Police Recruit

Signal Hill, CA
Signal Hill Police Department

Salary: $80,305.33 Annually

Position Summary:

This is a non-sworn, non-represented, civilian classification, specifically designed to train police officer candidates for eligibility as a sworn police officer with promotion to the position of police officer contingent upon satisfactory completion of police academy training and meeting all other requirements. Police recruits attend a basic police recruit academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Position requires full-time attendance at a P.O.S.T. certified academy to prepare the recruit to assume the responsibilities of a police officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours. Academy training progress is reviewed through the formal evaluation system of the police academy by designated academy staff. Non-academy work performed at the Police Department is reviewed through conference, written reports, inspections and observations of results achieved by superior officers. Upon graduation from the academy, police recruits are elevated to sworn police officer with full salary, safety status, and benefits. All new hires must pass a 12-month probationary period to attain permanent police officer status.

Essential Functions:

  • Attends a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy designated by the City of Signal Hill to obtain formal training in police work associated with public safety and the protection of life and property.
  • May perform non-sworn work in the Police Department’s jail operation, communication center, property and evidence handling, service desk, community relations or any other designated department area as assigned.
  • Learns to patrol assigned areas; learns to answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; learns to answer complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; learns to perform surveillance activities; learns procedures for conducting chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; learns to investigate suspicious circumstances.
  • Learns to enforce traffic laws; learns methods for conducting complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; may learn and assist 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.
  • Learns procedures to obtain and process evidence; takes written statements; prepares and/or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; may testify in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.

Requirements:

  • EDUCATION: Equivalent to completion of high school.
  • LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
  • DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of sixty college units of study from an accredited community college, college or university with an emphasis on criminal justice, administration of justice or related field.
  • U.S. citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship at the time of application.
  • Must have reached 21st birthday upon completion of the police academy.
  • Vision uncorrected at least 20/70 and correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Normal depth perception and color vision in both eyes.
  • Hearing must be normal in both ears as passed by the City’s Medical Examiner.
  • Height and weight must be in proper proportion.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements will be established by competent authority.