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Lateral Police Officer
City And Job Overview
The City of Garden Grove is currently accepting online applications for the position of:
LATERAL POLICE OFFICER
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Click here to apply online: Join Our Team
THE GARDEN GROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department consists of 182 sworn staff including a chief, a deputy chief, two (2) captains, seven (7) lieutenants, 23 sergeants and 148 police officers, in addition to civilian personnel. After sufficient experience in the department, specialization is available in Patrol, Investigations, Juvenile Services, Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Vice-Narcotic Enforcement, Gang Suppression Unit, Community Impact Unit, or Canine Handler. An outstanding in-service training program provides officers with extensive, continuous instruction in basic and specialized police techniques. Patrol officers work a modified 3/12.5 work schedule.
Essential Duties
Under general supervision, police officers perform law enforcement and crime prevention work within a community policing philosophy; control traffic flow; enforce state and local laws and ordinances; and perform investigative work.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED (General Educational Development) exam.
EXPERIENCE: Must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in a California city, county, state or other public agency.
CERTIFICATIONS: Must possess a valid California POST Basic certificate (or higher) pursuant to PC 13510. (PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF A VALID POST CERTIFICATE TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION).
Lateral Police Officer candidates from outside the State of California may be considered if they have a California POST Basic Course Waiver at the time of application. For more information on the Basic Course Waiver process, please call the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training's Basic Training Bureau at (916) 227-4254.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: Must be in excellent condition and physically capable of performing all tasks required of a police officer; fitness standards must be maintained throughout employment as a police officer.
VISION: Bilateral vision must be at least 20/100, correctable to 20/30, with no evidence of color blindness.
HEARING: Hearing aids are not acceptable; applicants with an average hearing loss of 26 dB or more in the better ear in the 500 to 2000 c.p.s. range, and 46 dB in the 3000 c.p.s. range in the other ear are disqualified (ANSI standard).
WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States under federal law.
DRIVER'S LICENSE & DRIVING RECORD: Applicants must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record prior to and throughout employment. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES & SKILLS: Observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places, and to judge situations and persons accurately; operate an automobile and learn to operate a motorcycle; learn standard broadcasting procedure of a police radio system; follow oral and written instructions; complete accurate reports; communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others, especially the public.
BILINGUAL SKILLS: Applicants possessing the ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean are highly desirable.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be legally authorized to carry a firearm and have no felony convictions.
Other Important Information
How To Apply
Applications may be completed online by visiting www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this recruitment should be sent to ggjobs@ggcity.org. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Online Application Packets Must Include
APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process takes approximately 180 days from initial application to final selection depending on the duration of each step during the selection process. Some of the steps may take longer than anticipated due to availability and scheduling.
Applicants who fail any part of the selection process will not be considered for the position.
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
RE-APPLICATION
Candidates Who Applied For The Lateral Police Officer Position With The City Of Garden Grove In The Past And Did Not Pass The Following Tests In The Selection Process May Re-apply As Indicated
For further questions, please contact Corporal Benjamin Elizondo at bene@ggcity.org or Human Resources Analyst Ashleigh Anderson Camba at ashleighc@ggcity.org.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Follow GGPD On Social Media
Facebook (keyword: Garden Grove Police Department)
Twitter @GardenGrovePD
Instagram gardengrovepd
City of Garden Grove's Excellent Sworn Police Benefits!
Vacation
Accrues at the following rates:
Retirement
Tier I - Police employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, are covered by the "3% at 50" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute twelve percent (12%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 that have already been enrolled in CalPERS or another reciprocal retirement system and do not have a break in service of more than six (6) months may be hired into Tier I. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
Tier II - Police employees hired after January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2.7% at 57" three highest year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half of the normal cost on a tax-deferred basis. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
EDUCATION INCENTIVES - Police Officers are eligible for one of the following:
CAFETERIA PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE : The City provides each eligible employee a fringe benefit allocation to purchase benefits for themselves and their dependents. After employees select health coverage, employees may use any remaining dollars for dental, vision, flexible reimbursement plants (health care or dependent care accounts), deferred compensation plan, or cash. If the employee selects a flexible reimbursement plan, the allocation may be reimbursed throughout the year. If the employee selects the deferred compensation plan or cash, the allocation will be disbursed in mid-December each year.
ADDITIONAL FLEXIBLE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: An employee may deduct money on a pre-tax basis into a medical reimbursement account ($2,500 annual maximum) and/or a child care account ($5,000 annual maximum) in accordance with IRS regulations.
OVERTIME : Most overtime is paid at time and one-half under Federal guidelines. Some overtime is paid at straight time.
01
Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process.
Our sworn positions have a minimum age requirement. By the filing deadline of April 10, 2026 will you be age 21 or over?
Do you possess an education equivalent to graduation from high school or higher? (You may be asked to provide documentation to verify this educational requirement).
Are you currently employed as a sworn peace officer at a POST certified California law enforcement agency?
If not currently employed at a California law enforcement agency, are you employed as a police officer, deputy sheriff or other lateral in another state?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, have you completed the California POST Basic Course Waiver?
Have you graduated from a California POST Basic Academy?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what academy did you attend and when was the date of graduation?
If you answered "No" to the previous question, please write "N/A" in the space provided below.
09
Please check off the highest POST certificate that you currently possess.
Have you ever had your license to be a sworn peace officer suspended or revoked?
Candidates who failed the panel interview with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the panel interview for Lateral Police Officer within the last 12 months?
Candidates who failed the background investigation process (including CVSA exam) with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the background investigation process for Lateral Police Officer with the City of Garden Grove within the last 12 months?
Candidates who failed the psychological examination with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the psychological examination for Lateral Police Officer with the City of Garden Grove within the last 12 months?
The ability to read, write, or speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable, but not necessary to be successful in this position.
Of the following languages, please check all of the languages in which you are fluent. (Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak, or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease)
Check all that apply.
As an adult, have you ever been convicted (or are currently out on bail or out on your own recognizance pending trial) of a felony?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the date(s) and provide relevant details, such as the offense, where the violation occurred, sentence, status, etc.
If you answered "No" to the question above, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
17
As an adult, have you ever been convicted (or are currently out on bail or out on your own recognizance pending trial) of a misdemeanor (including DUI, street racing, driving with a suspended license, etc.) other than a minor traffic violation(s)?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the date(s) and provide relevant details, such as the offense, where the violation occurred, sentence, status, etc.
If you answered "No" to the question above, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
19
Have you attached your POST certificate to your online application?
If you need to go back and attach certain items, please save your application and attach items in the "Attachments" section in the online application.
The City of Garden Grove is currently accepting online applications for the position of:
LATERAL POLICE OFFICER
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Click here to apply online: Join Our Team
THE GARDEN GROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department consists of 182 sworn staff including a chief, a deputy chief, two (2) captains, seven (7) lieutenants, 23 sergeants and 148 police officers, in addition to civilian personnel. After sufficient experience in the department, specialization is available in Patrol, Investigations, Juvenile Services, Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Vice-Narcotic Enforcement, Gang Suppression Unit, Community Impact Unit, or Canine Handler. An outstanding in-service training program provides officers with extensive, continuous instruction in basic and specialized police techniques. Patrol officers work a modified 3/12.5 work schedule.
Essential Duties
Under general supervision, police officers perform law enforcement and crime prevention work within a community policing philosophy; control traffic flow; enforce state and local laws and ordinances; and perform investigative work.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED (General Educational Development) exam.
EXPERIENCE: Must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in a California city, county, state or other public agency.
CERTIFICATIONS: Must possess a valid California POST Basic certificate (or higher) pursuant to PC 13510. (PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF A VALID POST CERTIFICATE TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION).
Lateral Police Officer candidates from outside the State of California may be considered if they have a California POST Basic Course Waiver at the time of application. For more information on the Basic Course Waiver process, please call the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training's Basic Training Bureau at (916) 227-4254.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: Must be in excellent condition and physically capable of performing all tasks required of a police officer; fitness standards must be maintained throughout employment as a police officer.
VISION: Bilateral vision must be at least 20/100, correctable to 20/30, with no evidence of color blindness.
HEARING: Hearing aids are not acceptable; applicants with an average hearing loss of 26 dB or more in the better ear in the 500 to 2000 c.p.s. range, and 46 dB in the 3000 c.p.s. range in the other ear are disqualified (ANSI standard).
WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States under federal law.
DRIVER'S LICENSE & DRIVING RECORD: Applicants must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record prior to and throughout employment. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES & SKILLS: Observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places, and to judge situations and persons accurately; operate an automobile and learn to operate a motorcycle; learn standard broadcasting procedure of a police radio system; follow oral and written instructions; complete accurate reports; communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others, especially the public.
BILINGUAL SKILLS: Applicants possessing the ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean are highly desirable.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be legally authorized to carry a firearm and have no felony convictions.
Other Important Information
How To Apply
Applications may be completed online by visiting www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this recruitment should be sent to ggjobs@ggcity.org. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Online Application Packets Must Include
- A complete and updated online employment application
- A copy of a valid California POST Basic certificate or higher attached to the online application
-
Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices.
SELECTION PROCESS
- APPLICATION SCREENING
- PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
- PANEL INTERVIEW
- THOROUGH BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
- COMPUTER VOICE STRESS ANALYSIS (CVSA) EXAMINATION
- PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
-
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION (which includes a back x-ray, drug and alcohol screening test)
The selection process takes approximately 180 days from initial application to final selection depending on the duration of each step during the selection process. Some of the steps may take longer than anticipated due to availability and scheduling.
Applicants who fail any part of the selection process will not be considered for the position.
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
RE-APPLICATION
Candidates Who Applied For The Lateral Police Officer Position With The City Of Garden Grove In The Past And Did Not Pass The Following Tests In The Selection Process May Re-apply As Indicated
- Physical Agility Test: May apply as often as given.
- Panel Interview: Applicant must wait twelve months to reapply.
- Background Investigation (including CVSA exam): Applicant must wait twelve months to reapply.
-
Psychological Evaluation: Applicant must wait twelve months to reapply.
For further questions, please contact Corporal Benjamin Elizondo at bene@ggcity.org or Human Resources Analyst Ashleigh Anderson Camba at ashleighc@ggcity.org.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Follow GGPD On Social Media
Facebook (keyword: Garden Grove Police Department)
Twitter @GardenGrovePD
Instagram gardengrovepd
City of Garden Grove's Excellent Sworn Police Benefits!
Vacation
Accrues at the following rates:
- 80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
- 120 hours after one (1) year – 10 hours per month
- 144 hours after nine (9) years – 12 hours per month
- 168 hours after fourteen (14) years – 14 hours per month
- 207 hours after nineteen (19) years – 17.25 hours per month
-
246 hours after twenty-four (24) years – 20.5 hours per month
Retirement
Tier I - Police employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, are covered by the "3% at 50" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute twelve percent (12%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 that have already been enrolled in CalPERS or another reciprocal retirement system and do not have a break in service of more than six (6) months may be hired into Tier I. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
Tier II - Police employees hired after January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2.7% at 57" three highest year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half of the normal cost on a tax-deferred basis. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
EDUCATION INCENTIVES - Police Officers are eligible for one of the following:
- 2.5% of base salary for possession of AA/AS degree
- 5% of base salary for BA/BS degree
- 7.5% of base salary for Intermediate POST Certificate
-
10% of base salary for Advanced POST Certificate
- 2.5% of base salary for 15 full years of full-time sworn law enforcement service
- 6.5% of base salary for 20 full years of full-time sworn law enforcement service
-
12.5% of base salary for 25 full years of full-time sworn law enforcement service
CAFETERIA PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE : The City provides each eligible employee a fringe benefit allocation to purchase benefits for themselves and their dependents. After employees select health coverage, employees may use any remaining dollars for dental, vision, flexible reimbursement plants (health care or dependent care accounts), deferred compensation plan, or cash. If the employee selects a flexible reimbursement plan, the allocation may be reimbursed throughout the year. If the employee selects the deferred compensation plan or cash, the allocation will be disbursed in mid-December each year.
ADDITIONAL FLEXIBLE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: An employee may deduct money on a pre-tax basis into a medical reimbursement account ($2,500 annual maximum) and/or a child care account ($5,000 annual maximum) in accordance with IRS regulations.
OVERTIME : Most overtime is paid at time and one-half under Federal guidelines. Some overtime is paid at straight time.
01
Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process.
- Yes - I have read and understood this information
-
No - I have read and understood this information and wish to withdraw my application from this process
Our sworn positions have a minimum age requirement. By the filing deadline of April 10, 2026 will you be age 21 or over?
- Yes
-
No
Do you possess an education equivalent to graduation from high school or higher? (You may be asked to provide documentation to verify this educational requirement).
- Yes
-
No
Are you currently employed as a sworn peace officer at a POST certified California law enforcement agency?
- Yes
-
No
If not currently employed at a California law enforcement agency, are you employed as a police officer, deputy sheriff or other lateral in another state?
- Yes
- No
-
Not applicable - Currently employed at a California law enforcement agency as a lateral
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, have you completed the California POST Basic Course Waiver?
- Yes
- No
- In progress
-
Not applicable - Currently employed at a California law enforcement agency as a lateral
Have you graduated from a California POST Basic Academy?
- Yes
-
No
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what academy did you attend and when was the date of graduation?
If you answered "No" to the previous question, please write "N/A" in the space provided below.
09
Please check off the highest POST certificate that you currently possess.
- POST Basic Certificate
- POST Intermediate Certificate
- POST Advanced Certificate
- POST Supervisory Certificate
- POST Management Certificate
- POST Executive Certificate
-
None of the above
Have you ever had your license to be a sworn peace officer suspended or revoked?
- Yes
-
No
Candidates who failed the panel interview with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the panel interview for Lateral Police Officer within the last 12 months?
- Yes
- No
-
Not applicable - I did not participate in the interview process for this position within the last 12 months
Candidates who failed the background investigation process (including CVSA exam) with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the background investigation process for Lateral Police Officer with the City of Garden Grove within the last 12 months?
- Yes
- No
-
Not applicable - I did not participate in the background process (including CVSA exam) for this position within the last 12 months
Candidates who failed the psychological examination with the City of Garden Grove must wait 12 months to re-apply for the same position. Have you failed the psychological examination for Lateral Police Officer with the City of Garden Grove within the last 12 months?
- Yes
- No
-
Not Applicable - I did not participate in the psychological examination process for this position within the last 12 months
The ability to read, write, or speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable, but not necessary to be successful in this position.
Of the following languages, please check all of the languages in which you are fluent. (Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak, or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease)
Check all that apply.
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Korean
- Other
-
Not applicable
As an adult, have you ever been convicted (or are currently out on bail or out on your own recognizance pending trial) of a felony?
- Yes
-
No
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the date(s) and provide relevant details, such as the offense, where the violation occurred, sentence, status, etc.
If you answered "No" to the question above, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
17
As an adult, have you ever been convicted (or are currently out on bail or out on your own recognizance pending trial) of a misdemeanor (including DUI, street racing, driving with a suspended license, etc.) other than a minor traffic violation(s)?
- Yes
-
No
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the date(s) and provide relevant details, such as the offense, where the violation occurred, sentence, status, etc.
If you answered "No" to the question above, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
19
Have you attached your POST certificate to your online application?
If you need to go back and attach certain items, please save your application and attach items in the "Attachments" section in the online application.
- Yes, I attached a copy of a valid California POST Basic certificate or higher (required)
- No, I haven't attached my certificate
- Required Question
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