Salary: $46.16 - $58.53 Hourly
Location : Paso Robles, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24/25-09
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POA
Description
Law enforcement is at its finest here at the City of Paso Robles Police Department. With state of the art equipment and a community-oriented proactive approach to crime, the City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a work environment unlike any in San Luis Obispo County. If you are interested in working with exceptional individuals in a tight knit community, we encourage you to apply.
Please note this recruitment is intended for academy grad/entry level officers (less than two years of experience). Please attach a copy of your certificate to your application.
If you are interested in attending a police academy, please apply to our police officer recruit position.
About Paso Robles
Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles-short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks"-offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers' markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
The Organization
The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
Typical Duties
The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.
- Performs the full range of law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety duties to protect life and property and preserve peace and order within the community.
- Patrols assigned areas by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime, enforce laws and regulations, identify suspicious activity, and respond to public safety concerns.
- Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, assesses situations, and takes appropriate enforcement, investigative, conflict resolution, or public assistance actions.
- Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations involving criminal activity, traffic collisions, and other incidents; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; gathers, documents, processes, and preserves evidence.
- Enforces federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations, including traffic and parking laws.
- Directs and controls traffic at collisions, fires, special events, and emergency incidents.
- Makes arrests; serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents; transports and processes individuals in custody in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and department procedures.
- Administers field sobriety tests and evaluates individuals for impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
- Secures and manages crime scenes to maintain scene safety and preserve the integrity of evidence and investigative processes.
- Prepares clear, accurate, thorough, and legally sufficient reports, records, citations, and related documentation.
- Operates law enforcement vehicles, firearms, communications systems, computers, and specialized police equipment safely and effectively.
- Provides information, assistance, and service to the public; responds to questions, concerns, and complaints in a professional and courteous manner.
- Testifies in court, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; prepares and presents reports, evidence, and related documentation as required.
- Provides basic emergency medical aid, CPR, and first aid until relieved by medical personnel.
- Maintains a visible presence within the community and participates in community policing, crime prevention, and public outreach activities to promote public trust and positive relationships.
- Inspects and maintains assigned vehicles, weapons, equipment, and uniforms to ensure proper condition and operational readiness.
- Coordinates and cooperates with allied law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, City departments, schools, and community organizations as needed.
- Attends briefings, meetings, training programs, and continuing education activities to maintain and enhance proficiency in law enforcement techniques, legal updates, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, investigations, and related areas.
- Promotes safe work practices and complies with departmental safety procedures, policies, and regulations.
- May serve in specialized assignments or collateral duties, including field training, investigations, traffic enforcement, school resource services, special events, community engagement, emergency preparedness, or other departmental programs.
Employment Standards & Special Requirements
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of modern municipal law enforcement, including patrol operations, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, investigations, emergency response, and protection of life and property.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and court decisions related to law enforcement activities, including laws of arrest, search and seizure, evidence, and custody of persons.
- Department policies, procedures, rules, and standard operating practices governing law enforcement activities and public interactions.
- Use-of-force principles, defensive tactics, officer safety practices, and safe handling and care of firearms, less-lethal weapons, vehicles, and related equipment.
- Methods and techniques for interviewing and interacting with victims, witnesses, suspects, and members of the public.
- Crime scene management practices and methods of evidence identification, collection, preservation, processing, and documentation.
- Police communication systems, radio procedures, and law enforcement information systems.
- Principles and practices of report writing, records management, and documentation standards.
- Basic emergency medical aid, CPR, and first aid principles and procedures.
- Principles of community policing and effective public relations.
- Modern office practices, procedures, computer applications, and software related to law enforcement operations.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, and professional communication standards.
Ability to:
- Perform the full range of duties in a safe, effective, professional, and lawful manner.
- Interpret, apply, and explain laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, procedures, and court decisions.
- Observe, recall, analyze, and accurately document facts, events, names, faces, places, conversations, and details.
- Gather, evaluate, and synthesize information and evidence; draw logical conclusions; and take appropriate action.
- Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine effective and lawful courses of action, including during emergencies and high-stress situations.
- Exercise sound independent judgment, discretion, initiative, and decision-making within established legal and procedural guidelines.
- Prepare clear, concise, accurate, and grammatically correct reports, records, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in English, both orally and in writing, including in person, by telephone, over the radio, and through electronic communication methods.
- Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and professional working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other agencies, and members of the public.
- Interact effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
- Operate law enforcement vehicles and specialized equipment safely under routine and emergency conditions.
- Remain calm, exercise good judgment, and respond effectively during stressful, dangerous, or rapidly changing situations.
- Provide emergency medical aid, CPR, and first aid as appropriate.
- Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Adapt to changing technologies, operational needs, legal requirements, and departmental priorities.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability and professional standards.
Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires frequent internal and external contacts to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
Analytical Skills and Complexity
Exercises considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources. Requires interpretation and application of guidelines, policies, and procedures to determine appropriate actions.
Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of the following:
- A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
- Successful completion of a POST Regular Basic Course or Requalification Course, or possession of a POST Regular Basic Course Waiver prior to a conditional offer
- Must obtain CPR and First Aid certifications within one year of appointment
Other Requirements:
Must meet or exceed all peace officer selection requirements pursuant to 11 CCR § 1950.
This position requires rotating shift assignments and is subject to mandatory overtime in accordance with maintaining a fully operational 24-hour facility. Will be required to work weekends, holidays and/or irregular hours.
The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the
Selection Procedure & Application Process
This is a continuous recruitment. To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!
Applications received will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualific
