Exam Bulletin

Department of Justice

Exam Code: EX-3844

Examination Plans Included:

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF - Open

Final Filing Date: 12/2/2024

Classification Details

ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF: $13,875.00 - $16,779.00 per Month

View the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 12/2/2024.

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will not be accepted.

Do not submit applications to California Department of Human Resources through fax or interagency mail.

If using delivery methods that do not have certified delivery confirmation, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the cut-off date. If your application is electronically submitted or received in hardcopy without a postmark and arrives after the cut-off date, your application will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the cut-off date. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Please note: This examination requires responses to the Training & Experience portion of the examination at the time you submit your application materials. Any applications that do not provide their Training & Experience responses will be treated as incomplete and not accepted.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF - Open

How To Apply:

Applications received without the required documents will be considered incomplete and may be rejected. To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following required documents: 

  • Standard State Application (Form STD 678): All applications must include "to" and "from" employment dates (month/day/year), time-base, and applicable classification titles 
  • Official school transcripts (if applicable to meeting minimum qualifications): Candidates unable to obtain official transcripts before the final filing date may submit unofficial transcripts for the examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to a position.
  • Training and Experience Narrative Responses 
  • Signed Affirmation Page - Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation 

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn) Examination
    P.O. Box 944255
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Department of Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    1300 I Street, 1st Floor Lobby
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn)

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation Page - Please refer to the link in the "How to Apply" Section
  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Responses

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00108681 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF

Either I

1. One year of experience in the Department of Justice, performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II. or


2. Two years of experience in the Department of Justice performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I.

Or II

Experience: Five years of supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency. At least two years must have been in a supervisory position which included administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting, management analysis, personnel, statistical analysis, or research in an identification, criminal statistics, narcotic enforcement, investigations, or technical services program area. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I. (Possession of a graduate degree in public administration, business administration, law, political science, or related areas may be substituted for one year of required experience.) and


Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

“...duties...comparable in level…” means that the applicant must have State civil service experience of appropriate type and length in a class at the same or higher level or responsibility as the class specified. Salary and duties must be comparable.

 

“Equivalent to graduation from college” Satisfaction of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. This means the applicant must show receipt of a bachelor’s degree (4-year college degree). Unofficial transcripts accepted for purposes of examination.

 

“Performing law enforcement related duties” means that duties must be related to criminal justice and/or in a program/division/bureau that oversees the work of law enforcement related classifications (e.g., Criminalists, Crime Analysts, Special Agents).

Position Description

00108681 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF

Assistant Bureau Chiefs are responsible for assisting a Bureau Director in the planning, organization, direction, and administration of a major program area of the Department. Incumbents are involved in a wide range of administrative and managerial duties of program implementation, such as the review of major projects within the Bureau, formulation of Bureau training programs, representing the Department before the general public and other law enforcement agencies, and acting for the Bureau Chief in his/her absence. Incumbents may be ordered by the Attorney General to assume responsibility for direction of local law enforcement activities in the event of a regional or statewide emergency.

Incumbents in this class perform peace officer duties and responsibilities in the accomplishment of their assignments in accordance with the California Penal Code, Section 830.1(b), and Government Code, Section 20398.

Positions exist in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Sacramento. 

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

This exam will consist of the following:

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE NARRATIVE – 100%

The Training and Experience Narrative consists of job-related questions for which candidates must submit typed responses. A panel of subject matter experts will evaluate competitors’ responses to each question using pre-determined rating and scoring criteria. Exams will be scored only for those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors are not to review, edit, or make suggestions. The questions are provided at the end of this examination bulletin.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

  1. The criminal justice system and law enforcement related governmental functions and the organization. 
  2. Policies, procedures, and programs of the Department of Justice. 
  3. Research and statistics used to analyze the impact and effectiveness of programs, policies, and/or procedures to provide quantitative data documenting the status of the programs, policies, and/or procedures. 
  4. Personnel procedures to plan and ensure personnel actions are in compliance with departmental procedures and policies, as well as State laws and regulations as enforced by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR).
  5. The budget change proposal process (BCP) to make desired changes to bureau or division budget.
  6. The manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity and the processes available to meet equal employment opportunity objectives. 
  7. The principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management. 
  8. The progressive discipline process. 
  9. The Peace Officer Bill of Rights. 
  10. Internal Affairs investigations and appropiate procedures to address personnel issues. 
ABILITY TO: 
  1. Administer and manage a major law enforcement program of the Department of Justice.
  2. Administer and manage law enforcement personnel within the Department of Justice. 
  3. Analyze and evaluate complex administrative problems. 
  4. Appear before public and private groups to explain departmental objectives, programs and general administrative matters and secure the cooperation and assistance of such groups.
  5. Organize and direct the work of others.
  6. Develop and implement new administrative methods and procedures.
  7. Communicate information and ideas in writing in a clear, articulate manner using appropriate tone, vocabulary, and grammar so others will understand.
  8. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences, including recognition of non-verbal cues.
  9. Build effective working relationships with members of all levels of an organization or unit in order to ensure teamwork is completed in an efficient manner.
  10. think clearly and quickly, analyze information and materials, and formulate conclusions based on prescribed policies and procedures.
  11. Speak clearly and effectively to audiences at all levels including line program staff, administrators, and elected officials.
SKILL IN: 
  1. Assigning and delegating work to bureau staff, ensuring that such assignments are equitable and reasonable based upon the relative qualifications and work load demands of individual staff members. 
  2. Reading and understanding State statutes, laws, proposed legislation, regulations and other written documents in order to interpret, explain, and apply such polices
  3. Managing multiple projects and timelines simultaneously without dropping deadlines. 

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Justice

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Training and Experience Narrative

Training and Experience Narrative

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Training and Experience Narrative is the sole component of the Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn) examination. The Narrative will be rated by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) using predetermined rating criteria. To be placed on the eligibility list a minimum score of 70% must be received on this component. Read the instructions carefully before completing this examination; failure to do so may result in an inability to process your Training and Experience Narrative and disqualification from this examination.
  • This Training and Experience Narrative consists of four (4) questions.
  • You must type your responses to these questions.
  • Your response to each question may only consist of one (1) sheet of paper, single spaced, in 12 point Times New Roman font, with a one (1) inch margin on all sides of the page. The maximum number of pages you should complete for this Training and Experience Narrative is four (4) pages, one (1) page per question. Responses that do not meet this criteria may not be rated and may result in disqualification from this exam.
  • You must write the question number you are responding to in the top left corner of each page. You may hand write this number; however, it must be clearly legible.
  • You must write the last four (4) digits of your social security number on the top right corner of each page of your responses. You may hand write this number; however, it must be clearly legible.
  • Please keep your answers concise, but be sure to answer all questions completely and accurately. Providing specific information will allow the SMEs to properly evaluate your qualifications. Omitted information cannot be considered and will not be assumed.
  • The exam submitted should solely be your work. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors should not review, edit, or make suggestions to the Training and Experience Narrative responses.

Training and Experience Narrative Questions:

Question #1
Please explain what relevant education, training, and/or experience you have that has prepared you to assume the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn). In addition, please include any extra efforts you have made to prepare yourself for this position.

Question #2
Please describe the leadership skills you have used to establish objectives, develop and monitor subordinate staff, and evaluate results. Please provide specific examples of when you have applied these skills in your response.

Question #3

As an Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn), you may be tasked with implementing a law enforcement program in your Division due to a change in legislation. Please describe your experience implementing a law enforcement program. In your response, please include the steps taken to implement the program, the factors considered, and the tools used to measure success.

Question #4

As an Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn), you may be tasked with addressing performance issues of the teams you manage, including poor quality, inappropriate behavior, and timelines of work products. Please describe your experience holding a team accountable and ensuring that program mandates are met in a manner consistent with applicable rules and policies. Please provide specific examples in your response, including the steps you took to ensure your efforts were effective.

Additional Examinations

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:


Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION:

 

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons appointed to a peace officer class shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively.

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENT:

Pursuant to POST Regulations 1002(a)(7) requires psychological screening of applicants for peace officer classifications.

 

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT:

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must either be a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U. S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.

 

FIREARMS REQUIREMENT:

Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in the amended Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 are disqualified from appointment to these classes.

 

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of training is required for peace officer status in these classifications.

 

Disqualifiers

FELONY CONVICTION DISQUALIFICATION:

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772(b). Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in these classes.

FIREARMS CONVICTION DISQUALIFICATION:

Incumbents in this class conduct civil, criminal, or narcotic investigation and enforcement activities for the Department of Justice. Incumbents are assigned to a team and may work independently or as a lead-person coordinating the work of other law enforcement personnel. Incumbents may be assigned to provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement personnel.

Appeal Information

Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or

(4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

Testing Departments

  • Department of Justice

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Justice
Testing and Selection Unit
ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Sworn)
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 210-6021
Fax: (916) 445-1219
TSU@doj.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Justice reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)