Officer, California Highway Patrol
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction of a superior in the Department of California Highway Patrol, to (1) patrol State highways enforcing laws relating to the operation of motor vehicles; or (2) provide law enforcement services to State employees, officials, and the public and provide for the safekeeping of State property; or (3) provide for the protection of the Governor, other constitutional officers, and members of the Legislature; or (4) perform special staff assignments; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Patrols the highways and unincorporated areas in an automobile or on a motorcycle using defensive driving tactics or is assigned to a fixed post duty; interprets and applies the provisions of the Vehicle Code and other complex laws, regulations, and court rulings when taking enforcement actions; operates a motor vehicle over extended hours, usually alone, while on patrol in all parts of the State under a variety of climatic, environmental, and traffic conditions, including pursuit driving under potentially hazardous circumstances; removes obstacles from the roadway to ensure the smooth flow of traffic; stops motorists for unsafe or illegal traffic actions or for vehicle equipment violations; issues all types of enforcement documents, including citations; conducts surveillance; makes a variety of in-custody arrests; pursues and physically subdues combative and belligerent persons, including armed felons; renders general assistance to members of the motoring public; administers field sobriety tests; takes charge at accident scenes or other emergencies; investigates traffic accidents; administers first aid; lifts and carries accident victims or prisoners in varying terrain and situations; testifies in court; monitors and operates the departmental mobile radio and emergency equipment while performing field enforcement duty; assists in miscellaneous activities such as traffic safety education programs and commercial vehicle inspections; reads a variety of reports and manuals; prepares a variety of reports and forms; maintains firearm proficiency; recovers evidence and provides for its safekeeping; interviews victims, witnesses, informants, and suspects for information to support criminal complaints; and controls crowds during disturbances and other assemblies.
Minimum Qualifications
Successful completion of the prescribed California Highway Patrol Academy Cadet Training Program as a Cadet, California Highway Patrol. and Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: The California Vehicle Code and other laws affecting the operation of vehicles on public highways; the Penal Code, laws of arrest, rules of evidence, and rights of citizens; departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; basic criminal investigation processes and techniques; enforcement tactics and psychology; methods of traffic control; techniques and procedures for the safe operation of departmental vehicles and equipment; safety and survival procedures; and standard written English and procedures for completing reports and forms.
Ability to: Interpret and apply a variety of complex laws, rules, and regulations to specific situations; protect the public and preserve property with due regard for the rights and safety of individuals; understand and use a variety of written materials, such as graphs, schedules, and maps; communicate effectively with the public, supervisors, and peers; react calmly and maintain personal control under pressure and in high stress situations; work effectively with other people as well as independently; follow oral and written directions; verbally express thoughts and describe events; safely operate departmental vehicles, equipment, and the mobile radio; draw and/or discharge firearms; physically perform a variety of tasks, including lifting and carrying accident victims and subduing combative prisoners; administer first aid; conduct investigations; write legibly; prepare accurate and objective written reports utilizing good grammar, composition, and correct spelling; and engage in riot control tactics.
Special Personal Characteristics
Interest in law enforcement; willingness to work anywhere throughout the State, alone, on rotating shifts covering a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week operation; willingness to obey orders given by a superior; willingness to take maximum action to protect life and property in conformance with departmental policy; assertiveness and self-confidence; honesty; integrity; enthusiasm; tact; reliability; flexibility; professional demeanor; good judgment; impartiality; and personal appearance commensurate with departmental policy.
Additional Desirable Qualification
Academic education beyond the 12th grade.
