POLICE RECRUIT

Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City.

STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted in lieu of application). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue in the selection process.

STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

• Passing scores: Reading - 70% or higher; and Writing - 70% or higher
• This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service.
• To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website by clicking here. Select the City of Signal Hill Police Department and the specific position you are applying to.
• NTN will submit the scores to the City of Signal Hill Human Resources for review.
• Do NOT submit a test score if you do not meet the job qualifications.

• Passing score: T-Score 45 or higher
• The City of Signal Hill does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the PELLETB test with another agency within the last 12 months, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
• PELLETB score must be attached to online application.

STEP #3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT)

Qualified applicants who complete steps 1 & 2 will be invited to the PAT.

• Candidates who are successful on the Written Exam will participate in a Physical Agility Test (PAT). The PAT is held at Rio Hondo Community College.

Example of Duties

• Attends a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy designated by the City of Signal Hill to obtain formal training in police work associated with public safety and the protection of life and property.
• May perform non-sworn work in the Police Department's jail operation, communication center, property and evidence handling, service desk, community relations or any other designated department area as assigned.
• Learns to patrol assigned areas; learns to answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; learns to answer complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; learns to perform surveillance activities; learns procedures for conducting chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; learns to investigate suspicious circumstances.
• Learns to enforce traffic laws; learns methods for conducting complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; may learn and assist in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.
• Learns procedures to obtain and process evidence; takes written statements; prepares and/or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; may testify in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship at the time of application.
• Must have reached 21st birthday upon completion of the police academy.
• Vision uncorrected at least 20/70 and correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Normal depth perception and color vision in both eyes.
• Hearing must be normal in both ears as passed by the City's Medical Examiner.
• Height and weight must be in proper proportion.
• Ability to meet physical requirements will be established by competent authority.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Proper English grammar and vocabulary.

• Qualify for and satisfactorily meet the ongoing standards of a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy.
• Learn to apply the technical, legal, administrative, and human principals involved in modern police work.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action including emergency situations.
• Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, with respect for the rights of others.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation and to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing and to prepare comprehensive records and reports.
• Develop a skill and proficiency in the use and handling of firearms.
• Work effectively with co-workers, supervisor, and the public.

• Coordination of eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing skilled movements, such as self defense or in the use of radar devices, ETS, intoxilizers and other police equipment.
• Will exert physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, and running.
• Operation of equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as the operation of a police vehicle or the use of firearms.
• Ability to lift, push and pull 75 to 100 pounds.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - WHILE IN POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 10 paid holidays per year (80 hours)
• 36 hours personal holiday leave per year
• 2% @ 60 retirement formula - Employees contribute 7% of the required employee contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months.
• 2% @ 62 PERS retirement formula - Employees contribute 7.75% of the normal cost of the benefit . There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided for all new PERS members and those who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months.
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans
• Social Security Participation
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• 96 hours of vacation leave annually
• 96 hours of sick leave annually with buy-back program
• 11 paid holidays per year (88 hours)
• 28 hours of personal leave annually
• Employees hired on or after December 4, 2010 will participate in the 3% @ 55 PERS retirement formula and contribute 9% of the required employee's share. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This retirement formula is available to those candidates who currently work for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency or have worked for a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency within the last six (6) months
• 2.7% @ 57 PERS retirement formula. Employees will be required to contribute 14.5% of the total normal cost of the benefit. There will be no Employer Paid Member Contribution. Average of final three years retirement calculation. This formula is provided to new PERS members and those candidates who have been separated from a PERS agency or a PERS reciprocal agency for more than six (6) months
• Medical insurance - The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan. No cash pay-out in lieu of benefits
• Dental - City contribution of $70 per month
• Vision insurance - Employee premium paid by City
• Based on years of City service, qualified Retirees may be eligible for City contribution to retiree health premium
• Employees contribute $625 per year towards their retiree health benefit.
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Short & Long Term Disability Plans - employee paid
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Benefits Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program or Education Incentive Program
• Advance POST Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Traffic Officers and special assignment Officers receive an additional 5.4% differential to Police Officer pay
• Patrol Officers receive 1/2 hour briefing overtime each shift (7 hours per month paid at time and a half)
• 12 hour shift, allowing three and four days off per week
• $925 annual uniform allowance for Patrol Officers
• The Police Department is a certified employer of the Department of Veterans Affairs On-the-Job-Training (VA OJT) Program. Qualified veterans are eligible to receive up to one year of GI Bill benefits while in training as a Police Officer
  

AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.