Police Officer - Lateral or POST Academy Graduate Only - City of Morro Bay

$82,222- $104,936 Annually PLUS incentives and an excellent benefits package.  5% COLA on 7/1/25 and 5% COLA on 7/1/26

MUST BE A LATERAL OR POST-ACADEMY GRADUATE.

This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility list for future openings.

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a close-knit team, serve a beautiful beachside community, and expand your skill set as a police officer? Look no further than the City of Morro Bay Police Department!

Located on California's central coast, Morro Bay boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque beaches, and a charming small-town atmosphere. As a member of our department, you'll have the chance to protect and serve this idyllic community while working alongside a dedicated team of officers and support staff. At the City of Morro Bay Police Department, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide a wide range of law enforcement services to our community. From patrol and investigations to community outreach and education, our officers wear many different hats and have the opportunity to learn and grow in a variety of areas.

As a smaller agency, we value teamwork and collaboration, and we're committed to providing our officers with the training and support they need to succeed in their careers. So whether you're a seasoned officer looking for a new challenge or a recent academy graduate eager to put your skills to the test, we invite you to join us at the City of Morro Bay Police Department.

Under general supervision, to perform law enforcement investigation and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; to perform preliminary investigative work; and to do related work as required.  Assignments can include patrol, investigations, school resource officer, undercover, field training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Patrols designated area in radio dispatch car on assigned shift.
2. Answers calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws.
3. Stops drivers operating vehicles in violation of laws.
4. Warns drivers against unlawful practices and issues citations.
5. Observes assigned area for suspicious acts and unsafe conditions.
6. Regulates traffic flow at times of emergency or congestion.
7. Gives information and directions to the public.
8. Prepares and executes arrest, search warrants.
9. Administers first aid.
10. Prepares reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
11. Assists in receiving, searching, booking, fingerprinting, and transporting prisoners.
12. Performs security checks of buildings.
13. Testifies in court.
14. Conditions preliminary and follow-up investigations at the scene of crimes and accidents.
15. Collects and preserves evidence.
16. Receives telephone requests for assistance and dispatches officers.
17. Maintains log, takes reports and assists the public with complaints.
18. Maintains contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserves good relationships with the public.
19. Reviews and investigates crime reports.
20. Conducts interviews with suspects, victims, and witnesses.
21. May investigate major crimes.
22. May act as School Resource Officers including classroom presentations.
23. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.

Ability to: learn laws of arrest and pertinent local and State laws and ordinances; observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; use and carry firearms; understand and carry out oral and written directions; meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance, and agility; maintain cooperative working relationships; vehicle operation skills including high speed and emergency driving.

Education and Experience:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) accredited Basic Academy or Lateral Officer.

Possession of First Aid Certificate issued by the American Red Cross must be obtained within one year of appointment; CPR Certificate required.

Possession of a valid and appropriate California driver's license.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Police patrol vehicle, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, sidehandle baton, handcuffs, Breathalyzer,  first aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.  The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Resumes must include dates of employment and reasons for leaving each position

Rating of education and experience; written test; oral interview and reference check; polygraph examination; psychological examination; other job related tests including physical exam and pre-employment drug screening may be required.

All selection standards shall meet guidelines and regulations set by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and contained within the P.O.S.T. Administrative Manual.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.