Law Enforcement Recruit
At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization.
We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie.
If you are interested in embarking on the journey of serving the public as a member of Law Enforcement, we welcome and encourage your application. Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- CalPERS retirement plan
- Monthly benefit allowance of $620
- City-paid vision plan
- City-paid life insurance policy
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Apply Online – Submit a detailed, thorough application.
Written Exam (Pass/Fail) – Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a score of 50 or above. – Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELLETB score within the last 12 months are encouraged to attach their test results to their application for consideration.
Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail) – Candidates who have successfully passed the written test are then invited to participate in the physical agility test and are required to pass it in order to continue in the examination process.
Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) – Candidates who successfully pass the prior components of the examination process are invited to participate in the oral interview panel and are required to pass it with a score of 70% or above in order to successfully be assigned to an eligibility list.
SELECTION PROCESS
Chief’s Interview – The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff will meet and interview candidates to determine their readiness to join the Arcadia Police Department.
Background Check – An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure that candidates meet the high standards set forth to join the Arcadia Police Department.
Psychological Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the background process are required to go through a psychological exam to be evaluated on their ability to handle stresses that accompany a career in law enforcement.
Medical Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the psychological examination undergo a medical evaluation to assess their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, the Law Enforcement Recruit is a non-sworn trainee classification, designed specifically for the purpose of employing Police Officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial enrollment of a P.O.S.T certified police academy. An individual will remain in the Law Enforcement Recruit classification during pre-academy training, and during the actual academy training.
Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T certified police academy, background investigation and all P.O.S.T requirements, the Law Enforcement Recruit will be eligible for advancement to Police Officer. Recruits who are not successful in completion of any of the foregoing requirements will be terminated from employment as a Law Enforcement Recruit.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Law Enforcement Recruit is a non-sworn, part-time classification designed for an individual who has not attended a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy. On occasion, a Law Enforcement Recruit may be assigned to non-sworn police work while awaiting assignment to an academy class. Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy, and approval of the Police Chief, a Law Enforcement Recruit will be eligible to be sworn in as a full-time probationary Police Officer.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises no supervision.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Attends a basic P.O.S.T certified academy designed to provide an entire overview of the criminal justice system which includes training in laws, police procedures, law enforcement technique, first aid and physical fitness. On occasion, may be assigned to non-sworn police work while in an academy class or while the background investigation is being completed.
OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Learn to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to:
Successfully complete a P.O.S.T. certified police academy.
Learn functions and objectives of Federal, State, and other local law enforcement agencies.
Learn basic principles of criminal law
Learn principles and practices of community policing.
Learn modern police methods and procedures related to patrol, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, traffic control, and investigation and identification techniques.
Learn modern investigative methods including interviewing and interrogation techniques.
Learn law enforcement theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
Learn local geography, City streets, public buildings, and businesses.
Learn recent court decisions and how they affect department and division operations.
Learn self defense tactics.
Learn, properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations particularly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, evidence and records maintenance, and traffic control.
Learn to gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate and use facts and evidence.
Learn, interpret and explain City and Department policies and procedures.
Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine proper course of action.
Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.
Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
One year of experience working with the public
Education:
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional education is desirable.
Minimum Age:
Must be 20 years of age at time of submitting application. Candidates must have reached 21st birthday upon graduation from the academy or upon hire as a sworn Police Officer.
Medical Standards:
Applicants must be in good physical condition as determined by a P.O.S.T medical examination, with weight in proportion to height, and consistent with P.O.S.T. and City guidelines for hearing and vision. There is a requirement that new hires maintain their physical condition as a condition of continued employment. Candidates must also pass an extensive Background Investigation, including a Polygraph and Psychological Examination.
Other:
Pursuant to Government Code 1031, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
Applicants must be of good moral character and have no convictions of a felony offense or any offense reflecting lack of character, judgment or morals. Conviction of a felony or serious misdemeanor is disqualifying. If hired, candidates must sign an agreement to refrain from smoking, chewing or otherwise using tobacco, chewing tobacco or snuff.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by.
Application:
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process:
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.
Please Note:
If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.