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Job description
Police Officer OpportunityMore than a job—an opportunity to serve, grow, and make an impact! The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County, California. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized, full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community, dedicated to protecting life, property, and public safety. With city events like our Summerfest and Concerts in the Park, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant city. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within 15 miles radius of the city, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate courage to protect life and property in our community; the duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve public trust.Headed by Chief of Police Craig Heredia, the Police Department is comprised of dedicated sworn and non-sworn professionals, including 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 40 Police Officers, a Support Services Manager & Support Services Supervisor, Dispatchers (full and part-time), a Crime Analyst, an Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Cadets, Police Services Officers, and administrative staff.Job OverviewAre you looking to do meaningful police work in a department where your voice matters, your leadership is visible, and your work truly impacts the community you serve? Join a tight-knit Southern California police department where professionalism, trust, and balance are more than buzzwords—they're how we operate every day. We are currently recruiting experienced lateral police officers and recent police academy graduates who are motivated, community-oriented, and ready to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking agency.Why Join Fountain Valley Police Department?We offer a Hiring Incentive Bonus!! Lateral Police Officers - $10,000 paid in two (2) installments: $5,000 plus 40 hours of compensatory time at the time of hire and $5,000 after successful completion of the probationary period. Prior sworn law enforcement service will be considered for Longevity Pay (5 years=5%; 10 years=7%; 15 years=8%; 20 years=9% of base pay)Police Officer Academy Graduates - $5,000 paid in two (2) installments: $2,500 at the time of hire and $2,500 after successfully completing the probationary period.Build a stable, meaningful career with competitive pay and benefits (See "Benefits" tab for more details regarding our comprehensive total compensation package).Specialties: General Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic including motorcycle, Regional Narcotics Program, S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics – part of West County), Drone Operator, and Canine.Special Compensation: Police Officers will be eligible for the following special compensation if certain criteria are met. Please refer to the POA MOU for more details.P.O.S.T. Certification Pay: Intermediate is 5%; Advanced is 12% of base salaryPhysical Fitness/Wellness pay of $495 per monthSpecial Assignment Pay (Canine Officer, Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, SWAT)Bilingual premium up to $200 per month depending on qualification levelA Department That Knows Your Name - Our size allows for strong relationships - between officers, leadership, and the community. You are not a number here; you are a valued professional.Community-Focused Policing: Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Officers are encouraged to build relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively.Work-Life Balance Matters: We prioritize sustainable staffing, realistic workloads, and predictable scheduling whenever possible - so you can excel at work and enjoy life outside the badge.Opportunities to Grow: From specialty assignments to training and professional development, we support career growth and recognize initiative.Accessible Leadership: Our command staff is visible, approachable, and invested in your success.Lateral Police Officers – We Value Your ExperienceWe welcome experienced officers who are seeking a department with strong culture, supportive leadership, and a true sense of purpose. Lateral hires may be eligible for:Expedited hiring process (Interview only after review of application)Salary placement based on experienceReduced or modified field training, when applicableRecognition of prior service and certificationsAcademy Graduates – Start Your Career StrongA supportive Field Training ProgramMentorship from experienced officersEarly opportunities to build confidence and competence in the field.Ready to Make A Difference? If you're looking for a department where integrity, teamwork, and community truly come first, we invite you to apply and learn more about what makes our agency special.To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link: Police OfficerQualification GuidelinesYou must be POST-certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.Lateral Candidate Qualifications (All required certifications/licenses MUST be submitted with the completed employment application)Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy;Must have current or prior sworn law-enforcement experience (with successful completion of probationary period);Out-of-State applicants may meet California's Regular Basic Course (academy) training requirement by completing the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver.Academy Graduate Qualifications (All required certifications/licenses MUST be submitted with the completed employment application)Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy within the last 3 years. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required.Must provide a copy of your academy's official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the academy with your application.If you are currently enrolled in California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy but have not yet graduated: Must provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application. Must have and maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff.Education:High School graduation or equivalent or possession of a General Education Development Test (GED) certificate is required.Associate of Arts or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.Graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy at the time of appointment within the last 3 years or have successfully completed the P.O.S.T. basic course waiver examination process is required. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required.Required License: Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license (or equivalent). (Please note: Candidates are required to have a California Driver's License at time of appointment.)Special Requirements (Pursuant to California POST):Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictionsLegally authorized to work in the United States by federal lawAt least 21 years of age at the time of appointmentFingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal recordOf good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigationFound to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender
Worksite address
fountain valley, CA, 92708, US
Who can apply
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