Police Officer/Police Officer Trainee

Arcata, CA
Arcata Police Department

Police Officer – $60,235.76 – $75,047.38/yr.
(4% Salary increase scheduled for July 2023)

OTHER PAY – 6% of base salary for POST Intermediate Certificate and an additional 6% for POST Advanced Certificate; Bi-lingual (2.5% of base salary); An additional 5% of base salary when assigned to Drug Task Force, Detective, or K9.

Police Officer Trainee – $20.640 – $22.783/hr. Includes coverage under the medical/dental/vision plans in accordance with full-time employees while attending the Police Academy. All costs directly related to the Academy will be paid by the City for applicants selected for sponsorship by the City.

Examples of Duties

Police Officer (Academy Graduate or Lateral Transfer)– This position performs a variety of law enforcement duties in the enforcement of all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances to ensure the preservation of public peace, prevention of crimes, protection of life and property.

Police Officer Trainee (Sponsorship to Enter Academy or Current Academy Student) – Participates as a student in a law enforcement training academy approved by P.O.S.T; and performs other related duties as assigned under the supervision of the Police Chief or designee.

Typical Qualifications and Requirements

At time of application, possess a valid P.O.S.T. Certificate verifying successful completion of a P.O.S.T. approved police academy; be currently enrolled in a P.O.S.T approved academy; or possess a valid P.O.S.T. Recertification Certificate. The above qualifications are not required of those applying for sponsorship to enter an Academy.

All applicants must have a valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving history; must have graduated from high school or possess a G.E.D. certificate.  Must be willing to work overtime and on-call, and work rotating shifts which involve relief shifts, days, nights, weekends and holidays. Must possess a valid Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate or acquire within one year of employment as a Police Officer. Must be age 21 at time of appointment.