Officer.
    Desired Qualifications
    • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
    • Ability to fluently speak and understand a foreign language.


    Application and Selection Process

    APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESSTo be considered for this career opportunity, click on the "Apply" button to complete the online application, and attach copies of your:
    • California P.O.S.T Basic Certificate or P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver, or proof of completion of the P.O.S.T. Requalification process.
    • Current WSTB (Agility Test) score dated within one year.
    Resumes may be attached but not accepted in place of a complete online application. Only complete applications will be accepted.

    Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria in this job announcement. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee continuation in the process. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process.

    The testing process may include, but is not limited to a phone interview, personal history questionnaire, and oral panel interview. Final candidates for the position will be subject to a thorough background investigation, including, but not limited to criminal history; Department of Justice fingerprinting; medical exam, including drug screening; polygraph; and psychological exam.

    The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

    The Town of Los Gatos is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, medical, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by law. Qualified individuals with a disability will receive reasonable accommodation, as required by the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, during any phase of the selection process, providing such request is made to Human Resources at least five working days in advance. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation. Under federal law, all employees must provide documents that authorize the right to work in the United States.
    Bargaining Unit: Los Gatos Police Officers' Association (POA)

    Please refer to the posted on the Town of Los Gatos Human Resources Department Webpage.
    01

    If you were referred by an employee of the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department, please provide their name. Write N/A if you were not referred by an employee.
    Required Question
  • Job Description

    Salary : $132,392.00 - $160,925.44 Annually
    Location : Town of Los Gatos, CA
    Job Type: Full-Time
    Job Number: 2024-006
    Department: Police
    Opening Date: 05/07/2024
    Closing Date: Continuous

    Continue your career in law enforcement with the Town of Los Gatos.
    New Salary: July 2025: $63.6508-$77.3680 per hour

    July 2026: $66.19-$80.46 per hour

    Plus excellent benefits. Placement within the range depends on experience.
    The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno (LGMS) Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. We are accepting applications from lateral police officers who are equally committed to providing the highest quality of service to our community and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
    Grow your career with us!The Police Officer classification series offers career growth opportunities for both new professionals and those with more work experience. The Department has a culture of promoting from within and offers different opportunities to broaden and gain specialized experience.

    • Crisis Response Team
    • Bicycle Team
    • Collision Reconstruction Team
    • Defense Tactics Instructor
    • Peer Support Team
    • Crime Scene Investigation Team
    • Crisis Negotiations Team
    • Task Force Officer
    • Explorer Police Advisor
    • Crisis Intervention Team
    • Homeless Liaison
    Specialized Assignments (receive additional 5% incentive pay)
    • Canine Officer
    • School Resource Officer
    • Motorcycle Officer
    • Field Training Officer (FTO)
    • Investigations
    ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
    The Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno have a combined population of about 34,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life with low crime rates. The LGMS Police Department is budgeted for 39 sworn and 21 civilian personnel and has over 50 community volunteers. The members of the LGMS Police Department work hard to provide a full range of services. They are committed to providing our residents, businesses, and visitors with the highest quality service. We are proud of the relationship with our community and are constantly solidifying that relationship through partnerships, collaboration, and individual contacts. The Police Department's vision includes:
    • Building a highly competent, professional police department.
    • Building community relationships.
    • Engaging in community problem solving.
    Learn more about the LGMS Police Department.

    ABOUT THE TOWNThe Town of Los Gatos is a general law city operating under the Council/Manager form of government. The Town Manager and Town Attorney are appointed and directly report to the Town Council. The Town's 200 full- and part-time employees are organized into the following departments: Parks & Public Works, Community Development, Police, Library; and Administrative Services. The Town's fiscal year 2023/24 General Fund budget is $56.1 million. Learn more about the Town of Los Gatos.
    Duties and Responsibilities

    ABOUT THE POSITION
    Under general supervision, police officers perform various peace officer duties involving protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, traffic control, crime prevention and suppression. Duties may include but are not limited to:
    • Identify problems or issues that are important to the community, and seek resolution of such problems through the resources of the Police Department, other Town Departments, and/or governmental agencies.
    • Conduct preliminary or follow-up investigations of burglaries, thefts, robberies, deaths, accidents, and other disturbances.
    • Collect and present evidence and testify at hearings and in court in connection with criminal prosecutions.
    • Answer calls for protection of life and property in the enforcement of Town, County and State laws.
    • Initiate or maintain the custody of prisoners and transport to jail.
    Officers must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. There is an 18-month probationary period. This position is a non-exempt classification represented by the Los Gatos Police Officers' Association (POA).
    Minimum Qualifications

    REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
    • Lateral Eligibility: To be eligible for consideration, applicants must possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate and have successfully completed probation with a California law enforcement agency.

    • Graduation from high school or equivalent, and; at least one of the following criteria:
      • 60 semester college credits or 90 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university at time of graduation from academy. (Police Academy credits are accepted as part of the education requirements);
      • Military Veteran with four (4) or more years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or the National Coast Guard and an honorable discharge;
      • Three (3) years experience as a Police Officer.
    Desired Qualifications
    • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
    • Ability to fluently speak and understand a foreign language.


    Application and Selection Process

    APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESSTo be considered for this career opportunity, click on the "Apply" button to complete the online application, and attach copies of your:
    • California P.O.S.T Basic Certificate or P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver, or proof of completion of the P.O.S.T. Requalification process.
    • Current WSTB (Agility Test) score dated within one year.
    Resumes may be attached but not accepted in place of a complete online application. Only complete applications will be accepted.

    Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria in this job announcement. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee continuation in the process. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process.

    The testing process may include, but is not limited to a phone interview, personal history questionnaire, and oral panel interview. Final candidates for the position will be subject to a thorough background investigation, including, but not limited to criminal history; Department of Justice fingerprinting; medical exam, including drug screening; polygraph; and psychological exam.

    The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

    The Town of Los Gatos is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, medical, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by law. Qualified individuals with a disability will receive reasonable accommodation, as required by the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, during any phase of the selection process, providing such request is made to Human Resources at least five working days in advance. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation. Under federal law, all employees must provide documents that authorize the right to work in the United States.
    Bargaining Unit: Los Gatos Police Officers' Association (POA)

    Please refer to the posted on the Town of Los Gatos Human Resources Department Webpage.
    01

    If you were referred by an employee of the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department, please provide their name. Write N/A if you were not referred by an employee.
    Required Question
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Government Careers
    • Government Careers

    Government jobs offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on your community and country.

    Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.

    Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.

    Show more

MORE JOBS

  • Deputy Constable

    • Beaumont, Texas
    • Jefferson County
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Legal Services
  • Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level - New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

    • Houston, Texas
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Public Safety
  • Patient Access Intake Specialist-Rex ED Registration

    • Raleigh, North Carolina
    • UNC Health
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Public Health
  • Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level New Hire Sign-On and Retention Incentives

    • Covina, California
    • United States Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Public Safety
  • Border Patrol Agent (Entry Level) – Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus

    • Wake Forest, North Carolina
    • United States Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Public Safety
  • Border Patrol Agent - Experienced (GS11)

    • Panorama City, California
    • United States Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 06, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Public Safety
Show More
Apply Now Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.