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Police Officer (Lateral and Academy Attendee/Graduate) Santa Rosa

$104,111 - $139,368 yearly
Full time Customer Service Government Professional Services Investigative Project Managment Law Enforcement Safety

Job Description

Want to work in a department full of opportunities?
Become a Santa Rosa Police Officer!

7.75% for Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate
4.5% for Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate
3-5% Bilingual Pay
4-8% Master Police Officer Pay

3% COLA scheduled for early July 2025

In addition to a competitive salary, retirement through CalPERS and a generous benefits package, this position offers opportunities for special assignments with incentive pay including K9, Hostage Negotiation, Narcotics, Gangs, Property Crimes, Domestic Violence, Violent Crimes, Motorcycle Officers and SWAT. There are also extensive opportunities for career advancement and department funded training opportunities.

Hiring Incentives:

  • Vacation accrual rate that matches the total years of service as a Police Officer
  • A bank of 40 hours of sick leave at the time of hire
  • A bank of 80 hours of vacation leave upon successful completion of the Field Training Program.

You are encouraged to talk with the Santa Rosa Police Department Recruiting staff for additional information or questions:

SRPD Recruiting Office
(707) 543-HIRE
santarosapd.com/Careers

Why Santa Rosa?
The Santa Rosa Police Department was formed in 1867 with three "Town Marshals" and currently employs 261 employees. The Police Department is part of the City of Santa Rosa organization. The dedicated staff of the Police Department are committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships to make our city a better, safer place to live, work and play.

In this position you will be working closely with the other officers in the department which makes this a close-knit workplace. You will also have the opportunity to respond to numerous calls for service in a variety of assignments. The Department provides officers with a primary uniform and a supplemental uniform allowance of $1,100/year. A body armor allowance of $1,500 is provided upon hire, and a $300/year thereafter.

The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are considered essential for this job classification:

  • Patrol assigned area of the City in a car, on a motorcycle, or on foot
  • enforce local, State and Federal laws
  • respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other required emergencies
  • prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed
  • conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents, and deaths
  • make arrests
  • interrogate suspects and interview victims, complainants and witnesses
  • coordinate and conduct detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming, and narcotics violations
  • testify and present evidence in court; provide backup assistance for other officers and personnel
  • collect, preserve, and maintain evidence, found property, and property for safekeeping
  • assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws by issuing citations and warnings
  • search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners
  • respond to demonstrations, riots, hostage situations, barricaded subjects and other extremely hazardous situations
  • maintain contact with the public regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public
  • serve warrants and subpoenas
  • observe, monitor, direct, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions
  • check buildings for physical security; and administer first aid


Additional Duties:

In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Duties Section, each employee in this classification may perform the following duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties which may be assigned.

  • Perform undercover and surveillance activities
  • develop and maintain good relationships with informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations
  • prepare search and arrest warrants
  • contact and cooperate with other law enforcement and non-law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses
  • make presentations to citizens and groups
  • assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties
  • may serve as a member of a Special Response Team
  • may serve as Field Training Officer, supervising and training new personnel
  • coordinate departmental training programs; prepare, submit, and administer grants; conduct specialized crime prevention programs
  • seize assets through the preparation and service of asset seizure documentation
  • manage a caseload of registered sex offenders, including initial registration, follow up, and coordination with the Department of Justice
  • provide training for department personnel in such areas as defensive tactics, use of firearms, defensive driving, crowd control, use of chemical agents, and other specialized functions
  • collect, analyze, and disseminate criminal street gang information
  • direct traffic at fires, special events and other emergency or congested situations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Working Conditions:

Incumbents in this classification are required to work rotating shifts and assignments and may be assigned to work overtime with little or no notice. Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of police work, incumbents may also be required to perform the following:

Measure distances using calibrated instruments such as when investigating traffic accidents or processing crime scenes; make precise arm-hand positioning movements and maintain static arm-hand position such as when sighting and shooting a firearm; direct traffic which requires continuous and repetitive arm-hand movements; use sufficient strength to enable the incumbent to sprint, jump, or physically overcome resistance when chasing or apprehending suspects; coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously such as when using a hand radio while driving a vehicle or searching a building with firearm drawn, flashlight on and opening and closing doors; bend or stoop repeatedly and continuously over time such as getting in and out of a patrol car or gathering evidence at crime scenes; patrol officers wear a 15 pound utility/gun belt which requires the continuous support from stomach and lower back muscles; a patrol officer typically spends 7 - 8 hours per day driving a vehicle which requires the continuous support of lower back muscles; climbing ladders and searching rooftops requires lifting arms above shoulder level and working at heights greater than ten feet; searching for suspects or lost persons may require walking over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky surfaces including fields, parks, hillsides and creeks; an officer is required to listen for alarms, screams, breaking glass or other suspicious and unusual noises that may require investigation; move heavy objects such as equipment (50 pounds and more), and lift and carry injured or intoxicated persons short and long distances; work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements; tolerate very hot and very cold temperatures; sit for extended periods of time and may or may not be able to change positions such as when sitting in a patrol vehicle, or performing surveillance; foot beat and search activities require walking for extended periods of time, unable to stop, sit or rest at will; crowd and traffic control duties require standing for extended periods of time, unable to sit or rest at will. 

 

Required Qualifications

 

Requirements:
Applicants must complete a City application and supplemental questionnaire online and must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:
  • Lateral Applicant -  currently employed as a peace officer in a California-authorized jurisdiction with at least one year of full-time experience or have been so employed within the past two years AND possess or eligible to possess a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. Reserve Officer time is not considered qualifying as a lateral.
  • Academy Attendee/Graduate Applicant - currently attending OR have completed a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Police Academy within the last two years.
  • Requalification - A California P.O.S.T. Requalification Course Certificate or a Basic Course Waiver issued within the last two years.

Disqualifying Factors
If you have been unsuccessful in a previous background investigation process (including polygraph examination or psychological assessment) with the Santa Rosa Police Department, your application will be screened on a case-by-case basis to determine if you will proceed further in the selection process.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to: Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places; demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations; learn, understand, and interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policies; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; demonstrate proficiency in the exercise of defensive tactics; handle an automobile in high speed and emergency situations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; understand and carry out oral and written directions; uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times.

Additional Information

The Selection Process has three parts:

Part I:  An oral appraisal interview designed to assess your education, training, experience, problem-solving and interpersonal skills, community involvement/cultural awareness, and other job-related qualifications.  Candidates will be scheduled for Part II beginning with the highest scores from the appraisal interview.

Part II:  A thorough background investigation which includes:  police records check, review of D.M.V. driving record and illegal drug use, P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement, and polygraph examination.

Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a Chief's interview and evaluation, the Physical Function Testing, a psychological evaluation, and a comprehensive medical examination, including testing for the following visual acuity standards:
 
Vision Acuity Standards: For individuals wearing eye glasses or hard contact lenses, uncorrected vision of 20/80 or better in both eyes; corrected vision of 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. For those wearing soft contact lenses, no "uncorrected" far-vision acuity standard applies, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of hard or soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required. Individuals who have had LASIK surgery may be cleared for hire if visual function standards are met and there is no presence of significant symptoms, complications, or regression.
P.O.S.T. Personal History Statement Form 2-251
Physical Function Testing

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.  

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by submitting a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 543-3060 or [email protected]. 

 

Martin Rivera

Qualifications

refer to job announcement

State

California

Immediate Fill

No
Santa Rosa Police Department
About Santa Rosa Police Department

                                 “THE CITY DESIGNED FOR LIVING”


Santa Rosa lies within the region of the last Spanish mission - San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, founded by Padre Jose Altimira, on July 4, 1823. The area’s first English speaking settler was an Irish immigrant by the name of John L. Read in 1827 but Read only remained here for a short period. On August 30, 1829, Father Juan Amoroso performed the act of confirmation upon a young Indian woman beside a stream and it being the day on which the church celebrated the feast of Santa Rosa de Lima, Father Amoroso named the stream Santa Rosa and the surrounding valley came to be called after the stream, the Valley of Santa Rosa. Four years later, in 1833, the City of Santa Rosa was 
founded by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The first permanent settler was Señora Maria Ygnacia Lopez de Carrillo in 1838. The County of Sonoma was organized in 1850, Santa Rosa being proclaimed by vote as the County seat.

The township of Santa Rosa and the incorporated City of Santa Rosa came on February 23, 1867. During the City’s first 107-year history, she was headed by 53 mayors and 3 presidents of the early day Boards of Trustees. The City did not have a regular base of operations until 1883 when property was purchased for the construction of the City Hall in the location now occupied by the 
Eureka Savings and Loan Building.

The earthquake of 1906 damaged the 1883 City Hall beyond repair and 
temporary offices were constructed at Fifth Street and Mendocino Avenue. The new City Hall, constructed in the same general area, was completed in 1913 and functioned as the seat of City government for the following 56 years. On June 7, 1969, the present Civic Center (City Hall) was dedicated. Santa Rosa’s climate and ideal location - 52 miles North of San Francisco, 100 miles West of Sacramento, and 21 miles from the Pacific Ocean, at an altitude of 167 feet above sea level - have been instrumental in the City’s growth. The current population as of the 2010 Census was 167,816, in an area of over 42 square miles.

The Santa Rosa Police Department sets itself apart from other agencies due to the impressive team of sworn and civilian staff members, a focus on training and supervision, a department foundation of wellness support, and the incredible partnership with our community and city leaders. Together, we are truly making a difference in Santa Rosa. 

                  A Message from Chief Cregan

As Santa Rosa’s Chief of Police, I have worked diligently to listen to the voices of our community and have prioritized this feedback into eight priorities for our department to focus on under my leadership:

  • Violence Reduction, Traffic Safety, and Public Safety Innovation
  • Quality of Life/Mental Health Resources
  • Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention of Police Staff
  • Employee Wellness and Support
  • Employee Safety, Training, & Emergency Preparedness
  • Community Engagement & Education of Law Enforcement Efforts
  • Building Trust & Legitimacy with our Community and within our organization
  • Infrastructure and Equipment Needs

Chief Cregan is tremendously proud of the inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team which consists of a licensed mental health clinician, a paramedic, and a homeless outreach specialist. This highly trained multi-disciplinary team responds to those in a mental health crisis in lieu of a police officer. This team is supported by a robust team of system navigators designed to provide support that we have never seen before in Sonoma County. Learn about our incredible team here on our dedicated webpage.

To those considering joining the Santa Rosa Police Department, I encourage you to read our 2022 Annual Report. You will quickly observe that things are different here at the Santa Rosa Police Department. We are fully staffed, and we are expanding our specialty teams including the Gang Crimes Team, Violent Crimes Investigations, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Investigations, Property Crimes Investigations, and Narcotics Team. Our Field Services Division includes a host of specialty teams including our Special Enforcement Team, Motor Officers, DUI/Accident Investigators, and the Downtown Enforcement Team. SRPD has a dedicated S.W.A.T. and Hostage Negotiations Team which focus on safely resolving incidents across our city.  

SRPD has an incredible civilian team that includes Police Technicians, Community Service Officers, Field and Evidence Technicians, Dispatchers, Property and Evidence Technicians, and so much more.  

SRPD maintains 22 Field Training Officers, 24 sergeants, seven lieutenants, and two captains. These positions result in many opportunities for those joining our incredible team.  They are committed to leading the way for the North Bay and truly standing out as the standard of excellence in policing. The Santa Rosa community and the leadership team here at the Santa Rosa Police Department clearly know that they are building something special. Come join our team today!

 

Martin Rivera

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