Police Cadet

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About the position

The Police Cadet classification at the City of Costa Mesa performs a variety of routine technical and field assignments in support of the Police Department's overall function. This role is designed for individuals who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and are looking to gain experience in law enforcement. The work is performed under supervision, adhering to established procedures and policies, and is subject to review by a supervisor during the process and upon completion. The position is part-time and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community while assisting the Police Department in various capacities. As a Police Cadet, you will be involved in essential functions such as inventorying, impounding, and storing abandoned vehicles, as well as managing property and evidence. You will also enforce parking ordinances and issue citations, assist at the front desk with report taking, computer data entry, fingerprinting, and filing. Additionally, you will help prepare community programs, organize informational materials, and process discovery requests for the District Attorney's office. The role includes maintaining inventory for Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) supplies, transporting police vehicles for maintenance, conducting errands, and providing tours of the Police Facility. You will also be responsible for maintaining equipment in police vehicles and fire protection equipment, along with performing other duties as required. This position is ideal for individuals who are eager to learn about police operations and gain practical experience in a law enforcement environment. Candidates must be at least eighteen years old, have graduated from high school or possess an equivalent qualification, and be currently enrolled in college with a focus on political science, social sciences, or a related field. Public safety or law enforcement agency experience is highly desirable, and candidates must possess a valid California Driver's License. The role requires the ability to meet medical and physical standards prescribed for Police Officers, as well as the capacity to analyze problems, cope with various situations, and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, law enforcement personnel, and the public.

Responsibilities

  • Inventories, impounds and stores abandoned vehicles.
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  • Stores and releases property and evidence.
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  • Enforces parking ordinances and issues parking citations.
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  • Assists at front desk in reception, including report taking, computer data entry, fingerprinting, and filing.
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  • Assists in preparation of community programs.
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  • Organizes and distributes informational pamphlets and handouts.
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  • Processes discovery requests for the District Attorney's office.
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  • Stocks and maintains inventory for CSI supplies.
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  • Transports Police Department vehicles for general maintenance.
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  • Conducts errands and makes deliveries to various off-site locations in a City vehicle.
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  • Conducts tours of Police Facility.
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  • Maintains equipment carried in Police Department vehicles.
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  • Maintains Fire protection equipment.
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  • Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by date of application.
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  • Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
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  • Current enrollment in an accredited college or university with six or more units of study, preferably in political science, social sciences, or a related field is highly desirable.
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  • Public safety/law enforcement agency experience is highly desirable.
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  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience in public safety or law enforcement agency is highly desirable.

Benefits

  • Part-time employment with flexible hours.
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  • Opportunity to gain experience in law enforcement and community engagement.
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