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Police Service Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POLICE SERGEANT

Shafter, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $133K/yr

... assist in selection and promotion. Conduct shift briefings and roll call briefings; ensure field ... Identify opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provide recommendations ...

Police Officer

San Ramon, CA ยท On-site

$139K - $169K/yr

May be assigned to assist in conducting special studies of crime prevention, traffic control, or other Police Services issues. * Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge ...

Police Chief

Brawley, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department ... Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances. * Attend regional and state police ...

Police Chief

Brawley, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department ... Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances. Attend regional and state police ...

... service. Incumbents are hired from entry-level eligible lists and sent to a basic police academy ... Police Officer Trainees may be assigned to assist investigators in the handling of criminal cases.

Police Officer - Lateral

Campbell, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $160K/yr

Police Department - Sworn Opening Date: 10/15/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Description LOOKING FOR ... Services and maintains departmental equipment; * May relieve or assist Records or Communications ...

Services and maintains departmental equipment; May relieve or assist Records or Communications ... Communicate utilizing standard police radio broadcasting procedures; Follow oral and written ...

Police Officer Trainee

Campbell, CA ยท On-site

$118K/yr

Services and maintains departmental equipment; and May relieve or assist Records or Communications ... Prepare accurate police reports. Possession of: Valid California Driver's License and a ...

Police Officer Trainee

Campbell, CA ยท On-site

$118K/yr

Police Department - Sworn Opening Date: 05/12/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description Application ... Services and maintains departmental equipment; and * May relieve or assist Records or ...

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Police Service Assistant information

What is the difference between Police Service Assistant vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Service AssistantPolice Officer
Required credentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; police academy training and certification
Work environmentClerical, administrative, and support roles within police departmentsPatrol, investigation, and enforcement duties in various settings
Employer and industry usagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding support roles in policingEnforcement and active duty roles in law enforcement

The main difference between a Police Service Assistant and a Police Officer lies in their responsibilities and required training. Police Service Assistants typically handle administrative and support tasks within police departments, requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, Police Officers perform active law enforcement duties, including patrol and investigations, requiring police academy training and certification. Both roles are essential to law enforcement operations but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

How to become a police service assistant?

To become a police service assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete relevant training or orientation provided by the police department. Some positions may require good communication skills, basic computer knowledge, and the ability to work in a team environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police service assistant?

To thrive as a Police Service Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, records management systems, and office software is commonly required. Excellent customer service, discretion, and effective communication are soft skills that help build trust and support both officers and the public. These abilities are essential for ensuring accurate recordkeeping, efficient operations, and professional interactions in a law enforcement environment.

What are common challenges faced by police service assistants in their daily work?

Police Service Assistants often manage a variety of administrative and operational tasks that can be fast-paced and demanding. They must handle confidential information with discretion, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and communicate effectively with both sworn officers and the public. Balancing accuracy in paperwork with responsiveness to urgent requests is a frequent challenge. Adaptability and strong organizational skills help ensure smooth operations within the police department.

What is a police service assistant?

Police Service Assistants are civilian employees who support police officers by handling administrative, clerical, and logistical tasks within a police department. Their responsibilities may include processing reports, managing records, assisting the public at front desks, and conducting data entry. They do not have law enforcement powers, but they play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of police services by allowing sworn officers to focus on their primary duties. Police Service Assistants often interact with the community and support various police functions behind the scenes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Service jobs in California? The most popular types of Police Service jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Police Service Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Police Service Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Police Service Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Police Services Technician

City of Arroyo Grande, CA

Arroyo Grande, CA โ€ข On-site

$66K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $66,799.94 - $81,195.73 Annually
Location : 200 N. Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 2026-PD-002
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, the Police Community Service and Evidence Technician are responsible for relieving sworn police officers from various non-hazardous tasks and responding to service calls of a non-felonious and non-violent nature, assisting with crime scene processing and records management, courier duties, and traffic-related duties. The job entails frequent contact with the public and other law enforcement agencies, requiring responses to various procedural questions, seeking information, testifying in court proceedings, and maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information. The Police Service and Evidence Technician is also responsible for preparing and maintaining clear, concise, and comprehensive criminal and non-criminal reports and performing code enforcement duties, conducting vehicle abatement and parking enforcement, and/or performing a variety of property and evidence duties, including receiving, securing, safeguarding, preserving, and disposing of property and evidence items in the Police Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives general supervision from the Administrative Sergeant.
Essential Function Statements
Essentialand other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Essential Functions:
  • Receives, logs, stores, and maintains property and evidence in accordance with Department procedures; transports evidence for forensic examination; maintains evidence rooms in an organized condition.
  • Verifies inventories of evidence and property received and/or confiscated by the Police Department.
  • Review evidence and analysis forms for errors and omissions and assist with corrections.
  • Determines purge dates for property and evidence; releases or disposes of property and evidence in accordance with applicable laws and court orders; prepares and sends letters to property owners for the claim; releases property to the rightful owner; prepares surplus and unclaimed property for disposal or auction.
  • Prepares property and evidence for court trials; releases property to authorized persons; tracks chain of custody of evidence items; testifies in court regarding evidence chain of custody.
  • Assists in determining evidence analysis requirements; provides training in proper evidence and packaging procedures.
  • Reviews and files photographic evidence.
  • Respond to outside agency requests for evidence, status, and chain of custody.
  • Prepares a variety of property and evidence reports.
  • Assists in other police service support work.
  • Establishes and maintains inventory systems.
  • Performs related duties as required.
  • Take crime reports from the public when there is no suspect information and when officers are not available.
  • Patrol assigned routes to enforce parking and related traffic ordinances; mark vehicles in timed parking areas; issue citations; write warnings and amendments to previously issued citations.
  • Provide customer assistance at the front counter and on the telephone with duties including but not limited to completing reports as appropriate, collecting fees, and responding to inquiries and requests for information with appropriate information.
  • Complete specifically delineated types of reports in the field and office
  • Provide general administrative and clerical and receptionist assistance as necessary and directed; distribute internal mail and legal documents; transport reports, documents, and evidence as directed between public agencies; perform miscellaneous errands as necessary and directed.
  • Perform Live Scan electronic fingerprinting as scheduled and directed.
  • Processing, booking, storing, tracking/cataloging, and transporting property and evidence as directed.
  • Assist with the transportation of police vehicles and ensure they have appropriate and necessary equipment as directed.
  • Assist with traffic and pedestrian control at special events.
  • As appropriate and directed, assist with special enforcement events, such as DUI checkpoints and deployment of radar trailers.
  • Forward information regarding unpaid parking violation citations to the appropriate department to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles and/or a designated parking violation citation administration contract vendor.
  • Participate in training exercises and classes as directed.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by the Police Chief, Police Commander, and/or Police Sergeant to meet the needs of the Police Department and the community.
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities in compliance with appropriate federal, state, county, and City laws and ordinances and City personnel rules without bias, favoritism, or prejudice.
  • Responsible for self-compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Accept responsibility and exercise reasonably appropriate discretion in matters not specifically defined or described in the Police Department regulations, policies, procedures, and job description.
  • Consistently demonstrate exemplary courtesy, initiative, diligence, truthfulness, attention to duty, and observance of proper personal discipline in accordance with Police Department standards.
  • Attends community meetings and presents crime prevention information to public and city council.
  • Patrols restricted and/or time-zoned parking areas and issues citations; processes parking-related warrants and letters; issues citations for abandoned vehicle abatement, which includes warning notices, citations, and removal of vehicles from the roadway for City of Arroyo Grande Municipal Code and California Vehicle Code violations; etc.
  • Respond to reported crimes to complete reports and address citizen complaints; interview witnesses and/or victims; collect evidence; compile lists of stolen property; photograph and process evidence, etc.
  • Impounds and provides for the storage of vehicles.
  • Respond to questions and complaints from the public or refer to the supervisor, as necessary.
  • Reports traffic accidents and criminal activities or related occurrences to appropriate Police units.
  • Assists in controlling traffic at accident scenes or other emergency situations as needed.
  • Assists officers and non-sworn staff as needed, including assisting with street closures, checkpoints, and other special events.
  • Provides information to tourists and citizens, such as tourist attractions, maps, and directions.
  • Assists with crime scene processing and evidence collection, such as photographs, fingerprint processing, and other evidence collection as needed.
  • Respond to miscellaneous city ordinance violations, such as barking dogs, dogs off leash, construction noise, etc.
  • Pilot and operate Department UAV's as directed
  • Performs other duties as assigned and needed.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:
  • Basic law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to various services and programs.
  • Principles and practices of effective project/program management.
  • Principles, practices, and methods used in the enforcement of a variety of codes.
  • Pertinent codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations pertaining to zoning, nuisance abatement, health and safety, and related areas.
  • Procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations, including methods and techniques of conducting and documenting field investigations.
  • Methods, procedures, principles, practices, and terminology used in property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and release.
  • Court procedures regarding the handling and storage of evidence.
  • Legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence.
  • Firearms and firearms safety.
  • Safety precautions related to assigned duties and responsibilities.
  • Effective public contact methods.
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications.
  • Prepare business reports and communicate effectively, including using appropriate English grammar, spelling, and basic arithmetic.
  • Telephone techniques.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
  • Effective public contact methods.

Ability to:
  • Perform a variety of law enforcement work that is reasonably likely to be non-hazardous in nature.
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Work independently in the absence of direct and immediate supervision, handling a variety of tasks simultaneously and incorporating effective time management skills.
  • Interact effectively and courteously with the public.
  • Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Operate a motor vehicle in a reasonably safe manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, writing, and operating assigned equipment.
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
A combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Training:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, e.g., a high school diploma or a GED. Supplemental college-level coursework in criminal justice or a job-related field is highly desirable. One year of technical support or experience related to the work assigned and experience working in a public agency setting is desirable.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain a valid California driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain valid CPR and 1st Aid certificates. Must possess and maintain a P.O.S.T. approved Penal Code 832 certification as well as a CPR and First Aid within twelve months of appointment. A California Association of Code Enforcement (CACE) or Southern California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (SCACEO) certification as a Code Enforcement Officer is desirable. Obtain FAA licensure as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The one-year time frame for certification may be extended at the discretion of the Executive Manager.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office/field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens, noise, dust, inclement weather conditions; work in emergency situations; irregular work hours. Work is performed indoors and outdoors; extreme hot and cold; moving machinery; dust/ fumes/ smoke/ gases etc.; excessive noise; solvents, grease, oil; using a computer and other office equipment; working along; working around or with others.
Physical Conditions:
The work requires a combination of the following physical requirements depending upon a given task, on a given day: up to 3 hours of sitting, bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, climbing, balancing, twisting, turning, firm grasping, reaching forward or overhead, pinching, hand-eye coordination, driving, vision accuracy (far), depth perception, face-to-face talking, verbal contact; up to 3 hours of lifting and carrying less than 50 lbs., pushing/pulling less than 10 lbs.; 3 to 6 hours of standing, walking, finger dexterity, light grasping, field of vision, accommodation; 3 to 8 hours of vision accuracy (near), and color vision; up to 6 hours of talking on the telephone.
Mental Requirements:
The work requires a combination of the following mental requirements depending upon a given task on a given day: abstract variables; interpreting, taking, comprehending, and following instructions; detailed, uninvolved instructions; one or two-step instructions; simple to complex- reading and writing skills; simple math skills; spatial; clerical; forming, analyzing, perform simple, repetitive tasks to varied, complex tasks; responsibility for direction; maintain workspace.
01
Have you reviewed the Job Bulletin Minimum Qualifications for this position?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your highest level of education?
  • Some high school
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some college
  • AA Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

03
I have read and understood the contents of the AGPD Policy 1042 (Personal Appearance Standards) and if appointed, I agree to comply with the standards as presented. http://www.arroyogrande.org/documentcenter/view/7635
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you ever worked for a law enforcement agency?
  • Yes
  • No

05
If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe your duties.
06
Have you applied for a position at the City of Arroyo Grande in the past?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question