CITY OF HAWTHORNE
Human Resources EMPLOYMENT
4455 W. 126th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250 OPPORTUNITY
(310) 349-2950

www.cityofhawthorne.org
An Equal Opportunity Employer

POLICE OFFICER – LATERAL
(FULL-TIME/CLASSIFIED)

AN OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT

DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT

SALARY: $6,331 - $7,931 per month

FILING DATE: Open: Monday, April 10, 2023
Closes: Open Continuous

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION:
https://hawthorneca.formstack.com/forms/city_of_hawthorne_application_for_employment

This recruitment may be extended if a sufficient number of qualified applicants for selection testing is not received.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The City of Hawthorne offers a competitive benefit package that includes: City paid medical and dental insurance
and basic life insurance coverage of $50,000, City paid leave, enrollment in the California Public Employees’
Retirement System (CalPERS), education achievement and physical fitness incentive programs, tuition
reimbursement; Flexible Spending Account, Deferred Compensation, and other optional benefit plans.

LATERAL ENTRY

A lateral entry Police Officer shall be defined as an employee hired by the City as a sworn Police Officer who has
successfully completed a probationary period with another law enforcement agency in the position of sworn law
enforcement officer and possesses a valid California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Course
Certificate or has completed the Basic Course waiver process.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Hawthorne Police Department is a very active, full service agency located in the southwest area of Los
Angeles County. The men and women who work for the Hawthorne Police Department can expect to be
exposed to any number of special assignments and receive specialized training in a variety of areas. The
Hawthorne Police Department participates in long and short-term multi- jurisdictional task force operations and
enjoys a reputation as a hardworking department with strong ties to neighboring and allied agencies. This
position requires the ability to work shift work, evening hours, holidays and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

• Candidates must have, within the past (3) three years, completed a California P.O.S.T. accredited

Academy, approved by the City of Hawthorne, and MUST ATTACH a copy of current academy certificate
or diploma to the employment application.

• In lieu of providing a certificate or diploma, candidates currently attending an accredited academy

approved by the City can apply and show proof of their enrollment.

• High school graduation or possession of a G.E.D. College level course work highly desired.
• Minimum age 21.
• Hearing must meet the normal and uncorrected range.
• Vision must meet minimum 20/80 uncorrected; corrected to 20/30; free from tunnel vision or color

another. The probationary period must be completed in its entirety at the same agency. If an officer
terminates employment with one agency before his or her year is up, then he or she must start a new
probationary period at the new agency.

Licenses, Certificate and/or Special Requirements

• A valid California class “C” driver’s license, safe driving record, and proof of insurance are required at the

time of appointment.

• Must successfully complete a background investigation and polygraph examination.
  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Work is performed both in and outdoors with exposure to seasonal climate and weather conditions.

Exposure to slippery surfaces, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered.

• An incumbent must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio.
• Requires normal and uncorrected hearing; minimum 20/80 uncorrected vision or corrected to 10/30 to,

manipulate certain work tools or equipment, operate patrol vehicle control switches for lights, sirens, or
radio, computer keyboard, and to manually check weapons or perform safety checks to maintain
operational condition

• Foot manipulation to operate accelerator or brake pedals of a police vehicle with the right or left foot or to

use the foot as an aide to control suspect’s foot while patting down a suspect.

• The ability to feel for patting down a suspect’s body to determine level of warmth to test or confirm

evidence of fire or feel body for warmth or pulse.

• Physical abilities of the position may expose an incumbent to blood, bodily fluids, or communicable

diseases.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

A complete City application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) are required to be considered for any
open position and must be filled out completely, showing clearly that the minimum qualifications are met.
Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education & training in relation to the
requirements of the position, however resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment
application. Incomplete applications will be rejected from consideration.

The City’s employment application is located at www.cityofhawthorne.org. Please complete all the required
information as provided on the form. Do not alter the application.

City Hall business hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed every other
Friday. On the alternate Friday, City Hall hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please contact the Human
Resources Department at (310) 349-2950 with any questions regarding this recruitment.
Note: Communications from the Hawthorne Human Resources Office regarding this recruitment will be via
email. Please periodically check spam or junk mail folders.

All employment application materials received by the final filing deadline will be reviewed to determine the level
and scope of applicant qualifications for the position. All information provided by an applicant is subject to
verification.

TESTING & SELECTION PROCESS

Exam will consist of a 100% weighted interview; a PASS/FAIL physical agility performance test may be required
at the discretion of the City of Hawthorne; a comprehensive background investigation (includes polygraph); a
psychological evaluation; and a comprehensive medical examination (includes drug screening). Examinations
will be conducted as sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Candidates will be notified by mail
or by telephone as to test dates, times, and locations.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must
inform the Human Resources Office at (310) 349-2950 at least 72 hours in advance of the need for
accommodation.

Applicants completing selection testing with acceptable results will qualify to have their name placed on an
Eligibility List. The Eligibility List will be considered by the hiring authority to fill current and future vacancies for
the position.

V ET ERANS’ PREFERENCE CREDIT

The City of Hawthorne provides Veterans’ Preference Credit to qualified candidates who are successful in the
examination process. To be eligible for this preference, a legible copy of DD214 upon application filing with the
Hawthorne Human Resources Department is required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

City employee may be eligible to participate in a benefit program including holidays, vacations, savings and
retirement plans, health programs, other benefits listed in the Hawthorne Police Officers Association (HPOA)
Memorandum of Understanding. Benefits may change due to employer-employee negotiations. Eligible City
employees will participate in a defined benefit retirement plan administered by California Public Employees’
Retirement System (CalPers). For additional details, refer to the City’s website: www.cityofhawthorne.org under
MOUs & Salary Schedules.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The City of Hawthorne is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to
providing all individuals equal opportunity in employment regardless of age, sex, race, national origin, religion,
color, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or service as a
military veteran. Women, minorities and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE CITY

Proudly Serving the Community for over 80 Years!

Incorporated in 1922, the City of Hawthorne currently has a population of nearly 87,000 within a six square mile
area. Ideally located near the Los Angeles International Airport, connected by rail to the Port of Los Angeles and
downtown Los Angeles, and surrounded by the San Diego (I-405), Harbor (I-110), and Glenn M. Anderson (I-
105) Freeways, the City of Hawthorne could easily be termed the "Hub of the South Bay." By virtue of its location,
Hawthorne affords easy, quick access to all that Southern California offers; culture, sports, entertainment,
mountains, and beaches. Temperatures in the area are always among the most pleasant in the Los Angeles
basin. The City of Hawthorne possesses a shared vision towards the future to create a great city and build an
economy, which supports the community's desire for a high quality of life.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT OR
GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT. ANY OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR

REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.