Police Officer- Lateral & Academy Graduate

Fairfield Police Department Job Opening

Police Officer - Lateral & Academy Graduate Salary: $104,339.25 - $129,241.01 Annually

Location: Fairfield, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00012 Department: POLICE Division: Police Patrol Sworn Opening Date: 02/04/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: FPOA

Job Description

The Fairfield Police Department serves a diverse community and exists to improve the quality of life in Fairfield. The department is committed to working with our community members to solve problems together. Police Officers are expected to perform a wide variety of sworn peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property; to maintain order and preserve peace; to provide assistance to the public; to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; respond to emergency and non-emergency situations; arrest violators of the law; to conduct investigations and perform other related duties.

Benefits

This position is represented by the Fairfield Police Officers' Association (FPOA) and receives an excellent benefits package, including:

• Hiring Incentive - $20,000 (at time of hire)
• $5,000 (after probation completion)
• $5,000 (completion of 2nd yr of service)
• $5,000 (completion of 3rd yr of service)
• Participation in the CalPERS Retirement System
• Class PERS members retain 3% at 50 formula
• Holiday Pay - 5.38% premium for scheduled holidays
• Educational Incentives:
• 2.0% for POST Intermediate Certificate
• 3.5% for POST Advanced Certificate
• 2.5% for Associates Degree
• 5.0% for Bachelors Degree
• Longevity Incentive up to 7.5% (based upon years of service)
• City contribution to 457 deferred compensation plan - $150 per month
• City contribution to Retirement Health Savings Plan - $100 per month
• Uniform Allowance - $1,250/year
• Tuition Reimbursement - $6,000/year
• Night shift differential available for FTO's
• Personally assigned take home vehicle program for employees who live within 6o minutes of Fairfield
• Generous contributions to medical, dental and vision plans
• State of the art indoor range and training facility, including indoor range, force option simulator, defensive tactics room, and classrooms
• Gym available to employees for on-duty use

Working Conditions

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of a sworn Police Officers job; involves extensive public contact often in high stress and emotionally charged situations.
• May be exposed to physical and verbal abuse, or combative suspects, where considerable self-control must be exercised.
• Work may include substantial periods of time exposed to various weather conditions (including extreme heat and rain), irritants and allergens.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends, and a 12-hour rotational shift, subject to callouts.

Physical Demands

• On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk or in patrol vehicle; walk and stand during patrol activities; bend squat and kneel during inspection of crime scene or conducting searches; run, climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
• Continuously wear a utility belt and other police equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently lift, carry, drag, pull, push, persons or objects weighing at least 160 pounds or less.
• Work may require considerable physical exertion and exposure to inclement weather, toxic substances, and hazards associated with driving and/or directing traffic.
• Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, normal color vision and hearing acuity are required.
• Incumbents must meet any other criteria mandated by the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST).

Minimum Qualifications

• Academy Graduate:
• Experience: None required. However, some experience in law enforcement work is preferred.
• Education: An Associates degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, business administration, public administration or related field or 60 semester units from an accredited college or university is required at time of appointment to Police Officer.
• Appointment to Police Officer occurs after graduation from a POST certified police academy.
• Lateral Police Officer:
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) year employment as a full-time paid Peace Officer with a P.O.S.T. approved California law enforcement agency is required.
• Education: An Associates degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, business administration, public administration or related field or 60 semester units from an accredited college or university is required.
• Candidates may be credited with up to 36 semester credits for 3 years of full-time peace officer service with another agency.

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must be lawfully able to possess a firearm.
• Must be free of felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Must be legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Selection Process

• Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination.
• All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.
• Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.
• This position requires a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological assessment, and a medical exam prior to appointment.

How to Apply

• Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date.
• If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGovs Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.
• Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up-to-date.
• If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.

Reference Checks

• The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established.
• Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the "References" section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.
• Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the "References" section to help ensure a timely response.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.
• The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees Retirement System and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.