The Personnel Section, headed by a Sergeant, has responsibility for recruiting
and screening applicants for all job classifications within the department. The
section coordinates oral interviews and in some cases testing. Successful
candidates then begin the lengthy background process, conducted by investigators
within this section. These investigations are designed to assure hiring of only
those persons who meet the rigid departmental and P.O.S.T. requirements.
Recruitment is a major activity for the Personnel Section. There are many law
enforcement agencies in Southern California, all competing for the same talent.
The department is promoted at job fairs. Recruiting materials are constantly
under review.
The department has been successful not only in attracting applicants to send
through the police academies, but also in hiring lateral transfers from other
agencies. These experienced officers require only an orientation to the city and
the department and not basic training in police work.
The section is also responsible for coordinating the selection process for
promotions and specialized assignments within the department. The process
usually includes an application and interview process. For the ranks of
Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, there is a formal testing procedure.
This section maintains personnel files for all employees and oversees the annual
evaluation process and the random drug testing of all sworn personnel. Police
department employees represent over one-third of all full-time city employees.
In addition to all of the above, the Personnel Section is responsible for
monitoring compliance with Affirmative Action policies. The department and the
city are committed to providing employment opportunity for all qualified
applicants.
