Police Officer - Lateral (2025)

PLEASE NOTE: Do not apply to this position if you are not a current or previous Law Enforcement Officer. This is not a Police Recruit position.

For an inside look at the Carlsbad Police Department Click Here

If you are an out of state lateral, you must obtain a POST waiver prior to your hire date.
Please follow the link below for more information or to apply for a POST waiver: https://post.ca.gov/basic-course-waiver-process

Out of state and Northern California applicants are eligible to interview virtually, which is the first step in the recruitment process (contingent on qualifications/experience).

Under general supervision, this position will perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; and do related work as assigned.

The City of Carlsbad embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and recognizes the vital relationship of a culturally diverse, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. A diverse, equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection Process:

• Oral Panel Appraisal Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem solving ability and communication skills. Those candidates who are categorized as "Highly Qualified" will continue in the selection process.
• Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
• Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
• Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a required lie detection polygraph screening.
• Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
• Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.
• Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration.

• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the city.