Police Officer Lateral

Lateral Police Officers join a supportive team environment where experience is valued and professional growth is encouraged. Upon hire, officers will participate in a field training program tailored to their prior experience and performance. You can learn more about our department at Joinmvpd.com and review the full job description here. 

As a full-time Police Officer Lateral, you will: 

• Respond to calls for service with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment
• Conduct investigations, interviews, report writing, and court testimony
• Engage in proactive patrol and community outreach efforts
• Use de-escalation and problem-solving techniques to resolve complex situations
• Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone in Mountain View

Eligible candidates will possess the following at the time of application:

• Current or recent law enforcement experience as a Police Officer in the State of California within the last three years (in good standing and off probation)
• California POST Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Certificate
• 60 semester or 90 quarter college units
• Valid California driver's license
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Vision and hearing that meet POST standards

The ideal candidate is:

• Service-driven and committed to community-focused policing
• Calm, confident, and professional under pressure
• Skilled at building trust and communicating effectively
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities
• Dedicated to teamwork, integrity, and accountability
• Compassionate, approachable, and committed to making a positive impact

This is an ongoing recruitment. Applications are reviewed weekly. The selection process outlined below is intended to provide an overview of the recruitment and may be modified as necessary to meet the needs of the City.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Those who successfully complete the PHQ may be invited to an Oral Board Interview. Oral board interviews are scheduled periodically for candidates who are successful in the PHQ process. 

Candidates who are successful in the oral board interview will be placed on an Eligibility List and may be invited to participate in an Executive Interview as vacancies occur. 

Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprinting, an extensive background investigation conducted in accordance with POST guidelines, including a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological screening, before appointment.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from the appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

Submit your resume, application, and California Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced POST Certificate online at GovernmentJobs.com or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650)903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will be open continuously. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments; $2,500 in your first paycheck and $2,500 following successful completion of the probationary period. 

Fine Print. 
Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance at any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submitting the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Candidates with a disability that may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Division upon submittal of the application. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for law enforcement agencies. 

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.