Police Officer Trainee

Desert Hot Springs, CA
Desert Hot Springs Police Department

Salary: $27.68 Hourly

Position Summary:

The Police Trainee is an entry-level, non-sworn training position. Police Trainees undergo a formal and comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified Basic Academy training program sponsored by the City of Desert Hot Springs. Upon completion of training and graduation from the Academy with an acceptable standing, a candidate is eligible for placement as a sworn Police Officer with the City of Desert Hot Springs.

Essential Functions:

  • Participate for successful completion in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, firearms, defensive tactics, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
  • Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program
  • Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct
  • Successful completion of the 16 week Field Training Program
  • Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
  • Respond to calls from the general public for service and criminal complaints, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
  • Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contra band and lost or missing people.
  • Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; contact and interview witnesses to gain additional information.
  • Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer as necessary.
  • Investigate organized crime and gang activities, subjects, groups, and representatives relative to assigned area of responsibility; collect intelligence information and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.
  • Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents
  • Conduct a variety of investigations relative to assigned area of responsibility including narcotics, property, and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports and follow up on investigations.
  • Testify in adult, juvenile, and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
  • Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.
  • Develop, conduct, and participate in training exercises and classes; respond to and resolve questions and concerns; stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.
  • Must maintain POST Police Officer Certification
  • Perform specialized assignments directed by the Chief of Police
  • Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities
  • May assist other staff as needed and with overflow work as assigned
  • May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be at least 21 years of age or greater
  • Must be prepared and available to attend Basic Academy full time
  • Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including: a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening, physical screening, and drug screening.
  • Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record at time of appointment
  • Must be able to obtain California POST Basic Certificate within 24 months of Academy graduation.
  • Must maintain POST Police Officer Certification after appointment to a sworn officer.
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain valid CPR Certificate within 6 months of appointment