Government Careers
  • Police Officer - Lateral

  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • San Luis Obispo, California 93403 United States View Map

Summary

Job TitleLateral Police OfficerJob DescriptionThe San Luis Obispo Police Department will be holding a continuous recruitment for current openings and anticipated retirements of long-standing employees. The department is seeking candidates who are progressive, engaged, and willing to dedicate themselves to the City of San Luis Obispo. At this time we are looking for Lateral Police Officers. A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of recent law enforcement experience and possesses a California POST Basic Peace Officer certificate. Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview and physical agility test. These applicants will be selected based on the information contained on the application form, and resume. In addition to a 100% service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service, lateral candidates will be eligible for an additional 40 hours of vacation upon completion of the first 6-months of employment.JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, performs law enforcement and crime prevention activities, controls traffic flow, enforces State and local traffic regulations, participates in career development, special assignments and performs related work as required.SupervisionSUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Works under the general supervision of a police sergeant or other assigned ranking officer. As directed, to meet special assignment needs.Examples Of DutiesEXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Responds to situations involving in-progress or recent criminal activity to restore or maintain order and conducts in-depth investigations of criminal incidents.Reacts quickly and calmly in emergencies, make accurate assessments and take appropriate actions.Resolves conflicts of a potentially violent nature involving a wide variety of participants.Observes, reports, and follows up on conditions which pose potential threats to the public safety and health.Completes in a proper and thorough manner all assignments made by competent authority.Provides counseling, referral, and follow-up services to resolve domestic and civil crises.Takes an active role in promoting police community relations and crime prevention programs.Investigates and acts on State and City traffic enforcement.Provides rescue and first aid services as needed, in keeping with appropriate trainingPerforms related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Geography and population distribution of the City. The principles, practices, and techniques of police work. Human motivation, behavior patterns and criminal psychology. Basic criminal laws, criminal procedures, patrol techniques, case law, search warrants, investigative and evidentiary techniques. Ability to: Testify under oath. Successfully complete all assigned training and to relate that training to field use. Safely and skillfully use firearms and other non-lethal weapons. Skillfully gather and preserve evidence, conduct effective interviews, express oneself concisely, and perform Police Officer duties.Typical Qualifications LATERAL POLICE OFFICER: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or G.E.D.; and Must possess a California Basic POST Certificate and be currently (or within the last two years) employed full time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency. or A California POST Re-qualification Course Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver issued within the last two years is also qualifying.If you are currently employed full-time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff in another state, but have not obtained as California POST Basic Course Waiver or a Re-qualification Course Certificate, you must have begun that process prior to submitting an application (you must attach proof of enrollment to the application to be considered). and Must be at least twenty one years of age at time of appointment to Police Officer; and Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100. Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required; and Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician. POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving recordTHIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS:Pre-employment PhysicalPolygraphPolice Background InvestigationCredit CheckEqual Opportunity & Language Access NoticeThe City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

Job Description

Job TitleLateral Police OfficerJob DescriptionThe San Luis Obispo Police Department will be holding a continuous recruitment for current openings and anticipated retirements of long-standing employees. The department is seeking candidates who are progressive, engaged, and willing to dedicate themselves to the City of San Luis Obispo. At this time we are looking for Lateral Police Officers. A lateral candidate is someone who has a minimum of one year of recent law enforcement experience and possesses a California POST Basic Peace Officer certificate. Applications will be received by Human Resources on a continuous basis. When a vacancy is anticipated, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an oral interview and physical agility test. These applicants will be selected based on the information contained on the application form, and resume. In addition to a 100% service credit towards vacation accrual for completed public sector years of service, lateral candidates will be eligible for an additional 40 hours of vacation upon completion of the first 6-months of employment.JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, performs law enforcement and crime prevention activities, controls traffic flow, enforces State and local traffic regulations, participates in career development, special assignments and performs related work as required.SupervisionSUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Works under the general supervision of a police sergeant or other assigned ranking officer. As directed, to meet special assignment needs.Examples Of DutiesEXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Responds to situations involving in-progress or recent criminal activity to restore or maintain order and conducts in-depth investigations of criminal incidents.Reacts quickly and calmly in emergencies, make accurate assessments and take appropriate actions.Resolves conflicts of a potentially violent nature involving a wide variety of participants.Observes, reports, and follows up on conditions which pose potential threats to the public safety and health.Completes in a proper and thorough manner all assignments made by competent authority.Provides counseling, referral, and follow-up services to resolve domestic and civil crises.Takes an active role in promoting police community relations and crime prevention programs.Investigates and acts on State and City traffic enforcement.Provides rescue and first aid services as needed, in keeping with appropriate trainingPerforms related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Geography and population distribution of the City. The principles, practices, and techniques of police work. Human motivation, behavior patterns and criminal psychology. Basic criminal laws, criminal procedures, patrol techniques, case law, search warrants, investigative and evidentiary techniques. Ability to: Testify under oath. Successfully complete all assigned training and to relate that training to field use. Safely and skillfully use firearms and other non-lethal weapons. Skillfully gather and preserve evidence, conduct effective interviews, express oneself concisely, and perform Police Officer duties.Typical Qualifications LATERAL POLICE OFFICER: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School diploma or G.E.D.; and Must possess a California Basic POST Certificate and be currently (or within the last two years) employed full time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff with a California law enforcement agency. or A California POST Re-qualification Course Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver issued within the last two years is also qualifying.If you are currently employed full-time as a sworn Police Officer or Deputy Sheriff in another state, but have not obtained as California POST Basic Course Waiver or a Re-qualification Course Certificate, you must have begun that process prior to submitting an application (you must attach proof of enrollment to the application to be considered). and Must be at least twenty one years of age at time of appointment to Police Officer; and Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100. Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required; and Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician. POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving recordTHIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS:Pre-employment PhysicalPolygraphPolice Background InvestigationCredit CheckEqual Opportunity & Language Access NoticeThe City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

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

  • Assistant County Executive Officer

    • 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, California
    • County of Santa Barbara, CA
    • Oct 13, 2026
    County of Santa Barbara, CA
    $240,722 - $312,938 Annually
  • Manager of Public Safety Business & Finance Operations

    • San Luis Obispo, California
    • California Polytechnic State University
    • Sep 22, 2026
    California Polytechnic State University
  • Deputy Chief Probation Officer

    • Santa Barbara, California
    • County of Santa Barbara, CA
    • Sep 23, 2026
    County of Santa Barbara, CA
    $171,701 – $219,136 Annually Annually
  • Community Service Specialist I - Public Safety

    • San Luis Obispo, California
    • California Polytechnic State University
    • Sep 30, 2026
    California Polytechnic State University
  • Part-Time Parking Officer - Public Safety

    • San Luis Obispo, California
    • California Polytechnic State University
    • Sep 26, 2026
    California Polytechnic State University
  • Police Dispatcher I/II

    • Bakersfield, California
    • CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, CA
    • Sep 30, 2026
    CITY OF BAKERSFIELD, CA
    $56,010.24 - $68,092.96 Annually