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Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650/903-6344
Directions & Map
Hours
General Business:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
Walk-in Crime Reports:
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (7 days)
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| Support Staff Openings
For support staff opportunities, visit city jobs.
See also: Volunteer Opportunities.
Officer Continuous Recruitments
Police Officer: Lateral & Academy Graduates (open until filled)
Police Officer: Entry-level (open until filled)
$77,189 to $93,734 Annually (includes employee's 9% PERS/retirement contribution)
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Qualified candidates will be notified of scheduled testing dates. (Usually, we test entry-level candidates in August, and lateral and academy graduates as openings occur.) Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the process can take 6-18 months.
The City of Mountain View is seeking highly motivated men and women for the position of police officer. An officer's primary responsibility is to promote community order and protect life and property through the preservation of the public peace, prevention of crime and enforcement of the laws. His/her duties may include patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls, making arrests, investigating crimes and accidents, and enforcing vehicle codes and traffic laws.
The police department is committed to the philosophy of community policing. Our officers and their approach to police work reflect this commitment.
Conditions
This position requires working outdoors in situations that may be hazardous and life-threatening. Police officers will be required to work various shifts, overtime and on-call as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications for All Candidates - Valid California driver's license.
- Vision and hearing capability consistent with guidelines by POST and/or the City of Mountain View.
- Knowledge of computer keyboard and typing skills.
- U.S. citizen, or permanent resident alien in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Additional Qualifications for Entry-Level Candidates - Completion of 40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college. Units must be completed by time of application.
Additional Qualifications for Academy Graduates - Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college. Units must be completed by time application.
- Completion of a POST-approved academy prior to the date of hire.
Additional Qualifications for Lateral Candidates - Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college. Units must be completed by time of application.
- Employment as a California law enforcement officer in good standing within the last three years.
- POST Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Certificate.
State of California POST Programs & Information
To Apply
Applicants must complete a City of Mountain View application.
In addition, academy graduate applicants must also attach a copy of their POST academy certificate or verification of current enrollment in a POST-certified academy. All application materials must be submitted to:
Employee Services Department
City of Mountain View
500 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA, 94041
650/903-6310 • Email
Selection Process for Entry-level Candidates
Those with the most relevant qualifications will need to submit proof of passing a POST Police Officer written exam, administered by the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (SBRPSTC) located at Evergreen Valley Community College in San Jose. SBRPSTC will issue certificates of your skill level that must be submitted to the Employee Services Department.
Candidates successfully passing the POST written exam and submitting appropriate certificates from SBRPSTC, will be invited to an oral board interview (weighted 100 percent). An administrative oral interview may also be required. Candidates passing the oral interview will be placed on an eligibility list.
Candidates on the eligibility list must successfully pass a medical exam, psychological screening and extensive background investigation, including polygraph, prior to employment.
Selection Process for Lateral & Academy Graduates
Those candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to an administrative oral interview (weighted 100 percent). Candidates passing the oral interview will be placed on an eligibility list, after which they must successfully pass a medical examination, psychological screening and an extensive background investigation (including polygraph) prior to employment.
About the City
The City of Mountain View is a progressive public entity focusing on creativity and innovation. A highly productive team approach to planning and problem solving has paved the way for major development and redevelopment activities. With a total budget of approximately $142 million, the city is a true full-service city.
Mountain View is situated in the heart of scenic Santa Clara Valley, with over 75,000 residents enjoying the area's pleasant climate. The location offers easy access into San Francisco heading north and Monterey/Carmel heading southwest. Stanford University, five junior colleges and 17 public schools are all within a 12-mile radius. Outdoor sports and recreational activities abound!
Equal Opportunity Notice
Candidates with a disability that may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Employee Services Department when submitting application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. | | All City Jobs
MVPD & the City of Mountain View are equal opportunity employers.
Specialty Assignments for Police Officers
Patrol
Traffic
Detective
Field Evidence Team
Field Training Officer
Motorcycle Patrol
Bicycle Patrol
K9 Officer
Crime Suppression
Recruitment Officer
School Resource Officer
Gang Officer
Range master
Armorer
Defensive Tactics Instructor
Driving Instructor
SWAT
Hostage Negotiations
Auto Theft Task Force
High-tech Crimes Task Force
Officer Promotional Opportunities
Agent
Sergeant
Lieutenant
Captain
Chief
Qualities for a Good Police Officer
Honesty
Integrity
Assertiveness
Communication skills
Physical fitness
Patience
Stress resilience
Teamwork
Quick reflexes
Good decision making
Independence
Professionalism
Accepting of Diversity
Officer Application Process - Contact SBRPSTC to take written test. Obtain certificate of passing score.
- Prepare application.
- If attending/attended academy, attach proof of registration or POST certificate.
- Mail or deliver application and certificates to Employee Services.
- If accepted, receive invitation to oral board.
- Oral board.
- If pass oral board, put on eligibility list.
- Chief's interview.
- If pass Chief's interview, begin background investigation.
- Medical and psychological exams.
- Polygraph exam.
- If hired, receive offer letter.
The process takes 6-18 months.
Officer Training
California POST
South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium
Community-Oriented Policing
Community Policing Consortium
Policing.com
Employee Services Department
City of Mountain View
500 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA, 94041
Email
650/903-6310
MVPD Recruiting Officer
Sgt. Tim Boen
650/903-6339
(For all police recruitments, not just officer.)
More Police Contacts | | | | |
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Can I become a police officer if I have used illegal drugs in the past?
Each candidate's background is thoroughly checked and illegal drug use will be reviewed independently. The type of substance, frequency and last time of usage will determine if a candidate will continue in the process.
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Do I have to be a college graduate to apply for a police officer position?
No. However, you must have completed 40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college for an entry level applicant. Units must be completed by time of application.
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How long does the police officer hiring process take?
The entire hiring process for a police officer usually takes 6-18 months from start (application submitted to city of Mountain View) to finish (hire date).
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What can an entry-level police officer candidate do to improve the chances of success?
Learn about police work, the police department and the city. Learn about conflict resolution and teamwork. Take classes in criminal justice. Improve your verbal and written communication skills. Get relevant experience, such as internships or volunteer positions.
To enhance your performance at the police academy, you may also wish to develop your physical fitness (especially running and calisthenics), learn to shoot a handgun, and study a martial art or fighting system.
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What is the testing process to become a police officer?
Candidates must pass a written exam. Successful candidates will be invited to an oral board interview (weighed 100 percent). After the oral board, candidates may be asked to complete a background check, polygraph test, psychological exam, medical exam and drug screening.
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What should I do to prepare for the police officer candidate's oral board?
Think about how your experiences have prepared you to become a police officer. Practice interviewing.
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What's on the police officer candidate written exam?
The POST written exam is a test of vocabulary, spelling, grammar and reading comprehension. There is also a short essay. For more information, review the practice test.
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When can I become a detective or a SWAT member?
When an officer completes probation (18 months of duty), he or she will have the opportunity to test for specialty and collateral assignments. Preference may be given to officers with more experience.
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