Filing deadline: open until filled. Police Recruitment Information Police Officer Filing and Testing Dates

How to Apply   Application Instructions Supplemental Application (Required)

The Department and Position
El Cerrito Police Department is a modern, well-managed department providing police services to a community of 24,000 residents. The department has 45 sworn members.

Police Officer Recruits receive closely supervised training in the following areas: laws and penal codes; criminal justice system and procedures; law enforcement and crime prevention techniques; physical fitness and first aid; proper handling and firing of firearms; radio codes and dispatching procedures; public contact skills; interviewing and taking complaints; writing and editing police reports; geography; investigative techniques; procedures regarding the arrest and handling of suspects; and departmental rules and regulations.

Police Officer Recruits are hired into this temporary non-sworn position for the period during which they are enrolled in the Police Academy. They are not covered by the City's classified (Civil Service) system, and serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police. Police Officer Recruit benefits are limited to those required by law. Upon successful completion of curriculum at the training academy, Police Recruits are sworn in and appointed to the classified position of Police Officer, at Step A of that salary range with full benefits.

NOTE: Applicants who have successfully completed a California P.O.S.T.- approved police academy may be considered for appointment as a probationary Police Officer at salary Step A ($5,145 per month) with full benefits.

This position requires an ability to learn and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures; carry out oral and written directions; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and meet the on-going physical requirements of the position.

Qualifications Needed To Be Considered
All applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions of the position, as determined by a thorough City pre-placement physical examination; meet vision requirement of not less than 20/100, correctable to 20/30; possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.; must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien with an application for citizenship completed at least one year prior of date of application (citizenship must be obtained no later than three years after date of application or disqualification will result); have a valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record; be free of felony convictions; and have a minimum of 30 verifiable semester college units or at least 2 years active military service with an honorable discharge.

The Application Process
Applications may be obtained from and must be returned to the Employee Services Division, City of El Cerrito, 10940 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530; or by calling (510) 466-5005. www.el-cerrito.org

All Police Department applicants (regardless of what position they are applying for) must submit the Supplemental Application Form along with their employment application form.

Application forms may also be obtained by contacting the City of El Cerrito Police Department, 10900 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530, (510) 215-4410.

The Evaluation & Selection Process
The evaluation and selection process will consist of the following tests:

WRITTEN EXAMINATION: Successful Completion of the P.O.S.T.- approved reading and writing test designed to measure the ability to identify clear writing, and the ability to spell and understand commonly-used vocabulary words (Qualifying - Pass/Fail).

EXCEPTION: Applicants who have taken the POST-approved Entry Level exam for Police Officer, having received a ‘T’ score of 50 or better, within the preceding six months of the date of their application, will have this test waived upon presentation of proof of passing score.

PHYSICAL AGILITY/ABILITIES
PERFORMANCE TEST: Successful completion of a series of job-related physical performance tests, designed to measure strength, agility, and over-all fitness for this position, must be completed prior to appointment as a Police Officer (Qualifying - Pass/Fail).

QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL
INTERVIEW: An oral qualifications appraisal interview designed to measure the job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed critical to successful job performance. (Weighted 100%)

Candidates whose names are placed on the eligibility list must undergo an extensive background investigation; and thorough medical and psychological evaluations that may include polygraph and drug testing - prior to appointment. Police Officers serve an 18-month probationary period.

Compensation & Benefits

The City provides an excellent compensation package, which consists of the following:

Monthly salary: $5,145-$6,174 (Entry Level)

Monthly salary: $3,616 (Recruit) Recruits are reimbursed for meals and mileage to and from the academy

Benefits: With or upon completion of the Police Academy and appointment to the position of Police Officer the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including: vacation, holiday, shift differential, longevity pay, bilingual pay and sick leave plans; medical, dental, and life insurance program, plus membership in the State Public Employees Retirement System - 3% 50 formula.

Vacation: 11 working days after one year of service; additional days earned with additional years of service.

Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year.

Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 10 hours per calendar month.

Short and Long Term Disability: City pays full cost of employee’s monthly premium.

Health Plans: Choice of three plans: Kaiser, Health Net HMO and Health Net PPO. City contributes up to the family Kaiser premium per month.

Dental Insurance: City contributes the full monthly premium for the employee and family.

Life Insurance: Amount equal to annual salary to nearest $1,000. City-paid premium.

Retirement: The City pays employee’s 9% Public Employees Retirement System (3t 50 plan) contribution.

Bilingual Pay: $100 per month for approved languages.

Longevity Pay: 3% to 7% annually, based on years of service.

Education Incentive: $210 per month for AA/AS, $290 per month for BA/MS.

The Community
Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation’s most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 24,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or disability.

In accordance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, notification of such accommodations must be made to the City at the time the employment application is filed. Medical documentation must be provided upon request.

	How to Apply
Application Instructions