About the Department

The City of Bell is conducting a closed promotional recruitment for the position of Police Sergeant. This recruitment is limited to current sworn Police Officers employed by the City of Bell who meet the minimum qualifications. The resulting eligibility list will be used to fill current and future vacancies and will remain in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted or extended by the City.

Under general supervision, the Police Sergeant performs a variety of law enforcement and supervisory duties, including enforcing laws and ordinances; protecting life and property; supervising personnel; and supporting crime prevention and investigative activities. Performs related duties as required.

Position Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as Watch Supervisor; plan, assign, and supervise the work of police officers and support staff
• Conduct briefings prior to field assignments; review reports, logs, and documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Monitor and evaluate employee performance; provide training, guidance, and counseling to subordinate personnel
• Respond to emergency calls; assume command at major incidents; coordinate field operations
• Investigate complaints, incidents, and internal disciplinary matters
• Assist in criminal investigations; review case preparation and reports for completeness and accuracy
• Supervise jail operations, including booking and release procedures
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable laws
• Maintain positive community relations; provide information and assistance to the public
• Prepare and review reports, records, and correspondence
• Make sound decisions during critical incidents and high-stress situations

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience, education, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

• Experience: Five (5) years of continuous experience as a paid peace officer, including at least three (3) years with the City of Bell, and permanent status at the time of application
• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent; college-level coursework in criminal justice or a related field is desirable
• Language: Ability to read and write English fluently is required; bilingual (Spanish) skills are desirable
• License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment

Note: All candidates must meet applicable California POST requirements.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of municipal law enforcement duties
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions under pressure
• Maintain composure in stressful or potentially dangerous situations
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Utilize modern law enforcement technology and reporting systems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements:
Must possess the physical ability to perform law enforcement duties, including running, standing, sitting, lifting, restraining individuals, and operating specialized equipment such as firearms and restraining devices. Requires sufficient vision, hearing, and dexterity to perform essential job functions.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both office and field environments, including exposure to emergency situations, hazardous conditions, and inclement weather. Incumbents may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.

Applications will be reviewed for completeness and minimum qualifications. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The selection process may include the following components:

• Application Screening – Qualifying
• Personnel Package Review- Weighted at 10% (Passing score is 70%)
• Written Examination – Weighted at 30% (Passing score is 70%)
• Presentation Exercise – Weighted at 30% ( Passing score is 70%)
• Oral Board Interview- Weighted at 30% (Passing score is 70%)

Candidates must achieve a passing score in each phase to advance. The final eligibility list will be established based on combined scores from the assessment components.

• Written Examination: Week of May 18, 2026 
• Assessment Exercise / Presentation: Week of May 25, 2026
• Oral Interviews: Week of June 1, 2026

Dates are subject to change.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligibility list. Appointments will be made by the Chief of Police or designee in accordance with Civil Service Rules and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.