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POLICE OFFICER

qualifications

Knowledge of:

Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts. Techniques for dealing with varied groups of people. Standard record keeping and report writing procedures and techniques.

 

Ability to:

Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces and incidents. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies. Analyze situations and make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines. Use two-way radio communication equipment effectively. Drive a motor vehicle safely. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise, and competent reports.

becoming a police officer

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). Successful candidates will start at the BASE Salary while in the Academy.

 

$123,801 to $202,718 ($87,560 while in academy – $105,831 while on FTO)

 

Under general supervision, performs a variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, providing information and assistance to the public, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation and crime prevention and suppression; and performs related duties as assigned.

This is the entry-level, sworn law enforcement classification. Primary duties involve public assistance, patrol and prevention activities. Incumbents are encouraged to learn a variety of law enforcement functional areas and techniques. This class is distinguished from Police Sergeant in that the latter is the first supervisory class in the sworn police series.

This position reports to a Police supervisor or manager.

  1. Patrols a designated area in a radio vehicle or on foot to protect life and property to deter crime.
  2. Responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for services.
  3. Enforces District, city, county or state and federal laws and ordinances.
  4. Assists in settling disputes, calming angry patrons and providing crowd direction and control.
  5. Makes presentations to community and employee groups regarding personal safety and criminal activities
  6. Secures information from the parties at an incident scene and collects, documents and prepares evidence for court.
  7. Prepares affidavits for arrest and/or search warrants, files criminal complaints and coordinates investigative activities with other law enforcement agencies.
  8. Transports prisoners to booking facilities and processes them.
  9. Maintains accurate records and writes incident and crime reports.
  10. Works with investigative and legal personnel and presents testimony in court. 
  11. Enforces traffic and parking regulations, investigates traffic accidents and directs traffic.
  12. Serves warrants and subpoenas. 

 

 

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent college credits, military, or customer service experience highly desirable.


Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must be physically able to drag a body weighing up to 165 pounds. Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards. Must obtain required P.O.S.T. certification. Must remain firearm qualified. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.

Environmental Conditions:

Field environment; exposure to inclement weather; gun range; exposure to loud noises.

 

Physical Conditions:

Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, running, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, crawling or sitting for prolonged periods of time; and lifting and carrying. Standing and riding trains for long periods of time.

WE'RE HIRING

  • The best training, community outreach skills, and award-winning policing techniques
  • State-of-the art safety equipment
  • Resources to solve real-life problems
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our hiring process

Frequently asked Questions

California State Minimum Selection Standards (Per P.O.S.T)

  • The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:
  • Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029) 
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law.
  • At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4)
  • Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
  • Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
  • high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
  • Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer
Candidates need to be 20 to apply and attend the academy 21 at the time of swearing in
  • Three (3) or more moving violations within three (3) years prior to the date application
  • Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years to date of application 
  • Integrity: Any material misstatement of fact during any stage of the hiring process
  • Any prior felony conviction
  • Any misdemeanor conviction within three (3) years prior to the date of application 
  • Two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult 
  • Use of a hallucinogenic drug within 7 years of application
  • Use of any other illegal drug use as an adult not mentioned above within 3 years of application 
  • Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application 
  • Admission(s) of any act of domestic violence
  • Admission(s) of any criminal act against children

Note: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent. This is not an all-inclusive list of disqualifying factors, (see BPD Policy 1000 v.2/2/17).

  • Application
  • Written test
  • Physical Agility test
  • Oral board interview
  • Background Investigation (including polygraph) 
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Conditional Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Medical exam
  • Psychological exam (Police Officers and Police Dispatchers only)
  • Final Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Do an online search for “POST Pellet B practice test”
  • Research the department online
  • Do a ride-a-long (call 510-464-7681 to set up after application has been submitted)
  • Research oral board sample questions online
  • The process takes approximately 3-6 months

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