Entry-Level Police Officer (BPOA) BART

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

Salary Information
This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).

$7,300.80/ Monthly (Step 20/ Base Salary – While in Academy)
 $8,273.28/ Monthly (Step 21 /Base Salary – Upon Academy Completion)
 $9,733.29/ Monthly (Step 1/ Base Salary – Upon FTO Completion)

Note that successful candidates will start at the Base Salary while in the Academy.

Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Reports To
Police Sergeant or Lieutenant

Days Off
Variable - as assigned.

Department
BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment
Under general supervision, the entry-level police officer performs a variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, providing information and assistance to the public, enforcement of laws and ordinances, conducting criminal investigations and crime prevention and suppression activities; and performing related work as assigned.
 
Entry-Level Police Officer: Selected candidates will be required to successfully complete a CA POST-mandated Basic Police Academy, a Field Training Officer (FTO) Program and successfully complete a one-year probationary period (from the date of graduation from the Academy).  Following the completion of the probationary period, patrol shift assignments are made on a seniority basis. Officers may be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

NOTE: Applicants applying for the Entry Level Police Officer position may also be eligible for consideration for the following positions (upon completion of the selection process; based on qualifications and District needs): Police Admin Specialist, Fare Inspection Officer, Transit Ambassador, Revenue Protection Guard or Community Services Officer.

Selection Process
This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).

All eligible applicants will be invited to the written examination and the physical agility examinations. Applicants must then successfully pass tests to move on to the next phases of the selection process. The selection process will include four (4) phases. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications and pass each phase to move on to the next phase of the selection process.
 
 Phase 1: Entry-Level Law Enforcement (LE) Written Exam
 Phase 2: Physical Agility Test
 Phase 3: Oral Panel Interview
 Phase 4: Investigative Background Check (includes a psychological and polygraph exam).
 
 ** Please note that the entire selection process may take up to 6 months to one year. **
 
 The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as requested and/or required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements.  Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam.  (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Unsuccessful candidates can reapply online for future openings.

Examples of Duties

1. Patrols a designated area in a radio vehicle or on foot to protect life and property and deter crime.
2. Responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for services.
3. Enforces District, city, county or state and federal laws and ordinances.
4. Assists in settling disputes, calming angry patrons and providing crowd direction and control.
5. Makes presentations to community and employee groups regarding personal safety and criminal activities.
6. Secures information from the parties at an incident scene and collects, documents and prepares evidence for court.
7. Prepares affidavits for arrest and/or search warrants, files criminal complaints and coordinates investigative activities with other law enforcement agencies.
8. Transports prisoners to booking facilities and processes them.
9. Maintains accurate records and writes incident and crime reports.
10. Works with investigative and legal personnel and presents testimony in court.
11. Enforces traffic and parking regulations, investigates traffic accidents and directs traffic.
12. Serves warrants and subpoenas.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent college credits, military or customer service experience is highly desirable.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be physically able to drag a body weighing up to 165 pounds.
• Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards.
• Must obtain required POST certification.
• Must remain firearm qualified.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Techniques for dealing with varied groups of people.
• Standard record keeping and report writing procedures and techniques.

Ability to:

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces and incidents.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies.
• Analyze situations and make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Use two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Drive a motor vehicle safely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and competent reports.   

Martin Rivera