Police Officer Trainee
Police Officer Trainees are 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.
This is the entry-level class in the sworn Police Officer series. The classification is designed for candidates currently attending a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course academy or for those who will have successfully completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course academy (Intensive, Extended, or Modular formats) by time of appointment. This classification is distinguished from the Police Officer by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series since this class is typically used as work experienc
Salary: $31.38 – $38.13 Hourly
$5,459.35 – $6,635.05 Monthly
$65,512.20 – $79,620.60 Annually
Responsibilities:
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.
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.
Qualifications:
Ability to:
Learn proper Police procedures and methods.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine and take emergency and/or appropriate action.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks including a computer.
Type at a reasonable speed necessary for successful job performance (25 wpm).
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system including mobile dispatch terminals.
Meet the physical requirements established by the Department.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Use and care for firearms.
Use maps and learn City geography.
Handle multiple assignments.
Perform occasional medium-heavy lifting up to 75 lbs.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
None required.
Training:
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.
License or Certificate
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.
Additional Requirements
Minimum of 21 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.