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Police Officer - Entry Level

 

Do NOT apply via this website - in order to apply, you must submit your information through National Testing Networks (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com).If you have problems, please contact NTN customer services at 866-563-3882.

 

Description: Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work, controls traffic flow and enforces state and local regulations. Some essential duties are:

• Responds to calls for service and takes appropriate action to resolve problems
• Renders assistance to citizens in distress
• Initiates investigation of criminal or suspicious activity
• Makes arrests, issues citations, and gives warnings when appropriate
• Enforces all laws without bias
• Conducts business license checks
• Promotes crime prevention and disseminates security information
• Testifies accurately and honestly in court

 

Education: Graduation from a U.S. High School or equivalent is required.  Additional education at the college level is preferred.

 

Licenses:  Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license by the time of hire, and ability to maintain the valid license.

 

Physical Requirement: Meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance and agility. Vision: • 20/100 correctable to 20/30, with adequate depth perception and color vision. If soft contacts are worn, no limit on uncorrected distance visual acuity provided soft lenses have been worn for at least six months prior to the physical examination.

 

Background: • As part of the selection process, successful candidates will undergo a stringent background investigation which will include: confirming all information provided by the candidates, a polygraph test and psychological and medical examinations. Candidates may be disqualified at any point in this process. Felony Convictions: • State and Federal Law require that all Police Officers be free from felony conviction and domestic violence. Citizenship: • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or resident aliens that are eligible and have applied for U.S. Citizenship. 

CITY OF PACIFICA

Invites you to apply for the position of

POLICE OFFICER - Trainee

If you are on the path to becoming a police officer, and would like to attend the POST academy to graduate and obtain your POST Certification,  this is the perfect opportunity to join our team!

Take this opportunity to explore our dynamic, full-service, community police department. The position is intended for you to attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and receive the academic and physical training resulting in graduation and certification required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer. 

Apply today!!  

DEFINITION

Under immediate supervision, attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and receive the academic and physical training resulting in graduation and certification required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is structured for incumbents hired with the purpose of becoming a sworn police officer.  Police Officer Trainees are hired into this position for the period prior and during the time they are assigned to a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  Upon successful completion of training at the academy and upon the availability of a Police Officer position, Police Officer Trainees will be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer at the beginning of the following pay period. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receive immediate supervision from higher level supervisory or management staff and from training staff at a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

             

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Attend a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and physical fitness.
• Receive training to develop an awareness of Police Department functions, as well as the responsibilities of Police Officers and how those responsibilities relate to field operations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Basic principles of business writing and basic report writing
• Principles and practices of good customer service
• Techniques and practices of effective interpersonal communication
• Principles and practices of safety management

 

Skills/Ability to:

• Successfully complete a POST-Basic Law Enforcement Academy including classroom instruction, physical agility and use of firearms.
• Learn proper police procedures and methods.
• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports.
• Become proficient in self-defense techniques.
• Become proficient in the care and use of firearms.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the general public.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Experience: None required.

Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade (High School diploma). Completion of 30 semester units from an accredited college or university (60 units or more is preferred).

Licenses: Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Driver’s License.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

• At the time of application, all applicants must show proof of passing the PELLETB test with a minimum T-Score of 50 and successful completion of the WSTB test (physical agility).  These tests can be taken by visiting www.theacademy.ca.gov.  All testing information including practice tests can be located on the site.
• Free of any felony convictions.
• A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (Government Code Para. 1031).
• Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.
• Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Meet all regulatory requirements for becoming a Peace Officer with a California P.O.S.T agency.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Skills

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 50 pounds. 

 

Work Environment

Exposure to cold, heat, extreme noise, outdoors, confining workspace, electrical hazards, chemicals, dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards, and explosive materials.

 

The Menlo Park Police Department demands the highest level of professionalism from its employees. We maintain that employee contact with the public should inspire respect and generate cooperation and approval from the public we serve.

The Menlo Park Police Department strives to provide the best possible police services. For more than 80 years, our department has worked hard every day to protect those who live, work and visit the City of Menlo Park. We achieve this through crime suppression and problem solving, crime analysis and development of crime prevention strategies.

The City of Menlo Park is currently accepting applications from motivated individuals who can meet the challenge of a fast-paced multitasking environment.  Successful Police Recruit candidates will actively participate in the P.O.S.T. (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) prescribed police academy training program.  Upon successful completion of the academy program, incumbents of this non-sworn temporary classification may be appointed to the sworn classification of Police Officer.

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

*** This recruitment is for academy graduates and lateral officers only. ***

The Dixon Police Department is committed to providing a full range of public safety services to the City of Dixon. The Department is growing with the City and has career opportunities in patrol, investigations, canine, traffic enforcement, tactical operations, and crisis negotiations. The Dixon Police Department is progressive law enforcement agency committed to the core values of service, honesty and integrity, accountability and respect.

$10,000 hiring incentive available, see 'Benefits' section for details.

THE POSITION: The Dixon Police Department is recruiting to fill full-time Police Officer positions at either the Academy Graduate Level or Lateral Level, as well as establish an employment eligibility list for future possible use. The City offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for qualified applicants pursuing a law enforcement career. Dixon Police Officers are responsible for a wide variety of generalist police services. Opportunities for specialization and advancement are also available. The Dixon Police Department operates on a 12-hour shift schedule.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed and screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. The process includes a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, interview, Poly exam, extensive personal background investigation, credit history, pre-employment medical, with drug test, and psychological assessments.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  All appointees are required to complete a field training program and successfully complete an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please check your spam folder to be sure that it will accept emails from CalOpps.  All correspondence is done through this system. Please DO NOT email at any time during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency. 

The Mill Valley Police Department is currently seeking applicants for the position of Police Officer Trainee, a salaried and benefitted, at-will classification which includes a Sponsored Police Academy opportunity. 

A valid (within 1-year) and passing PELLETB T-Score of 42 or higher, as well as a passing score of 320 for the Physical Agility Exam and a maximum run completion time of 14 minutes for the 1.5 mile run is required to move forward in the hiring process. A list of testing sites and dates can be found here: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/

Salary + Benefits*
$5,894/month while a Police Officer Trainee
$8,701/month Step 1 Police Officer 

*Benefit info below. 

Deadline to Apply

Sunday, September 21 @ 10:00PM

Save the Date

If selected for the position, the employee will undergo a full background check, psychological testing, and medical testing. After passing required tests, the employee must commit to attending a 20-week program with the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center. The police academy will be held Monday – Friday and include some nights and weekends. The next academy is January 5 - May 22, 2026. 

Upon graduation, the successful trainee will be transitioned to a Field Training Officer program with the Mill Valley Police Department and promoted to Step 1 Police Officer (probationary) with full benefits. If the employee does not complete and graduate the police academy with a POST academy certificate, they will be released from employment. The applicant may be released at any point they do not pass required testing during the course of the police academy. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Police Officer Trainee position enables an incumbent to attend a local law enforcement academy and earn their POST (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificate of academy completion while enjoying the support and mentorship of our agency, and receiving compensation. Through the academy and certification process, the successful incumbent will become eligible for promotion to Police Officer and immediate transition into MVPD's Field Training Program.

Police Officer Classification - Examples of Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):

•  Patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot.
•  Answer calls for the protection of life & property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws.
• Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions.
• Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary.
• Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses.
• Interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence.
   

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please thoroughly complete your application through CalOpps AND upload a thoughtful Cover Letter and Resume.
2. Upload your valid P.O.S.T. PELLET B Exam, (minimum passing score of T-42 for Entry Level Officer Only). Your valid Physical Agility Exam (minimum passing score of 320) and run completion (maximum time of 14 minutes for 1.5 miles).

*Please note that the Job Description is currently under review, the job definition and duties contained in this announcement are representative of the job and are in substantial conformance to what the finalized description will include.

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

**NEW** Vacation Accrual/Advancement: Newly hired Enhanced Lateral Police Officers may, at the discretion of the City Manager and based on justification provided by the appointing department, receive a one-time advancement of up to 40 hours of vacation leave.

*$98,372.09 - $131,828.00 Advertised salary range does not include 20% of Incentive Pay. Employees may be eligible for incentive pay as follows:

-Education Incentive Pay up to 10% described below:

• POST Intermediate Certificate: 2.5% of base salary

           And/or

• POST Advanced Certificate: 2.5% of base salary

           And/or

• Completion of 60 college semester units or AA/AS degree: 2.5% of base salary

            And/or

• Completion of 120 college semester units or BA/BS degree: 2.5% of base salary

-Bilingual Pay: 5% of base salary

-Officer in Charge/Field Training Officer/Investigator/School Resource Officer: 5% of base salary

Total estimated potential incentive pay: 20%

Base Salary range with all incentives: $118,046.50 - $158,193.60

Additional Incentive Pay:

Uniform Allowance: $1,200 per Fiscal Year

The Dixon Police Department is committed to providing a full range of public safety services to the City of Dixon. The Department is growing with the City and has career opportunities in patrol, investigations, canine, traffic enforcement, tactical operations, and crisis negotiations. The Dixon Police Department is progressive law enforcement agency committed to the core values of service, honesty and integrity, accountability and respect. The City offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for qualified applicants pursuing a law enforcement career. Dixon Police Officers are responsible for a wide variety of generalist police services. Opportunities for specialization and advancement are also available. The Dixon Police Department operates on a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.

$30,000 hiring incentive

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications and supplemental questions will be reviewed and screened, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. The process includes a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, interview, Poly exam, extensive personal background investigation, credit history, pre-employment medical, with drug test, and psychological assessments.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  All appointees are required to complete a field training program and successfully complete an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please check your spam folder to be sure that it will accept emails from CalOpps.  All correspondence is done through this system. Please DO NOT email at any time during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have a interest in law enforcement and public safety? Join our dynamic team as a Community Service Officer and play a vital role in supporting the mission of the Belmont Police Department.  

Why You Should Apply:

• Be a Community Leader: This non-sworn position is your chance to engage with the community, educate the public, and contribute to maintaining safety and order in our city.
   
• Diverse Responsibilities: Whether you’re patrolling city streets, assisting in traffic control, or providing crucial support to our officers, each day offers new challenges and opportunities to learn.
   
• Impactful Work: You’ll directly contribute to public safety, from enforcing parking ordinances to helping with non-injury accident investigations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patrol and Enforcement: Monitor city streets for parking violations, enforce ordinances, and manage vehicle abatement to keep our roads safe and clear.
   
• Traffic and Event Management: Assist in controlling traffic and pedestrians during emergencies or special events, ensuring public safety at all times.
   
• Support and Assistance: Provide essential support to sworn officers, including processing evidence, transporting police vehicles, and assisting with non-criminal calls.
   
• Community Engagement: Respond to public inquiries, give station tours, and conduct presentations at local schools, fostering a positive relationship between the police and the community.

Qualifications We’re Looking For:

• Effective Communication: You can clearly and effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, with a wide range of individuals.
   
• Learning Agility: You have a willingness to learn law enforcement principles, department protocols, and the city’s geography.
   
• Team Player: You excel at building strong working relationships and thrive in a team-oriented environment.
   
• Experience and Education: One year of police support experience is preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and an AA/AS degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field is a plus.

Why Work With the Belmont Police Department?

• Meaningful Work: Be a part of a dedicated team that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community.
   
• Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience and knowledge in the field of law enforcement.
   
• Community Impact: Engage with citizens, address community issues, and help make our city a better place to live.

Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation and pre-employment physical .

Join our team and take the first step towards a rewarding career in public service. 

Now Hiring Under DPOA's New MOU -- Competitive Pay, Exceptional Benefits!

The Dixon Police Department is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Police Sergeant to protect and serve our growing community. This position will remain open until filled, so we encourage Police Officers interested in expanding their leadership and development experience to apply immediately for this exciting promotional opportunity.

***Relocation Incentive Program for eligible candidates - Up to $10,000***

***Hiring Bonus: $30,000***

***Salary can include an additional 20% of incentive pay increasing the salary range to $143,096.12 - $191,762.49***

THE POSITION: As potential Police Sergeants, candidates in these roles will shoulder significant responsibility overseeing law enforcement and patrol duties during designated shifts. Responsibilities extend beyond field supervision, including the enforcement of departmental rules, fostering discipline, resolving subordinate issues, and conducting team performance evaluations. This role requires collaboration with armed personnel, possibly in uniform or plain clothes, requiring a balance of field and office tasks. Regular public engagement, often in high-stress situations, is a key element, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience. Adaptability to rotational scheduling and a variety of role assignments underlines the need for flexibility and versatility.

SELECTION PROCESS:  Apply immediately and include all required documents at the time application is submitted.  Applications will be reviewed and screened within the week of submission.

Applications accepted will be prompted to complete their Personal History Statement (PHS) in Guardian.

EXAM PROCESS:  A limited number of candidates whose applications indicate that they, among those competing, are better qualified in terms of related education, training and experience will be invited to participate in the following assessment activities.

Written Test - (pass/fail).

Oral Interview - Tentatively scheduled after passing the written test.

Failure of any component during the exam process eliminates the candidate from further selection processing.

EMPLOYMENT PROCESSING:  Selected candidates will be required to successfully complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, personal background investigation, pre-employment medical, and drug test, an 18-month probationary period, and in accordance with Federal law, are to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States.

START DATE:  Upon decision of Police Chief.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS will be applied. A copy of the DD214 form must be filed at the time of application.

The City of Dixon is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Reasonable Accommodation in the application, examination and selection process will be made upon request by calling 707-678-7000. 

Please do not reply to any emails from CalOpps during this process as this correspondence does not come back to our agency.

POLICE OFFICER - Academy Graduate - $8,419 to $11,416 per month (up to $13,128 with incentives)

The City of Pleasant Hill is currently seeking applicants for Police Officer Academy Graduate. We offer excellent pay, benefits, opportunities for promotion, as well as the opportunity to serve a great community that values the services we provide.

Police Officers can serve in patrol, traffic, investigations, and K-9 assignments. Other collateral opportunities include instructor positions (Firearms and Force Options Team), Regional SWAT, Mobile Field Force, 10851 Task Force, CSI, Regional Major Accident Investigation Team, Driving Team with firearms and force options team, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), FBI Safe Streets Task Force, SET Team, Drone Team, Social Media Team, Community Resource Officer, School Resource Officer, and Field Training Officers. Specialty assignments may add an additional 5% pay. 

Officers work 12-hour shifts as part of a team concept. Shift schedules include 4-10 and 3-12, which may be changed periodically as job assignments may be rotated among patrol, traffic, and criminal investigation.  Night shifts include 5% additional pay. 

 

EDUCATION:

Academy Graduates (no sworn experience) - High school diploma and a minimum of 45 units of college-level course work, in addition to graduation from a P.O.S.T. basic academy.

Academy Graduate candidates with an honorable discharge may be credited with up to 15 semester units for a minimum of 3 years of active duty in the U.S. Armed Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard).

 

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

To apply, please complete an application and supplemental questionnaire online at governmentjobs.com Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Apply early as recruitment may close at any time. Initial screening of applicants will be based on quality of experience, education and training. 

The most qualified applicants, as evidenced by their application, will be invited for an oral board interview, which is weighted 100%.  To be placed on an eligibility list, an applicant must receive a passing score of 70 or more from each panel member.

A thorough background check, as well as a physical, including a drug screen, psychological evaluation, and polygraph exam will be conducted on the top candidates prior to appointment consideration.  Failure to achieve a qualifying score on any portion of the examination process will eliminate a candidate from further consideration.

All applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment and meet the physical requirements set in the California P.O.S.T. screening manual.

For more information contact Sgt. Kevin Tillman at (925) 288-4644, ktillman@pleasanthillpd.org.

 

ATTENTION SELF-SPONSORED P.O.S.T. CERTIFIED POLICE ACADEMY RECRUITS!

The City of Sebastopol is now accepting applications for the position of

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

PAY: $34.13 Hourly

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is looking for a respectful, compassionate, empathetic Police Officer Trainee. The selected candidate must be currently enrolled or enrolled at a future date as a self-sponsored recruit in a certified Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (P.O.S.T.) Police Academy. The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, training-level classification requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The incumbent performs a variety of entry-level police support duties in a learning capacity. The selected candidate will assist and observe Police Officers and civilian police personnel.

The successful candidate will attend the Police Academy to obtain a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate of Completion, and perform related work which may require public contact but not the enforcement of laws. Police Officer Trainees attend a POST certified Police Academy, which follows a standardized curriculum in order to provide them with basic training in various aspects of policing, many of which are prescribed by law and/or statute.

The Police Academy training is designed to provide the candidate the necessary skillsets to prepare them for consideration for promotion to a probationary Police Officer position within the City and begin the Sebastopol Police Department’s Field Training Officer program. Attendance and successful completion of a Police Academy is a legal requirement to be hired as a Police Officer within the State of California and is a requirement for a City of Sebastopol Police Officer Trainee to be considered for promotion to probationary Police Officer with the City of Sebastopol.

The selected self-sponsored academy candidates will receive a conditional offer upon a qualified application and full hourly pay while attending the police academy. 

The City will hire at the Police Officer Trainee or Police Officer rank, depending on the qualifications held by the pool of qualified applicants. Please see our concurrent Police Officer recruitment for more information.

The Police Officer Trainee will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.