Police Officer Trainee

Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Police Department

Salary: $83,424.00 Annually

Closing Date: 12/31/2025

Position Summary:
Under direct supervision, the Police Officer Trainee attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform police service; performs related duties as required.
Essential Functions:

  • Attends Police Academy.
  • Performs related duties and training as assigned by the department or the academy staff within the guidelines or policies of the department.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be able to obtain by time of hire and continue to maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record.
  • High school graduation or tested equivalent.
  • At least 20.5 years old at time of testing; 21 years old at time of appointment to police officer.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
  • Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission).
  • Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references (in accordance with the minimum standards for employment issued by the California POST Commission).
  • Bilingual and/or bicultural Spanish speaking.
  • Possession of an A.A. degree or 60 semester units of college level studies.