Police Officer Jobs in California
A Police Officer is a key role within the law enforcement industry that focuses on maintaining order and preventing crime. Their duties encompass a wide range of tasks including patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, enforcing local, state, and federal laws, conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, arresting suspects, and writing detailed reports. Additionally, they may be responsible for collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and testifying in court. They also play a crucial role in community relations, often engaging in outreach efforts to maintain positive relationships with the community they serve.
Before becoming a Police Officer, an individual could hold a number of different roles. Some may serve as Military Police in the Armed Forces, gaining valuable experience in law enforcement, security, and community relations. Others may work as Security Guards or Loss Prevention Officers, honing their skills in observation, conflict resolution, and report writing. Some individuals may come from a background in Social Work or Counseling, bringing valuable communication and problem-solving skills to the role. It's important for Police Officers to have strong physical fitness, communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and emotional resilience. They should also have specific certifications such as a high school diploma, a degree in criminal justice or a related field, and completion of a police academy program. Certain positions may require additional certifications or training in specialized areas, such as firearms, self-defense, first-aid, and CPR.
Information Technology Program Coordinator - San Diego Police Department - 283 (Unclassified)
- San Diego, CA
- moments ago
- San Diego, CA
- moments ago
The department offers a comprehensive range of services, including neighborhood patrols, traffic enforcement, investigations, records management, permits and licensing, laboratory services, and more...
Enrollment in a community college or university level in Criminal Justice courses with the goal of a law enforcement career is highly desirable....
Knowledge of and Ability to: Candidates must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in understanding and communicating tactfully and effectively with the public and fellow employees in a law enforcement...
Police Officer (Lateral/Pre-Service/Academy Attendee)
- South Pasadena, CA
- 4 hours ago
- South Pasadena, CA
- 4 hours ago
Police Officers assigned to patrol shifts work a 3-12 schedule....
College level courses in criminal justice, law enforcement, or public safety are highly desired....
Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses....
Upon completion of a P.O.S.T. certified background check, incumbents are assigned to or are currently attending a P.O.S.T....
Police Officer (Lateral or Pre-Service) - Campus Police
- Torrance, CA
- 14 hours ago
- Torrance, CA
- 14 hours ago
JOB DESCRIPTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to protect college employees, students, and the general public; to patrol and safeguard...
Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service....
Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees,...
Upon successful completion of a P.O.S.T. certified training academy, the Police Officer Trainee is reclassified to Campus Police Officer and placed at Step A of the Police Officer salary schedule....
enforcement o Graduate of a Certified Public Safety Academy (military or civilian) in the law enforcement, adult corrections, or firefighter field o In the process of obtaining, or have already obtained...
Patrol Officer, College Campus - day shift
- San Francisco, CA
- 19 hours ago
- San Francisco, CA
- 19 hours ago
Provide student, staff and faculty escort service utilizing Academy assigned Patrol vehicles. Provide break coverage for Campus Safety Hosts and Patrol colleagues as needed....
Public Safety Officer I (2 positions)
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 22 hours ago
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 22 hours ago
Level II Required Three years of experience in a security or law enforcement setting, such as an officer with a city, county, college or other governmental agency, at the equivalent level to a Public...
Patrol Association properties to assure there is no violation of any CC&Rs codes....
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
Police Officer Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
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Salary for Police Officer Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Police Officer positions.
Highest Education Level
Police Officers in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Police Officer position
- CPR First Aid
- Traffic Enforcement
- Criminal Investigations
- Community Policing
- Firearms
- Patrol
- Defensive Tactics
- Weapons
- Public Safety
- Crime Prevention
- Taser
- Narcotics
- Background Investigations
- OC Spray
- Crowd Control
- Foot Patrol
- Law Enforcement
- Special Weapons and Tactics
- Security Training
- Criminal Justice
- Corrections
- Surveillance
- Dispatching
- Emergency Management
- Report Writing
- Drug Testing
- Complaint Resolution
- Crisis Management
- First Aid
- Interviewing
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Closing
- Background Checks
- Military Background
- Investigation
- High School Diploma
- Driving
- Writing Skills
- Telephone Skills
- Events
- Documentation
- Filing
- Education Experience
- English
- Reporting
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Bilingual
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Police Officer Related Career Advice Articles

3 Police Officer Resume Problems and How to Solve Them
Short-term assignments, large amounts of specialized training, and lengthy lists of affiliations and community involvement can cause problems when writing a law enforcement resume. Here's how to solve those resume "crimes."
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