Police Officer Trainee

Modesto, CA
Modesto Police Department

Salary: $37.95 – $46.13 Hourly.

Position Summary:

The Police Officer Trainee is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local municipal codes, violations, and traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special crime prevention and enforcement programs; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; assist stranded motorists.
  • Answer calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, robberies, and related misdemeanors and felonies; render first aid, as required.
  • Respond to general public service calls including animal complaints, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, and related incidents.
  • Collect, process, photograph, and present evidence using scientific techniques including fingerprints, fibers, blood, and related physical evidence.
  • Check buildings for physical security.
  • Serve as Field Training Officer, as assigned; train new officers on departmental policies, procedures, and activities.
  • Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; check speed with radar; issue warnings and citations.
  • Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
  • Conduct investigations of serious injury and fatality traffic accidents.
  • Conduct traffic accident analyses and general traffic surveys.
  • Conduct a variety of criminal investigations involving crimes against persons and property, auto theft, white-collar crime, and narcotics; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.
  • Identify suspects; conduct interviews and interrogations; apprehend and arrest offenders.
  • Teach bicycle safety in accordance with state agencies.
  • Contact and interview victims and witnesses; preserve and investigate crime scenes.
  • Conduct covert, undercover investigations, as assigned.
  • Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
  • Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public; take an active role in areas of public education related to crime and crime prevention.
  • Assist in the performance of special investigation and crime prevention duties, as required.
  • Prepare reports on arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
  • Make arrests, as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; administer polygraph tests; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
  • Serve warrants within the department and to outside agencies; remain current on laws and procedures for processing warrants.
  • Act as Watch Commander; review and approve reports of other Police Officers.
  • Perform a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures including narcotics testing; act as Department photographer; testify in court as an expert witness.
  • Serve as Department Training Manager; review and assess training needs and available programs; oversee and coordinate the attendance of Departmental staff at training programs and seminars; research policies and procedures related to training activities.
  • Serve as Crime Prevention Officer; oversee and coordinate crime prevention activities; make presentations to local citizens and community groups.
  • Serve as Intelligence Officer or Gang Officer; gather crime related intelligence information and conduct background investigations; coordinate information and activities with outside agencies and jurisdictions.
  • Investigate juvenile related crimes including child abuse and juvenile narcotics; coordinate youth services with outside agencies and organizations including local school districts; administer community presentations and instruct assigned classes.
  • Participate in recruiting sworn staff; conduct background investigations; interview potential job candidates and references; administer voice stress analysis tests.
  • Give oral presentations at schools, clubs, and other community organizations.
  • Act as Department court liaison.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Requirements:

  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
  • Graduates of a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course: a minimum of 30 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
  • Candidates currently enrolled in a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course: a minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license at time of application; valid California driver’s license by time of appointment.
  • Police Officer Trainees must be currently attending or completed a California POST certified Regular Basic Course (Intensive, Extended, or Modular formats).
  • Proof of completion of a California POST certified Regular Basic Course is required by time of appointment. Certificate must be dated within three years unless candidate has qualifying service, as defined in the POST Administrative Manual, Regulation 1008(b), within the past three years.
  • Minimum of 20 years of age at time of application.
  • Must meet physical requirements of the job established by the department.
  • Physical condition is, after examination by a licensed physician and surgeon, free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect his/her exercise of powers as a Police Officer.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.