Police Ranger

• With an annual FBI index crime rate of 24.9, Carlsbad has one of the lowest crime rates among San Diego County's 18 cities.
• Carlsbad residents report high satisfaction with police services; recent survey results indicate that over 90% of the residents are satisfied with police service.

• Written Exam: Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
• Applicants with a passing written exam score will have their training and experience reviewed and those most qualified will be invited to the panel interviews.
• Panel Interview Dates: Week of June 1, 2026 (exact dates TBD).

• Written Exam and Oral Panel Interview.
• Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement.
• Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.
• Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment within the law enforcement profession. This investigation includes a lie detection polygraph screening.
• Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.
• Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

You Belong in Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Perform preserve, beach, lagoon, park, trail, and open space patrol enforcement activities, including but not limited to, patrolling by boat, vehicle, motorcycle, all-terrain motorized vehicle, bicycle and/or on foot, enforcing city, county, state and federal regulations.

Investigate water accidents and assist in environmental efforts, performing safety rescue, CPR and first aid if necessary.

Assist disabled boats and promote safe recreation.

Interpret and enforce city codes, ordinances, state and federal laws.

Issue citations for observed violations.

Conduct research and compile information to support law enforcement functions.

Promote compliance through public education and outreach.

Receive and respond to citizen inquiries and requests for police services in person and by telephone or computer.

Handle calls for service and communicate with the public.

Photograph and fingerprint individuals.

Take crime reports.

Interview victims and witnesses, screen and follow-up on investigations; refer victims to the appropriate community resources, provide information to the community regarding special events.

Search for lost children, missing adults and evidence.

Collect, preserve and transport physical evidence from crime scene investigations, including but not limited to, latent fingerprints, trace evidence, serological evidence, narcotics, firearms and tool marks; document crime scenes using cameras and a variety of different photogenic films and techniques.

Maintain a variety of statistics, police files, daily logs of activities, and submit reporting.

Assist with special projects and assignments.

Utilize database information such as ARJIS, SDLAW, EJIMS, and County Local.

Testify in court as required and assist in the preparation of cases.

Provide direct response to customer service issues and needs.

Secure city assets, facilities, property and parks.

Provide CPR or first aid as necessary.

Participate in community programs and initiatives.

Support other law enforcement operations as directed.

Answer telephones, direct calls to appropriate divisional areas, serve as a receptionist and perform clerical work or other related duties as needed.

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement organization, activities, terminology, practices and regulations.
• Laws, policies, regulations, codes and guidelines related to the job area assigned.
• General office practices, including operation of standard office equipment and computer terminals.
• General procedures and techniques of evidence collection and preservation, including latent fingerprint collection.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Basic interviewing methods and principles.
• Basic investigative techniques.
• Various computer systems necessary to support administrative or clerical work or investigative techniques.

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Write clear and accurate reports.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with employees and the public.
• Learn, apply, and explain departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations related to assigned tasks.
• Operate computer terminal keyboards to enter and query information.
• Apply CPR and first aid.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ensure effective community relations through various communication processes including but not limited to negotiation and mediation techniques.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general procedural and legal guidelines.
• Analyze situations and take effective action.
• Write clear and accurate reports.
• Perform routine clerical tasks.
• Perform arrests in accordance with California PC832.
• Wear a bullet resistant vest during work shift.
• Possess and deploy OC spray and Taser as defensive weapons.
• Independently initiate and coordinate special events and or special projects of a complex nature.
• Chair and run meetings.

Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of full-time responsible public contact experience. Familiarity with law enforcement functions is desirable.

Possession of California PC832 certificate within 6 months of appointment.

Special Requirements: