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- The Position
About the Police Department
The Carlsbad Police Department is a full-service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the police department and the support of City Council members and the community, Carlsbad continues to be a safe community to live, work, and play.- With an annual FBI index crime rate of 18.66, Carlsbad has one of the lowest crime rates among San Diego County's 18 cities.
- Carlsbad residents report high satisfaction with police services; recent survey results indicate that over 90% of the residents are satisfied with police service.
DEI Statement
The City of Carlsbad embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and recognizes the vital relationship of a culturally diverse, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. A diverse, equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.
Selection Process
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY:
The City of Carlsbad accepts California P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (Pellet-B), also known as the P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test. The test is designed to measure four skills associated with reading and writing; clarity, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. There are no math or essay questions.
You are exempted from taking the Pellet-B test if you meet the following criteria:- Possess an associate degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America) AND/OR
- Have taken the California P.O.S.T. Pellet-B exam within six (6) months of date of application and acquired a T-score of 46 or higher in all areas (reading, writing and overall).
- Please attach a copy of your degree or transcripts confirming your degree, or foreign equivalency certificate issued by an accredited association, AND/OR passing Pellet-B score to your application. This should be in the form of a letter from the organization that administered the California P.O.S.T. entry-level law enforcement test battery (Pellet-B). The letter must indicate candidate's name, date of exam and T-scores for the reading, writing, and overall sections.
Written Test: The Pellet-B written test will be offered on Wednesday, May 22 for candidates that do not have a passing Pellet-B score from another agency. If you are invited to attend, you will be invited to sign up once we review your application.
Physical Ability Test: California POST compliant physical agility test is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. A prescreen background interview will also take place on this day.
Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem-solving ability, and communication skills. The most highly qualified candidates will continue in the selection process. The Oral Board is scheduled for the week of June 10, dates TBD.
Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement. Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a polygraph examination.
Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.
Pre-Employment Backgrounds Investigation
Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct that are automatic grounds for disqualification. Please refer to the "Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria" below to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.- Key Responsibilities
Attends the Regional Law Enforcement Academy, certified by the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), to obtain a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, law enforcement techniques, practices, and procedures, and first aid.
Attends classroom lectures.
Observes demonstrations on arrest and control methods and the care and use of firearms.
Participates in physical conditioning and self-defense exercises.
Practices the use of firearms.
Takes examinations.
Participates in orientation programs under supervision to develop an awareness of the duties, activities, and responsibilities of a Police Officer.- Qualifications
Ability to:
Observe, learn understand and interpret various laws, police practices and procedures.
Analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in stressful situations.
Undergo strenuous physical conditioning.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports in English.
Compute basic arithmetic problems.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.- Experience & Education
- In possession of and able to maintain a State of California Class C driver's license, or have the ability to get one prior to appointment.
- Not less than 21 years old at the time of appointment.
- High school graduate or have passed GED test. Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.