Police Officer Recruit
Salary: $81,948.00 – $99,612.00 Annually
Essential Functions
The City of South Pasadena Police Department is currently recruiting to establish an eligibility list for the position of Police Recruit. This is an entry-level position in which the candidate will be placed in a 6-month POST certified Police Academy paid for by the City.
The Police Officer Recruit position is under the general supervision of supervisory police staff. While filling this classification, a Police Officer Recruit shall be a participant of a POST Basic Police Academy and therefore subject to academic and physical requirements of the academy.
This is an entry-level, non-sworn, probationary position. This is an entry-level class within a series that, upon successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy, shall lead to the classification of sworn Police Officer. Appointment to this position is limited to successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy.
Examples of Duties
Police Recruit:
While enrolled in the academy, incumbents participate in and complete a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officers, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
During this period, academic progress and physical achievement are closely monitored. Upon successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy, Police Officer Recruits shall be appointed to the position of probationary Police Officer and proceed through the POST Field Training Officer program.
Job duties following successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy and appointment to the position of sworn Police Officer:
Under general supervision, protects life and property, prevents crime, arrests criminals, and generally enforces laws and ordinances. Responsible for designated beat areas. Works assigned shifts. May be assigned to patrol by driving or walking. May be assigned to the Detective Bureau or traffic enforcement. Reports to a Corporal, Sergeant, or higher-level supervisor.
Patrols a designated area of the city in a vehicle or on foot, as needed; enforces motor vehicle operation and parking regulations, the penal code, vehicle code, and city ordinances; prevents commission of crimes and inspects, reports, and corrects conditions which may lead to crime or delinquency; conducts complete traffic accident, criminal, complaint, and other investigations; writes reports on investigations; collects and preserves evidence; interviews witnesses; testifies in court; apprehends crime suspects and/or makes arrests; performs jail booking procedures, including fingerprinting and photographing of prisoners; receives complaints and reports, and provides the public with information and directions; gives first aid in medical emergencies; mediates and arbitrates disputes. May be assigned to traffic enforcement, bicycle regulation and safety education, or the general traffic safety program; may lock or unlock park gates and other city property, depending on shift; performs other related duties as required.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Qualification Guidelines
Education/Experience
Police Officer Recruits must attend a POST Basic Police Academy and must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements that lead to awarding of the POST Basic Police Academy completion certificate.
A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution. College level course work in Administration of Justice desirable. Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate desirable. Possession of California Driver’s License Class “C” or higher.
Knowledge of
Basic reading, writing and spelling; laws of arrest and seizure; California Vehicle and Penal codes.
Ability to
Follow and understand oral and written instructions; utilize oral and written communications skills; gain cooperation of others; analyze situations; learn the use and care of automobiles, firearms, and other job-related equipment; meet standards of physical and health conditions, endurance, and ability.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Working Conditions
As a Police Officer Recruit in the POST Basic Police Academy, the environment is mainly indoor classroom and outdoors as related to necessary education and training.
As a sworn Police Officer, must be able to work in an outdoor environment, subject to heat and cold, noise, toxic agents, smoke and violence; and be able to work assigned shifts, including overnight hours, on weekends, holidays, and for extended hours when needed. On occasion, assigned shift work will be in an indoor office environment.
Physical Demands
Drive a vehicle safely under various conditions (including emergencies). Lift, carry, drag, pull, and push objects of varying weight and size. Stand, walk, and run for extended times over various distances and conditions such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls. Observe and recognize people, activities, vehicles, street signs, and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during the day and night. Objectively use only that force necessary to control situations and persons, including combative or fleeing suspects. Use a variety of lethal and less-than-lethal weapons safely and proficiently. Administer First Aid, CPR, and AED. Vision must be 20/70 uncorrected (20/20 corrected); must possess normal color perception and normal hearing.
Special Requirements
Successful completion of a POST Basic Police Academy and possession of a POST Basic Police Academy completion certificate are required for appointment to the position of sworn Police Officer.
Candidates shall be either a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship on or within three years before the date of appointment as a peace officer.
Selection Process
1. PELLETB Exam
2. Oral Board Interview
3. Pre-Background Investigation
4. Polygraph Examination
5. Physical Agility Exam
6. Background Investigation
7. Police Chief’s Interview
8. Psychological and Medical Examinations
Applicant must be of good moral character with no felony convictions. Candidates successfully completing all components of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list from which hires may be made. The eligible list is valid for one year.