Officer Pay Rate as of January 11, 2023

$87,068 to $107,868 annually (Not including pay incentives for longevity, POST certificates, Corporal, or FTO)

*Does not include additional 8% increase over the next two years

Job Type: Regular, Full – Time

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LATERAL HIRING INCENTIVES

The Downey Police Department now offers a $25,000 Lateral hiring incentive in addition to carry-over hours for sick and vacation time from a previous agency. The carry-over of the accumulated sick leave balance at separation from the former agency, up to 360 hours. The carry-over of the accumulated vacation balance at separation from the former agency, up to 80 hours. Vacation accrual rate based on prior years of Lateral Police Officer experience and in accordance with the current Memorandum of Understanding between the Downey Police Officers’ Association and the City of Downey.

ABOUT THE POSITION

In addition to pay, the City offers competitive benefits including City paid medical insurance coverage up to the Kaiser (HMO Plan) family rate currently at $1,608.46 per month, a tuition reimbursement program that covers up to the Cal State rates, and a “3/12” work schedule. 

Education Incentive Pay: An additional 7% of base pay for an Associate’s degree or equivalent units (60) OR Intermediate California (CA) P.O.S.T. Certificate. An additional 10.5% for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent units (124) OR Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Merit Longevity: Employees become eligible for additional merit longevity pay increases after 5 years at 2.75%, 10 year at 5.5%, at 20 years of service, 8.25%, and at 25 years of service, 13%. Effective 12/23/02, full-time years of service as a certified Peace Officer with another CA P.O.S.T. law enforcement agency shall apply to longevity as though earned with the City of Downey after the initial probationary period has been completed.

Retirement:  In accordance with Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), new hires enrolled after January 1, 2013 will be under the 2.7% @ age 57 formula as a new member to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).  This enrollment will require a member contribution of 12.25% of reportable earnings.   Laterals with active classic CALPERS membership or classic membership in another California retirement plan that provides eligible reciprocity with CalPERS, will qualify for the 3% @ age 55 retirement formula.  This formula will require a member contribution of 9% of reportable earnings. 

Description:To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; enforce State and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

  • Patrols assigned area in patrol car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, and to enforce traffic regulations; responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, robberies, disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, and take necessary police action; make arrests; take charge of, and guide and direct the work of other law enforcement personnel in various situations until relieved by a supervisor officer.
  • Conducts motor vehicle accident investigations; provides first aid for injured persons, and take safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses; takes written statements and examines conditions of accident scene; and clears or directs clearing of obstructions and wreckage.
  • Investigates crimes against persons and property; interviews victims and witnesses; searches for, evaluates and secures/collects evidence; and arrests suspected perpetrator(s).
  • Investigates complaints involving juveniles, including reports of child neglect and persons reported to be contributing to the delinquency of minors; checks business establishments and public places known to be frequented by juveniles; and arrests juvenile and adult offenders.
  • Processes warrants and apprehends or assists in the apprehension of wanted persons by court orders or actions in criminal cases.
  • Maintains knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, rules of evidence for criminal cases, crime prevention techniques, current investigation techniques, traffic control techniques, care and custody of persons and property.
  • Prepares and submits required reports and provides assistance, information, and directions to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND completion of a California (CA) Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy. 
Experience: Current employment as a full-time, paid peace officer in a CA P.O.S.T. approved agency in good standing. 

Age: 21 years of age at time of appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Height in proportion to weight;
  • Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes and free from color blindness;
  • Hearing within normal limit; and
  • United States citizen or an applicant for citizenship within the past year.

Out-of-State Police Officers: For consideration in lieu of current CA Basic P.O.S.T. certification, an applicant must be currently enrolled in the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process. Proof of acceptance in the Waiver process must be submitted at the time of application submission. For more information on the CA P.O.S.T. Waiver Process, contact CA P.O.S.T. at (916) 227-4254 e-mail bcw@post.ca.gov or go click here to go to the Peace Officers Standards and Training website.

Knowledge of: Good command of basic grammar and written communication; use and care of firearms; Federal, California state, and local laws applicable to law enforcement; police department equipment, practices, and procedures; proper search and seizure and arrest procedures; geography of the City of Downey and the location of important buildings and streets; and, investigative procedures and techniques.

Ability to: Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately; effectively analyze problems for an appropriate response under emergency or stress situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and, meet and maintain the physical requirements established by the Downey Police Department.

License Requirements:   Due to the performance of field duties, possession of a valid California Driver’s License and possession of an acceptable driving record and the ability to maintain a valid Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout the course of employment in the position is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent’s driving record and Driver’s License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. 

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing is also required. THE USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS EITHER ON OR OFF THE JOB IS PROHIBITED.
Selection/Testing Process: All employment applications and supplemental information received will be thoroughly and carefully reviewed and evaluated to determine the level and scope of the candidate’s qualifications for the position. All information provided is subject to verification. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in an application being removed from consideration.

A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed City of Downey employment application and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Those applicants assessed as meeting the requirements for the position will be invited to participate in an appraisal examination to assess the applicant’s knowledge, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The appraisal examination (oral interview) is weighted 100%.  The oral interview will be conducted by a panel of subject matter experts.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to Conditional Offer of Employment, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted which includes a polygraph and fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen and psychological examination will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment. The probationary period for a sworn Police Officer position is eighteen (18) months.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.