Police Officer Trainee (C-53) — Pre-Service

Whittier, CA
Whittier Police Department

Salary: $5,563.00 – $7,100.00 Monthly

Closing Date: 3/3/2025

Position Summary:

The Police Officer Trainee is the entry-level (non-sworn) class in the Police Officer series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Incumbents generally occupy this class while attending or waiting to attend the Police Academy. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties.

Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position and on probationary status while awaiting or enrolled in the Police Academy. It is expected that Police Officer Trainee will advance to Police Officer upon the successful completion of the Police Academy and have a pay increase. Police Officer is a sworn position and serves a one-year probationary period.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle, bicycle, or horse; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; answers complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.
  • Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books, and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons. Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; assists the public and answers questions; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.

Requirements:

  • Example combinations for Police Officer Trainee include a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Be 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • A college degree is highly desirable.
  • Weight proportionate to height in accordance with recognized standards;
  • Must be physically able to perform the duties of a Police Officer; eyesight must not be less than 20/80 uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 and normal hearing and color perception as required by POST.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
  • Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U.S. Citizen.