City of Santa Cruz
Police Sergeant (Promotional Opportunity)
City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061
Overview
This promotional recruitment for Police Sergeant in the Police Department is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees only. The eligibility list established from this promotional recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Recruitment #26-PD-03 APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On Thursday, 12/18/25 recruitment closes. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application
- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions
- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. All required documentation must be submitted with your application. Week of 12/22/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for the position and applicants notified of their status by 12/23/2025. Qualified candidates who have successfully passed the application process will be invited to participate in testing as below. 01/13/2026 - Written Exam: Qualified candidates will participate in a proctored written exam located at a Santa Cruz facility on the morning of Tuesday, 01/13/2026. Qualified candidates will receive an invitation with the test time and location. Please save the date for 01/13/2026 as there will be no alternative test date. Suggested study material for the written exam:
California Legal Sourcebook Santa Cruz PD Policy #300, #306, #308, #315, #320, #321, #429, #1000, #1002.
Candidates are responsible for locating their own study materials from the department. Week of 01/19/26: Candidates will be notified of their results of the written exam by the end of this week. Candidates who receive passing scores of 70% or higher on the written exam will be invited to a panel interview scheduled tentatively for two weeks after the written exam. Candidates with scores of 69% or lower will fail the written exam and will not move forward. Week of 01/26 or 02/02/26 - Panel Interview: A panel interview with external subject matter experts will be held tentatively the week of 01/26 or 02/02/26. When the interview date is established, notifications will go out so candidates can save the date. Qualifying candidates will be notified of the date, time, and location of their panel interview appointment at least one week prior to the panel interview. Candidates with passing scores of over 70% or higher at the panel interview will be placed on the eligibility list. Candidates with failing scores of 69% or lower will not be placed on the eligibility list. Chief's interview : Top candidates will proceed to Chief's interview, which will occur approximately two weeks following the panel interview. Certification of candidates to the Chief of Police for interview will be in accordance with Section 22.00 of the Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding. Basic Function
Under general supervision, supervises patrol officers, investigates crimes, and/or supervises administrative support staff; makes critical decisions concerning police activities, investigates criminal offenses, and maintains law and order; trains staff with regard to new developments, regulations, and techniques, and enforces agency policies and regulations. Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from the next lower-level classification of Police Officer in that the latter is the entry and journey level within the City’s sworn police service. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Lieutenant in that the latter classification manages police personnel and activities in a division, section, or unit and performs other management assignments, and various administrative duties as assigned. Note: May include, but are not limited to those duties listed below: Supervises, trains and evaluates employees as assigned; ensures department policies, procedures and protocols are followed or carried out by reporting staff. Assigns patrol beats and prepares pre-shift briefings to inform police officers of current criminal activities and changes in Department procedures, Department policies and State laws. Conducts follow-up investigation of crimes against property or persons by interviewing victims, witnesses, and responsible parties; and collecting, preserving and presenting physical evidence in court. Preserves the peace; protects life and property; prevents and detects crimes; enforces laws and ordinances; and maintains a public service approach towards the community. Provides backup and assistance to Patrol and Traffic units on calls. Reviews and approves arrests. Reviews reports from officers in the field. Prepares reports, including investigation reports, traffic activity reports, official crime and accident reports, staff reports and statistics on Department activity. Develops and implements training programs. Plans and coordinates traffic enforcement and crowd control for parades, funerals, holidays and special events. Conducts or initiates investigations of alleged misconduct or use of force by departmental personnel. Performs technical research and planning, writes and administers grant programs, provides input to budget control, and performs EEOP duties for the Department. Represents Department at various advisory committees and/or community meetings. Compiles and analyzes statistical data for use in accident prevention programs, traffic law enforcement and traffic engineering studies. May participate in the investigation of adult and juvenile crime and follow-up. Investigates hit and run accidents. Performs related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification. Working Conditions
Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; lift and drag 100 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; vision of 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with adequate depth perception and color vision; if soft contacts are worn, there is no limit on uncorrected distance visual acuity; hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person, over the telephone, and over the radio; carry and operate a firearm; work in intense life-threatening conditions; drive standard police vehicles. Also works in a standard office environment or field environment; exposure to noise, outdoors, inclement weather, animals, chemicals, fumes, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, traffic, traffic hazards, moving objects; dangerous persons, animals, firearms, and bodily fluids. Expected to travel safely to various sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; work protracted and irregular hours, and available for evening meetings, shift work, on-call, and for stand-by duties; handles public information emergency situations. The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: Education and Experience
Associate's degree or 60 college units in police science or field related to law enforcement; and Three (3) years full-time experience as a sworn peace officer. Knowledge
Law enforcement codes and departmental policies, procedures and practices. Investigatory techniques including interviewing and interrogation. Current principles, practices and techniques of law enforcement and crime prevention; including patrol, traffic, investigation, juvenile delinquency, support services and other specialized police operations. Federal and state laws pertaining to the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of persons. Abilities
Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of others. Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and make sound recommendations. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Communicate orally to present technical and sensitive information to individuals and groups. Write and obtain clear and comprehensive reports on administrative and technical issues. Establish and maintain a high level of discipline and morale. Plan, organize and conduct comprehensive training programs. Interpret, apply and explain technical laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Exercise sound judgement in emergency situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public officials, other agencies and the general public. Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community. Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license. Police Chief Deputy Police Chief Police Lieutenant Police Sergeant Police Officer
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This promotional recruitment for Police Sergeant in the Police Department is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees only. The eligibility list established from this promotional recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Recruitment #26-PD-03 APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On Thursday, 12/18/25 recruitment closes. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application
- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions
- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. All required documentation must be submitted with your application. Week of 12/22/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for the position and applicants notified of their status by 12/23/2025. Qualified candidates who have successfully passed the application process will be invited to participate in testing as below. 01/13/2026 - Written Exam: Qualified candidates will participate in a proctored written exam located at a Santa Cruz facility on the morning of Tuesday, 01/13/2026. Qualified candidates will receive an invitation with the test time and location. Please save the date for 01/13/2026 as there will be no alternative test date. Suggested study material for the written exam:
California Legal Sourcebook Santa Cruz PD Policy #300, #306, #308, #315, #320, #321, #429, #1000, #1002.
Candidates are responsible for locating their own study materials from the department. Week of 01/19/26: Candidates will be notified of their results of the written exam by the end of this week. Candidates who receive passing scores of 70% or higher on the written exam will be invited to a panel interview scheduled tentatively for two weeks after the written exam. Candidates with scores of 69% or lower will fail the written exam and will not move forward. Week of 01/26 or 02/02/26 - Panel Interview: A panel interview with external subject matter experts will be held tentatively the week of 01/26 or 02/02/26. When the interview date is established, notifications will go out so candidates can save the date. Qualifying candidates will be notified of the date, time, and location of their panel interview appointment at least one week prior to the panel interview. Candidates with passing scores of over 70% or higher at the panel interview will be placed on the eligibility list. Candidates with failing scores of 69% or lower will not be placed on the eligibility list. Chief's interview : Top candidates will proceed to Chief's interview, which will occur approximately two weeks following the panel interview. Certification of candidates to the Chief of Police for interview will be in accordance with Section 22.00 of the Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association Memorandum of Understanding. Basic Function
Under general supervision, supervises patrol officers, investigates crimes, and/or supervises administrative support staff; makes critical decisions concerning police activities, investigates criminal offenses, and maintains law and order; trains staff with regard to new developments, regulations, and techniques, and enforces agency policies and regulations. Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is distinguished from the next lower-level classification of Police Officer in that the latter is the entry and journey level within the City’s sworn police service. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Lieutenant in that the latter classification manages police personnel and activities in a division, section, or unit and performs other management assignments, and various administrative duties as assigned. Note: May include, but are not limited to those duties listed below: Supervises, trains and evaluates employees as assigned; ensures department policies, procedures and protocols are followed or carried out by reporting staff. Assigns patrol beats and prepares pre-shift briefings to inform police officers of current criminal activities and changes in Department procedures, Department policies and State laws. Conducts follow-up investigation of crimes against property or persons by interviewing victims, witnesses, and responsible parties; and collecting, preserving and presenting physical evidence in court. Preserves the peace; protects life and property; prevents and detects crimes; enforces laws and ordinances; and maintains a public service approach towards the community. Provides backup and assistance to Patrol and Traffic units on calls. Reviews and approves arrests. Reviews reports from officers in the field. Prepares reports, including investigation reports, traffic activity reports, official crime and accident reports, staff reports and statistics on Department activity. Develops and implements training programs. Plans and coordinates traffic enforcement and crowd control for parades, funerals, holidays and special events. Conducts or initiates investigations of alleged misconduct or use of force by departmental personnel. Performs technical research and planning, writes and administers grant programs, provides input to budget control, and performs EEOP duties for the Department. Represents Department at various advisory committees and/or community meetings. Compiles and analyzes statistical data for use in accident prevention programs, traffic law enforcement and traffic engineering studies. May participate in the investigation of adult and juvenile crime and follow-up. Investigates hit and run accidents. Performs related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification. Working Conditions
Able to use standard office equipment, including a computer; sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, maintain sustained posture in a seated or standing position for prolonged periods of time; lift and drag 100 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; vision of 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with adequate depth perception and color vision; if soft contacts are worn, there is no limit on uncorrected distance visual acuity; hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person, over the telephone, and over the radio; carry and operate a firearm; work in intense life-threatening conditions; drive standard police vehicles. Also works in a standard office environment or field environment; exposure to noise, outdoors, inclement weather, animals, chemicals, fumes, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, traffic, traffic hazards, moving objects; dangerous persons, animals, firearms, and bodily fluids. Expected to travel safely to various sites and locations; maintain a safe driving record; work protracted and irregular hours, and available for evening meetings, shift work, on-call, and for stand-by duties; handles public information emergency situations. The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: Education and Experience
Associate's degree or 60 college units in police science or field related to law enforcement; and Three (3) years full-time experience as a sworn peace officer. Knowledge
Law enforcement codes and departmental policies, procedures and practices. Investigatory techniques including interviewing and interrogation. Current principles, practices and techniques of law enforcement and crime prevention; including patrol, traffic, investigation, juvenile delinquency, support services and other specialized police operations. Federal and state laws pertaining to the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of persons. Abilities
Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of others. Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and make sound recommendations. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Communicate orally to present technical and sensitive information to individuals and groups. Write and obtain clear and comprehensive reports on administrative and technical issues. Establish and maintain a high level of discipline and morale. Plan, organize and conduct comprehensive training programs. Interpret, apply and explain technical laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Exercise sound judgement in emergency situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, public officials, other agencies and the general public. Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community. Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license. Police Chief Deputy Police Chief Police Lieutenant Police Sergeant Police Officer
#J-18808-Ljbffr