Police Officer (Lateral)

Incentive Program for Lateral Candidates:

• 80 hours of vacation time for Police Officers that successfully complete FTO.

Description:
Positions in this class are occupied by sworn personnel pursuant to California Penal Code §830.1 who are responsible for protecting persons and property; enforcing state and local laws and ordinances; and maintaining order. The duties require initiative, resourcefulness, the ability to analyze situations and in emergencies to adopt a quick, effective, and responsible course of action. The work involves frequent contact with the public and the ability to deal with persons in tense situations where relations may be strained.



Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Click HERE for our full job description. 

• Ensures active community policing pursuant to codified department policy and strategies.
• Patrols an assigned area by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot; observes, investigates, and reports suspicious and hazardous conditions; apprehends and arrests law violators.
• Responds to routine and emergency calls for protection of persons and property, and for the enforcement of city ordinances, state laws, and federal laws.
• Investigates crimes, accidents, deaths, and disturbances; gathers evidence; interviews, questions, and takes statements from complainants, suspects, and witnesses; completes reports.
• Takes charge of juveniles and delinquents and works on cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles; handles missing persons cases; works with community organizations and governmental agencies in delinquencies and in delinquency control programs.
• Searches, transports, and assists in the booking of prisoners.
• Participates in specialty units including hostage negotiation teams, tactical response team, and other related police specialty units.
• Completes and submits reports and documentation of work performed.
• Organizes community outreach events; Speaks before business, school, civic and special groups, as necessary.
• Participates in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.
• Answers questions from the public concerning local and State laws, procedures, and activities of the department.
• Serves as Field Training Officer, as assigned; trains new recruits and lateral police officers; documents trainee progress and prepares evaluations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Be currently employed as a police/peace officer in the State of California; and have satisfactorily completed, in another jurisdiction, a probation period for a peace officer classification
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent with related college work
• Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record

All completed applications will be reviewed. Based on the information in the application documents, the most qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

Tentative Application Deadline*:

• First Review of Applications: May 15, 2026

• Second Review of Applications: June 5, 2026

*Posting may close as soon as position is filled.

1. Application: a completed application includes the following: 

• Attach a current California POST Basic Certificate.

2.  Chief’s Interview (In-Person)
3. Background Investigation  
4.  Job Offer  The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (510) 528-5715 a minimum of five days prior to the examination.