Job Information

SOUTH GATE POLICE DEPARTMENT
8620 CALIFORNIA AVE
SOUTHGATE, CALIFORNIA 90280
323-563-5476
http://cityofsouthgate.org/233/Police

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Updated: May 05, 2025

Job Classification: Police Officer Recruit

The South Gate Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer Recruit.

Candidates must complete a department application and FrontLine National Exam. This position will remain open until filled.

About the Position: This is your opportunity to enter the interesting and demanding profession of Law Enforcement with the South Gate Police Department. The City of South Gate offers the best in training, salary, and benefits to active, intelligent, and dedicated men and women. The South Gate Police Department offers diversified assignments including patrol, traffic enforcement, a criminal investigation, narcotics, public relations, crime prevention, K-9 detail, and administrative services.

Under general supervision attends the prescribed Basic Police Academy, maintains acceptable grade levels and achieves graduation; and participates in any and all field exercises as directed and performs related work as required. While distinctively uniformed as a non-sworn non-peace officer in training, the Police Recruit works under the direct supervision of a Police Sergeant or higher ranking position to develop skills, knowledge, and abilities for a career in police service.

Contact Information:
Lieutant Evelyn Garcia
(323) 563-9508
egarcia@sogate.org

City/County/Area Information: South Gate / Los Angeles County / Located in Southeast Los Angeles

Population: Approximately 94,400

Job Requirements

Age:
21

Citizenship Required:
Yes or be in the process to become a citizen.

High School Grad / GED:
High School Grad or GED

Driver's License:
Valid California Driver's License

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

Prior Experience:
None

Examples of Essential Functions
:
The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Attends Academy classroom instruction on police policies, procedures, weaponless defense, criminal and civil law, physical fitness techniques, use of firearms, arrest procedures, community relations, operation of emergency vehicles, and other mandated courses and related subjects.
Participates in field exercises and physical training routines.
Keeps and writes notebooks, reports, and other printed materials and records.
Is available and open to the learning process with the goal of Police Academy graduation and eventual meaningful service to the Police Department.

Minimum and Desirable Qualifications
:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training, and Experience
Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements
Must possess a California Class C driver's license showing proof of insurance and a satisfactory driving record is required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Must be a United States citizen or have applied for citizenship. Citizenship must be obtained within three years of appointment. Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

This is a terminal class. The recruit must graduate from the Police Academy and fulfill all other requirements, in which case he/she shall advance to the rank of Police Officer. Failure to meet graduation or other requirements shall result in termination.

Physical Standards Height and weight correlations must be in proper proportion according to current medical standards. Normal color vision. Visual of 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Ability to pass a physical endurance and agility examination.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: the organization, operation, rules, and regulations of the Police Department; principles and techniques of police administration including traffic control, crime prevention, crowd disturbances, and delinquency; rules of evidence; laws, ordinances and regulations affecting the work of the Department including custody of prisoners, arrests, and court procedures; criminal investigation and case preparation; technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control and safety, record keeping, and care and custody of persons and property; community policing policies and philosophy; community relations; governmental structure/organization of the City of South Gate and interrelations of the Police Department; and principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, and leadership.

Ability to: read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature; analyze situations and adopt a quick, calm, effective, and reasonable course of action in situations involving emotional or physical pressures; write clear and accurate reports; remember names, faces, and details or incidents; establish and maintain effective relationships with others; interact tactfully, effectively, and sensitively with City Officials, Officials of other organizations, members of other agencies, community organizations, community leaders, the media, and especially the public; understand and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of ethnic and cultural groups in the City; and evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and/or resolve problems.

Skill: in the operation of a variety of office equipment including computers; ability to type 25 words per minute net.

Desirable Qualifications:
English/Spanish bilingual skills.

Other Important Information
:
California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent Copy appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear, and may stand for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include normal color vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, traffic, dust, gas, fumes, and chemicals.

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
If you claim education on your application, an unofficial copy of your transcripts, documenting all qualifying education and/or occupational training claimed, must be submitted as an attachment to your online application. If you are invited to interview for this position, at a later date, we will request that your original, official transcripts, be mailed directly to the City of South Gate Human Resources Office in an unopened envelope by the accredited college(s) or university(ies).
Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Selection Process: All application materials received along with the submitted online application will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. The testing of Police Officer-Recruit will include the following:

Written Test: Qualifying - The written test will be a 100 item multiple choice test. Candidates must obtain a passing qualifying score on this test in order to proceed to oral interview.
Oral Interview: 100%
Physical Agility: Qualifying - The agility test is to evaluate the candidate's endurance, strength, agility, and speed.
Background: Prospective employees are also subject to and must successfully pass a thorough and extensive background investigation, which will include a polygraph examination. Prospective employees will receive a complete medical examination, including a stress EKG and drug/alcohol screen; and psychological evaluation, prior to appointment.
Hiring Interview: Prospective employees will be interviewed by the Chief of Police and must successfully pass this interview to proceed in the process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.
The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such a request during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office.

Equal Opportunity Employer
:
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, age, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 59th largest city in California with a population of approximately 100,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The City is in a state of revitalization with many new development projects on the near horizon. As we look to the future we are heartened by the many opportunities for economic growth. We are looking for (a) dynamic individual(s) to join our employment team and work alongside our civic leaders, residents, and business owners committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and prosperous community in which to live and work.

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