Police Trainee

Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Police Department

Salary: $5,204.00 – $6,997.00 Monthly.

Position Summary:
The Police Academy provides training in basic criminal investigation processes and techniques; preparation of various reports; analysis of situations to make appropriate decisions under stressful situations; testify and present evidence in court, and practices and theory in criminal and civil law enforcement.

Upon placement as a sworn Police Officer with the City of Palm Springs, this position provides services in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons and property, and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

Essential Functions:

  • Participate for successful completion in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
  • Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program.
  • Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct.
  • Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
  • Respond to general public service and crime victim calls, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
  • Plan, execute, write and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences, and buildings for evidence, contraband, and lost or missing people.
  • Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; contact and interview witnesses to gain additional information.
  • Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer as necessary.
  • Investigate organized crime and gang activities, subjects, groups, and representatives relative to assigned area of responsibility; collect intelligence information and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.
  • Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents.
  • Conduct a variety of investigations relative to assigned areas of responsibility including narcotics, property, and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports and follow up on investigations.
  • Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
  • Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.
  • Develop, conduct, and participate in training exercises and classes; respond to and resolve questions and concerns; stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.
  • Perform unique duties of assigned area of responsibility including SWAT, K-9, bicycle, and mounted police units.
  • Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities.
  • May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor.
  • Provide news releases to the media; conduct television interviews for public awareness.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent education is required.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate within six (6) months of appointment is required.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate is required.
  • Cannot be related to any other employee in the Police Department.
  • Must be 21 years of age or greater.
  • Incumbents are enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
  • Must plan to reside within one (1) hour driving distance from the Palm Springs Police Department upon employment.
  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including a criminal history check for job related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening, and a physical and drug screen.
  • Must be prepared and available to attend a full-time Basic Academy.