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About the Police Department

The City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the nation’s most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. El Cerrito is a general law City that was incorporated in 1917 and is organized as a Council-Manager form of local municipal government. As of the last census, June 30, 2004, the city had a population of 23,440. El Cerrito is part of the highly urbanized area of Western Contra Costa County. Interstate Highway 80 passes near the west boundary of the community, while the crest of the Berkeley Hills and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park define the eastern boundary. The community is served by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, with stations near both the north and south boundaries of the city.

El Cerrito Police Department is a modern, well-managed department providing police services with 45 sworn members. The Police Department provides a full range of services to the community through three Divisions: Field Operations, Administrative and Support Services, and Investigations. The Department is an active member of the East Bay Public Safety Corridor Partnership and cooperates with other police agencies and the California Department of Justice to provide the West Contra Costa County Narcotics Task Force.

The department offers a variety of specialty assignments for Police Officers including;

• Motorcycle / Traffic Officer
• Detective (Person Crimes, Property Crimes, Fraud, Drug Task Force)
• School Resource Officer
• Tactical Rifle Officer
• Firearms Instructor
• Defensive Tactics / Impact Weapon Instructor / TASER Instructor
• First Aid/CPR Instructor
• Driving-EVOC Instructor
• Evidence Technician
• Bicycle Patrol
• Field Training Officer

Promotional Opportunities Include:

Corporal: Patrol and Investigations assignments
Sergeant: Patrol, Investigations, Traffic, and Administration assignments
Commander: Field Operations Division or Administrative Services Division

The Department is committed to having a well-trained force and provides Continuous Professional Training (CPT) to officers to meet or exceed P.O.S.T. minimum standards.

About the Position

The City of El Cerrito sends Police Officer Recruits to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Center for P.O.S.T. basic training. For more information on the Regular Basic Course Academy, go to https://alamedacountysheriff.org/rtc/classes/academy/regular_basic_course.htm.

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 with full benefits. For more information on the State of California’s Peace Officer Standards & Training, go to http://www.post.ca.gov/.

Police Recruitment Information

Selection Standards

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. Basic selection standards for hiring Police Officers include an evaluation and assessment in the following areas:

• Personal Characteristics: Including but not limited to level of maturity (independence, responsibility, indebtedness, financial obligations, etc.), commitment, motivation, dependability, integrity and credibility.
• Skills: Communication skills (verbal and written), observational skills (remembering details, recognizing signals indicating a wrong or suspicious situation), interpersonal skills, etc.
• Abilities: Ability to problem solve, ability to comprehend and retain factual information, ability to make effective and logical decisions while under pressure, ability to demonstrate physical coordination, stamina and agility.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 20 years of age or older at time of application; 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; Have a minimum of 30 verifiable semester college units with a college degree preferred or 2 years active military No Felony Convictions and No Misdemeanor Conviction which preclude one from lawfully possessing firearm.

Application and Testing Process (Phase I)

The testing process for the position of Police Recruit begins with the application, which should be filled out completely by candidates. Applications are continuously accepted.

Applications can be:

• Downloaded from www.el-cerrito.org/employee_services/instructions.html

• Obtained from the Employee Services Division, City of El Cerrito,
  10940 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530,(510) 466-5005.

• Obtained from the City of El Cerrito Police Department,
  10900 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530, (510) 215-4410.

Hard copy applications should be returned to the Employee Services Division, City of El Cerrito, 10940 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530.

Note: All Police Department applicants must also submit the Supplemental Application Form along with their employment application form.

The Evaluation & Selection Process

Candidates meeting the minimum requirements to file an application are invited to the written and physical examination. The evaluation and selection process will consist of a written examination, physical examination and an oral qualifications appraisal interview. Failure of any portion of the examination and selection process will result in removal from consideration for employment.

Testing dates offered by the City of El Cerrito in 2008 are available at:
http://www.el-cerrito.org/police/police_testing_dates.html

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 1: Applicants who have taken the P.O.S.T.-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.
• Exception 2: Lateral Police Officers or Deputy Sheriffs who have a current Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate are not required to take the Written Examination.

Peace officers must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a peace officer as determined by the use of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other job-related tests of reading and writing ability. The P.O.S.T. test battery is provided to law enforcement agencies in the P.O.S.T. program at no charge. The Applicant Preparation Guide for the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Test Battery (pdf) provides a thorough overview of the test, practice test items, and test taking strategies.

Go to http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/poWrittenPracticeTest.pdf to download the Applicant Preparation Guide for the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Test Battery (pdf)

PHYSICAL AGILITY/ABILITIES 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. The physical agility test consists of six parts to be performed one after the other, in an obstacle course fashion. The events are designed to test the physical characteristics of strength, agility and endurance associated with the physical tasks demanded of Police officers in the performance of their job. (Qualifying - Pass/Fail)

The Physical Ability Test exercises are as follows:

1. 200 yard sprint: The candidate sprints a straight course and rounds a traffic cone.
2. 20 yard weave: Run which consists of 4 traffic cones (5 yards apart) that must not be knocked over.
3. Scale 6’ wall
4. Mount standard balance beam, and, without falling, walk the length, turn around, and walk the length again; dismount and again scale the 6’ wall: (same as #3)
5. Drag a 165 pound dummy approximately 15 yards (using a Red Cross approved backwards drag).

The waiver form to participate in the Physical Ability Test can be downloaded from http://www.el-cerrito.org/police/pdf/PhysicalAgilityTestWaiver.pdf

After successful completion of the Physical Ability Test, candidates receive Pre-Polygraph PHQ examination questionnaires and Scantron answer sheets. The answer sheets and questionnaires must be returned to the El Cerrito Police Department within one week.

• Instructions on completing the PHQ Scantron form will be provided to qualified candidates. The form requests information on present and past employers, educational history and other personal history data forms. Failure to follow the instructions to complete the form, including meeting the deadline to return the form may result in removal from consideration for employment.

QUALIFICATIONS APPRAISAL

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

After successful completion of the Written Examination, Physical Abilities Test and Qualifications Appraisal, candidates are placed on an Eligibility List in ranked order.

Review and Selection Process (Phase II)

Candidates who are selected from the Eligibility List are scheduled for a “Pre-Polygraph/Background Assessment Interview” with the Training and Personnel Sergeant. At this time, they are asked to bring in a completed Background Investigation packet, and a DMV Printout of their CA Driving Record.

It is expected that candidates will be candid and honest with Training and Personnel Sergeant during this interview. They will have to discuss the answers to the Pre-Polygraph Questionnaires during this interview. Information gathered during the Background Assessment Interview will be checked and verified during other stages of the overall Background Investigation if the department elects to proceed with the candidate.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

The Personal History Statement-Peace Officer Form 2-251 may be downloaded from http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/

Do not submit the PHQ until requested to do so by the El Cerrito police department.

Candidates must undergo an extensive background investigation; and thorough medical and psychological evaluations that will include polygraph and drug testing - prior to appointment.

Criminal inquiries will be made at the local, county, state, national and, if necessary, the international level. Driver history inquiries will be made where appropriate.

Information obtained from the personal history document, polygraph and any other relevant documents will be compiled during the course of the background investigation. Criminal inquiries will be made at the local, county, state, national and, if necessary, the international level. Driver history inquiries will be made.

• Personal: Name, aliases, birthdate, social security number, tattoos, citizenship, etc.
• Relatives and Acquaintances: Reference checks related to your suitability to be a Police Officer.
• Education: High School(s), college(s), trade school(s), etc. and any other sources of diplomas, certificates and degrees received or in progress.
• Residence: Residence history.
• Experience and Employment: History of employment and volunteer services; job related inquiries with past and current employers and co-workers.
• Military Service: Registration with the Selective Service System and evaluation of Military Service Record, if applicable.
• Financial: Inquiries relative to responsibility, dependability, and liability as these relate to meeting financial obligations. You will be asked to submit an Experion Credit Report with other required documentation.
• Legal: Investigation of all possible and actual criminal conduct; arrests and or convictions evaluated on a case by case basis. (A misdemeanor conviction in and of itself is not necessarily a disqualifying factor).
• Motor Vehicle Operation: Behavior as it relates to driving ability and required automobile insurance.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION:

Candidates will take a Polygraph Examination that will inquire into areas including illegal activity, recent or prolonged involvement with illegal drugs, and other possible unlawful behavior.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION:

Pursuant to California Government Code 1031(f), all California peace officers must be found to be free from any ". . emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer" as determined by a qualified, experienced psychologist or psychiatrist. Specific requirements and procedures for the conduct of the psychological evaluation are contained in P.O.S.T. Procedure C-2.

MEDICAL SUITABILITY:

Peace officers must also be free from any physical condition which might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers. The California Government Code requires that physical condition shall be evaluated by a licensed physician and surgeon. To assist physicians in their examinations of peace officer applicants, P.O.S.T. has developed a Medical Screening Manual which includes recommended examination and evaluation protocols for the individualized assessment of each candidate, and provides detailed information on commonly detected medical conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

El Cerrito Police Officer Benefits Package Summary:

• Recruit Monthly Salary: $3,545
• Entry Level Salary: $5,044-$6,053
• Paid Health, Dental, Orthodontic Benefits
• City Paid "3% at 50" PERS Retirement
• 5% Shift Differential Pay For Night Shift
• 5% Specialty Pay For Investigations and Motors
• 3%-7% Longevity Pay Based on Years of Service
• "3-12" Schedule For Patrol
• "4-10" Schedule For Specialty Assignments
• $850 Annual Uniform Allowance
• Education Incentive:
  • $210 Monthly for A.A. Degree
  • $290 Monthly for B.A. Degree
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan:
  • $500 Annually Toward A.A. Degree
  • $1,000 Annually Toward B.A. Degree
  • $1,500 Annually Toward M.A. Degree
• Bilingual Pay: $100 Per Month (See Below)
  Approved Languages Include but are not limited to:
  Spanish
  Portuguese
  Cantonese
  Mandarin
  Tagalog
  Hungarian
  Korean
  Hindi
  Russian
  Japanese
  Arabic
  Farsi
  Persons who can converse any of the listed languages fluently
  are encouraged to apply.

For More Information

Please contact the El Cerrito Police Department at:
El Cerrito Police Department Administrative Division
10900 San Pablo Ave.,
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 215-4415
http://www.el-cerrito.org/police/

MORE LINKS:

P.O.S.T.:
http://www.post.ca.gov/

Alameda County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Center:
https://alamedacountysheriff.org/rtc/

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.
Information contained on this Web site is subject to change without notice. AA/EEO