Job Openings Police Officer Lateral or Academy Graduate (COI)

About the job Police Officer Lateral or Academy Graduate (COI)


**You must be POST certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered as a Police Officer Lateral**

At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer position would be an excellent opportunity. Expedited Process: as a Lateral or an Academy Graduate applicant, the written examination and physical agility test is waived.

Out-of-State laterals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but are required, at a minimum, to complete the California POST Waiver course within the last 3 years.

The Irvine Police Department's geographic policing model ensures a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving. As a Police Officer, you will patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints while taking necessary action.

Published top step amount dependent on being eligible for the following:

Incentive Pay

Shift Differential

  • Swing 2%
  • Graveyard 4%

Bilingual 2%

Intermediate POST 5%

Advanced POST 15.5% (Combined with Intermediate)

Annual Health and Wellness Benefit $1,000

Specialty Pay

K9 Unit 7.2%

Field Training Officer 6%

Detective, SRO, Traffic, and DARE 6%

SWAT, CNT, DRE and Mounted Unit 1.5%

Annual Equipment Reimbursement $300

Your Impact:

  • Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.
  • Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.
  • Interface closely with all segments of the community.
  • Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, regulations, and City procedures.
  • Complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the City.
  • Find additional information in the Police Officer job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • You must be POST certified* or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.
  • High school diploma or equivalent, completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

*Please attach a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate if you are not currently working for a California law enforcement agency.


All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process.