Close-up image of the University of California Police star plaque in the UC Davis Police Department's office.

Apply to Become a Police Officer - Lateral

Apply by Sept. 6, 2024

August 29, 2024

Apply to be a Police Officer (Lateral) with the UC Davis Police Department, an innovative, service-oriented law enforcement agency. At UC Davis, every career employee receives extremely competitive health and retirement benefits including:

High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
Non-PERS retirement program, with multiple retirement plans available
Working at a top-ranked university and medical center.
Plus, much more…

LEARN MORE and APPLY by Sept. 6, 2024

Why join the UC Davis Police Department

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, patrol a specified area on foot or utilizing a patrol vehicle. Respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic collisions, and other emergencies. Evaluate and control violent situations. Enforce federal and state laws, and University regulations. Make arrests for violations of laws, search, fingerprint, and transport prisoners. Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents, disturbances, hazardous incidents, vehicle collisions, and casualties. Operate vehicles under hazardous conditions. Collect and preserve evidence and found property. Interrogate suspects and interview victims, complainants, and witnesses. Check buildings for physical security. Direct traffic and write traffic citations. Prepare written and computer-generated reports. Work closely with the public and University units to identify and solve community problems. Make presentations to citizens and groups. Participate in on-going training. Prepare cases and testify in court. Execute assigned duties pursuant to University and Department policy and procedures.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.
California Driver's License (DL)
Police Officer Standard Training
Possess a current valid California POST Basic Certificate.
Possess a valid Class C" California driver's license.
Be a high school graduate of a U.S. high school or possess a GED or attained a two or four-year degree from an accredited college or university [Government Code section 1031(e)]
Lateral candidates only with a minimum of three years’ police officer experience. Currently employed or recently retired as a police officer from a California Police Agency.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
Not have been convicted of a felony as well as felony-level and felony-related offenses [GC §1029(A)(B)]. Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Not have been convicted of a crime or anything that would affect your legal eligibility to possess/carry firearms [Penal Code section 29805; U.S. Code Title 18, section 922(d)(9)].
Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation [Government Code section 1031(d)].
Knowledge and understanding of current police practices, protocols, and procedures. Knowledge of the California criminal justice system. Knowledge and understanding of local, state, and federal laws applicable to the police function.
Proficiency with use of a police mobile-data computer. Proficiency with the use of a police radio.
Crisis intervention and de-escalation tools.

Preferred Qualifications

An associates or greater degree in criminal justice or related field.
Knowledge of University regulations.
Interpersonal communication methods and techniques, including conflict resolution and general mediation techniques.
Ability to express oneself clearly in writing and speech

Job Expectations

Physical Demands

Mental Demands: Analytical and Problem Solving - Frequently, Confidentiality - Frequently, Constant Interruptions - Frequently, Customer Contact - Frequently, Detailed Work - Frequently, Language - Frequently, Math - Frequently, Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequently, Reading (documents or instruments) - Frequently, Reasoning - Frequently, Training - Frequently, Verbal Communication - Frequently, Written Communication - Frequently
Physical Demands: Sitting - Frequently, Speaking - Frequently, Squatting, Stooping, Bending - Frequently, Standing - Frequently, Walking - Frequently, Writing - Frequently, Grasp - Frequently, Talk or Hear - Frequently
Lifting Requirements: More than 100 Pounds (Very Heavy) - Frequently
Visual Acuity Requirements: Close Visual Acuity (e.g., viewing a computer screen; using measurement devices) - Frequently
Additional Physical Demands:
Lift and drag a 165 lb. lifelike dummy a minimum of 32 feet. Climb and go over a 6-foot fence. Effect an arrest using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons. Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers. Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns, and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards. Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time. Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints. Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed. Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
Additional Equipment Used to Perform the Duties: Equipment associated with the daily functions of a police officer.

Work Environment

Must pass an extensive P.O.S.T. background investigation, including criminal history and identity check and have no felony convictions pursuant to Government Code Section 1029-1031.
Must pass a P.O.S.T. comprehensive medical and psychological pre-placement examinations as established by State law for police officers.
Candidates may be subject to a polygraph test as part of the background investigation process. Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, and all inclement weather.
Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other community members encountered in an antagonistic environment.
Personally responsible for following and adhering to safety procedures and guidelines.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.