Police Officer (Lateral) Salary $99,756.84 - $121,284.84 Annually Location Ontario Police Department, CA Job Type Full Time Job Number 041525 PO Lateral Department Police - Sworn Opening Date 08/26/2022 Closing Date Continuous FLSA Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit POA Description Benefits Questions The Position POLICE OFFICER(LATERAL) Lateral Entry: Possession of a valid POST Basic certificate and previous or current sworn peace officer employment with a California law enforcement agency. Please refer to the qualification guidelines below for additional details. This recruitment will result in an eligibility list for the Police Officer classfication to meet the current and future staffing needs of the Police Department. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.Are you interested in making a positive impact to a community? By choosing to work for the City of Ontario, you are committing to an honorable profession in public service in which you can make a positive contribution to the Citys residents, business owners, workers, and visitors. When you come to work each day, you are doing something important and meaningful for the community. Ontario is an economic leader in the Inland Empire, making it an excellent choice for a law enforcement career. We offer the opportunities and resources of a large department with the teamwork of a small one. Police Officers protect life and property through the enforcement of laws/ordinances and the provision of non-criminal services. Police Officers patrol an assigned beat to identify circumstances that indicate a threat to life or property and to take action to mitigate such threats.Special PayThe City of Ontario Police Department provides numerous special pay opportunities as an added benefit to officers. Listed below are pay incentives that eligible officers receive in addition to their base pay:BILINGUAL PAY: EQUAL TO 6% OF BASE PAYEDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY: UP TO 7.5% OF BASE PAYSHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PAY: UP TO 3% OF BASE PAYSPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:MOTORCYCLE PAY: EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAYAIR SUPPORT/HELICOPTER: EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAYAIRPORT OPERATIONS: EQUAL TO 5.12% OF BASE PAYCANINE PAY: EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAYPILOT PAY: EQUAL TO 8% OF BASE PAYFTO PAY: EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAYBackground InvestigationAll appointments to this position are subject to a satisfactory background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department. The background investigation will include the following: passing of a polygraph test and the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including drug screen). Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call the Police Department Background Unit at (909) 408-1820. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the background investigation:Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for a career in law enforcement.The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.You must list a history of your residences.Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.Military service records are subject to verification.The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated. Felony convictions will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.The Ontario Police DepartmentThe mission of the Ontario Police Department is to protect life and property, build and maintain authentic relationships, and enhance the quality of life in our community. TEAMWORK: Fulfilling community partnerships that instill pride, passion and commitment through communication and performance. Learn from the past and embrace the future through empowerment, respect, and cooperation. PROFESSIONALISM: It is not the job we do; it is how we do our job. We are engaging and considerate with our actions, image, and conduct.INTEGRITY: We hold honesty as our guiding principle. When faced with difficult decisions, we do the right thing, even in the face of adversity.ACCOUNTABILITY: We openly identify and address problems and willingly accept responsibility for our own actions.DEDICATION: We are committed to our craft and to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Ontario.The City of Ontario The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.The City's vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario's 2025 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City: State of the CityThe Ontario PlanSmart OntarioDowntown Ontario Examples of Essential Functions Help make a difference to the community by becoming a contributing member of Ontarios progressive Police Department. By choosing to continue your law enforcement career with the Ontario Police Department, you will be rewarded with a dynamic and supportive environment in which to pursue your professional and personal achievements. Why Ontario? Ontarios Police Department is at the forefront of law enforcement, including: a dynamic, proactive approach to law enforcement; community-based policing; SWAT unit; helicopter support; canine program; traffic/motorcycle program; forensics unit; and gang suppression unit. Qualification Guidelines Education Equivalent to a high school diploma or recognized equivalent and the completion of a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Basic Training Academy.Experience Employment as a sworn peace officer as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1(a) and 830.2(a) by a California law enforcement agency within the previous twelve months at time of application; OR Previous employment as a sworn peace officer as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1(a) and 830.2(a) by a California law enforcement agency and possession of a currently valid California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate.Peace Officer Background InvestigationCandidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a Peace Officer Background Investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department.Other Requirements Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment. Weight in proportion to height as determined by examining physician. Uncorrected vision of at least 20/80 each eye, corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses and normal color vision. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Desirable Some college level coursework in criminal justice administration or a related field. Knowledge of modern police practices and methods; current laws and ordinances, particularly those of arrest, search, and seizure, and the geography of the City of Ontario. Supplemental Information Background Check Process All appointments are subject to a satisfactory background investigation, which will include the passing of a polygraph test, and the successful completion of a post-offer psychological and medical exam (including drug screen), and a 12-month probationary period. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call Police Department Background Unit at (909) 408-1820. How to Apply Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your user name and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer. A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.NOTE: Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.Supplemental Questions To complete your application for this position you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application. Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.Email Notices Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the city of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.Frequently Asked Questions If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page. The City of Ontario values the health and wellness of our employees and their families. We understand benefits are an important part of your total compensation and we take pride in offering a comprehensive benefit package. Please check out our excellent benefit packages here www.ontariocityemployees.org.Employees in this classification are represented by the Ontario Police Officers Association (OPOA). For a list of benefits for OPOA employees please click here 2025 OPOA and OPMG Benefit Summary Guide 01 INSTRUCTIONS: The information on your application and the following supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility and to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information or AI-generated responses may result in disqualification from the selection process. Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the job experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. Responses to the supplemental questions that indicate "see resume" are considered incomplete. By checking the Yes response below, I indicate that I have read the job bulletin and these instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire. Additionally, I certify that my application and supplemental answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and I understand that my responses are subject to verification. Yes, I understand the above statement. 02 Do you have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent? Yes No 03 Have you completed a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Basic Training Academy? Yes No 04 Do you possess a valid California POST Basic certificate? If yes, attach your POST Basic Certificate to your application. Yes No 05 Have you been employed as a sworn peace officer (as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1(a) and 830.2(a) by a California law enforcement agency within the previous twelve months? Yes No 06 If no, have you been previously employed as a sworn peace officer (as defined by California Penal Code sections 830.1(a) and 830.2(a) by a California law enforcement agency AND possess a valid California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate? If yes, please attach your POST Basic Certificate to your application. Yes No 07 Pre-Employment Background Questionnaire As an applicant for this position with the City of Ontario, you are required to complete this background questionnaire. This questionnaire supplements your application, which will be treated in the same manner. The information you provide below will not be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are not required nor are you expected to furnish any information in this questionnaire that is of a medical nature. For example, do not report any work absences for illness or workers compensation claims. Do not discuss or report any disabilities you might have. This information is strictly medical in nature, and as this questionnaire is part of the pre-job offer background investigation, is not subject to disclosure during this portion of the background investigation. For the purpose of this questionnaire, illegal drug possession shall be defined as each time the illegal drug was in your personal possession either on/or within the body or in the hands, clothing, vehicle, home, residence, or any other area that you controlled. Please read and answer all of the questions. You are admonished to answer all questions completely and truthfully. If you are dishonest in your answers, fail to fully answer any question, or misstate any material facts, you will be disqualified from further consideration for this position. Remember that your response may be subject to verification by a polygraph examination. I have read and understand the information above. Yes No 08 The purpose of a pre-employment background investigation, for all intents and purposes, is to verify that the application you have submitted and any statements you have made to the City of Ontario concerning your qualifications are true. The California Courts have held that an employer has a legal duty to know the persons whom it employs. In some cases, California law may mandate a background investigation before employment, while in other cases it is merely a case of public policy or prudence before placing someone in a position of public trust. Both State and Federal Courts have also held that there is an absolute necessity for public employees to be truthful. You must understand that a lack of truthfulness or deception of any type on your part will automatically and irrevocably result in your application being rejected from further consideration. For some people, there may be one or more incidents or occurrences in their background which they regret or over which they may feel some embarrassment. A prospective employer will not make inquiries into areas of a persons background which have no legitimate bearing on their qualifications for the job. However, you should understand that the mere presence of so-called "negative" information in your background is not automatically disqualifying. For example, an applicant may have engaged in petty thievery as a child, have used illegal drugs, may have been fired from a job, or even have been convicted of a crime as an adult. While these things, in and of themselves, may not automatically remove that person from consideration for a job, lying about them will. I have read and understand the information above Yes No 09 A pre-employment background investigation is not intended to be an intimidating experience or an unwarranted invasion into your privacy. Your background investigator will contact persons who know you, including present and/or former employers, and will examine official documents and records concerning you to assure that you have been honest in your application in order to fulfill the legal mandates imposed by the Courts and the Legislature. The more forthright you have been, the greater the likelihood that your background investigation can be completed in a timely and successful manner. ADVISEMENT TO APPLICANT I understand that any false statements and/or deliberate misrepresentations, whether by omission or commission, will result in my application being automatically and irrevocably rejected from further consideration. I certify that I have read the above statement, understand its contents, and may print a copy for my records. My typed name below indicates my understanding of the above advisement. 10 INSTRUCTIONS Carefully read and answer each question. If you answer "YES" to any question, you MUST write a complete and thorough explanation as a response to question #31. Reference your answer to the corresponding question number. All written responses must be answered completely, accurately, truthfully, and thoroughly. Provide date, locations, amounts, etc. Vague, ambiguous, misleading, or unanswered responses may be cause for disqualification from further consideration. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), do not list any medical related information or history about yourself on this questionnaire or any attached pages. Those employed with the Ontario Police Department must be able to read, interpret, comprehend, and complete police reports, forms, and other documents accurately and in a timely manner. For this reason, in addition to evaluating your moral character and suitability, we will evaluate your ability to complete this questionnaire accurately. Your ability to write clear statements, which accurately describe an occurrence, will be evaluated. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 395-2442. I have read and understand the information above Yes No 11 Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been arrested, detained, or questioned by any law enforcement agency? Yes No 12 In the past 10 years, have you committed any felony crime that was undetected? Yes No 13 Have you ever committed identity theft, fraud, forgery, or counterfeiting whether or not it was detected? Yes No 14 Have you ever committed (detected or undetected), been accused of, or questioned about child abuse, child neglect, child molestation, or illegal sex acts? Yes No 15 Have you ever had a restraining order issued against you? Yes No 16 Have you ever viewed, purchased, sold, or subscribed to child pornography? (books, magazines, internet, etc.) Yes No 17 Have you ever stolen anything where if you would have been caught you could have been arrested or faced criminal prosecution? Yes No 18 Have you ever stolen any money, goods, or services from a place where you worked? Yes No 19 Have you ever belonged to or associated with a subversive or militant group, criminal street gang, alliance, or organization that advocates racism or hatred toward others because of their way of life, background, culture, or customs? Yes No 20 Have you ever touched, held, or possessed any illegal drug or substance (not including marijuana)? Includes prescription medication that is not prescribed to you. (If so, provide type of substance, dates you possessed, and number of time for each illegal substance.) Yes No 21 Were you discharged from any military branch in any way other than honorable? Yes No 22 Have you ever been fired or resigned in lieu of being terminated from any employment in the past 10 years Yes No 23 In your past 10 years of employment, have you received any disciplinary actions? (Includes suspensions, written reprimands, verbal reprimands, counseling) Yes No 24 Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment? Yes No 25 In the past 5 years, have you been issued a traffic citation? (If so, give date, location, type of violation, issuing agency, and the disposition for each citation.) Yes No 26 In the past 5 years, as a driver, have you been involved in a motor vehicle collision? (If so, give date, location, type of injuries involved, whether or not law enforcement responded, whether or not a report was taken for each collision.) Yes No 27 Have you ever driven off or fled the scene of a traffic collision whether or not it was detected? (hit and run) Yes No 28 Has your drivers license ever been suspended or revoked? Yes No 29 Have you ever been disqualified from employment by any law enforcement agency? (regular or volunteer) Yes No 30 Have you ever been rejected or disqualified by any law enforcement agency for any reason during a hiring process? Yes No 31 Please use the space below to provide a complete and thorough explanation for any questions to which you answered "yes." Required Question Employer City of Ontario Address 200 North Cherry Avenue Ontario, California, 91764 Phone 909.395.2455 909.395.2000 Website http://www.ontarioca.gov