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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.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Police Officer ~ Lateral Transfer, Academy Graduate, and Academy Attendee with the City of Pacifica.

THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT.

This job posting is for lateral transfer, academy graduate, and academy attendee only and NOT for entry-level applicants.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN.

At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it’s about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.

The Pacifica Police Department is responsible for all functions related to law enforcement and crime prevention and is made up of several divisions that carry out specialized duties to help the department perform as a cohesive whole. Those divisions are Field Services, Investigations, Communications and Records. The City of Pacifica Police Officers operate at the heart of the community, ensuring the safety of those who work, live, and visit the City. Staff includes thirty-seven (37) full-time positions and (4) part-time support positions.

Together, they come together to carry out the Police Department mission …"to protect and serve the members of our community with the highest level of commitment, ethics and professionalism.” 

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to promote community order, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to maintain order, to enforce laws, ordinances, and constitutional mandates, to do investigative work in detection of crime, to perform public service tasks, while working varying hours and shifts, and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry level, sworn position serving the city of Pacifica maintaining and fostering high ethical, and professional standards within the police department and throughout the community.

Responsible for protecting life and property while enforcing the California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code and Pacifica Municipal Codes

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXECUTED

Receive general supervision from the Police Sergeant, Police Corporal, Police Captain and/or the Chief of Police.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDING BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Protect life and property through patrolling assigned areas.
• To maintain law and order.
• Answer calls for service from citizens regarding criminal activity and other matters relating to the safety of the community.
• Investigate crimes through contact with victims, suspects, and witnesses collecting, processing, and storing evidence.
• Monitor traffic to prevent accidents.  Enforces Vehicle Code laws and promotes traffic movement throughout the city.
• Investigate traffic accidents.
• Issues citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Give assistance to the injured.
• Make arrests.
• Issue citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Guard prisoners.
• Question suspects.
• Note and report unsafe conditions.
• Prepare evidence and appear in court.
• Search for stolen property and lost persons.
• Give information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, directions, and available public services.
• Document activities with complete, clear, and concise written reports and correspondence.
• Interact with social agencies, schools, families and juveniles regarding juvenile matters.
• Assist citizens, give directions, and promote community relations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, employees, and the public.
• Maintain assigned equipment.
• Protect the life, property, public order, and constitutional rights of all community members.
• Adhere to the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Code of Ethics.
• Maintain a level of physical fitness which meets job requirements.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
 

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of law enforcement services and program administration.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Criminal law as it relates to the apprehension, arrest, and prosecution of law violators and the collection of evidence.
• City of Pacifica streets, neighborhoods, and municipal code.
• Departmental policies and procedures
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.
• Use of firearms and other modern police equipment and communications and information systems related to law enforcement.

Skill/Ability to

• Analyze and prioritize situations and adopt effective courses of action while giving due regard to protocols, procedures, surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• Interpret and apply city policies, procedures, rules and regulations and police department general orders.  
• Establish and maintain effective community relations on both an individual and group basis.
• To read, comprehend, explain, and apply complex issues of law derived from a variety of sources to include code books, computer screens, and other printed material.
• Drive a motor vehicle under emergency conditions and to hear verbal communications at normal speaking tones via radio and telephone and verbalize succinctly prepare and write accurate and factual reports.
• Qualify in the use of firearms and defense tactics on a periodic basis.
• Remain current and meet all post guidelines.
• Write accurate, clear, concise, factual reports.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with other employees, supervisors, public officials and employees of other non-police organizations and agencies, as well as the public to be served.
• Meet and maintain POST standards.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

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
 

Training: High school graduate or equivalent qualification, and 30 semester units from an accredited college or university desired (not required)
 

Certification: Must pass a comprehensive physical examination, meeting the standards established by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (POST)
 

License: Possession and maintenance of a California Class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
 

Minimum requirements for lateral entry officers:

• Must meet all minimum requirements for entry level officer with the exception of written and agility examination requirements.
• Must possess a POST Basic Certificate.
• A minimum of one-year satisfactory past police patrol experience within the past three years.
• Must have no record of felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions that could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Vision and hearing capabilities consistent with guidelines by POST and/or the City.
• Must be of good moral character to be determined by a thorough background investigation, which will be conducted under POST guidelines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Skills

Vision adequate to operate vehicles and equipment, read instructions and follow directions, read maps and small print, detect subtle shades of color; hearing adequate to distinguish mechanical noises, converse on radio, telephone and in person at distances of up to 50 feet, and detect unusual sounds; voice volume and speech clarity to command during an emergency; body mobility adequate to operate emergency equipment and perform required duties; stamina to perform administrative functions and to meet physical and mental demands during an emergency; use of hands and fingers adequate for operation of special equipment and weapons, writing, typing and computer related functions; ability to lift heavy equipment, as needed in emergency conditions.

Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation; bend, squat and kneel during inspection of crime scene or conducting building searches; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while making arrests; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; run and walk; use telephone, and communicate through written means; continuously wear utility belt and other police equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently carry weight of 100 pounds or less.

Continue your journey in law enforcement with the Mountain View Police Department
to make a meaningful impact in our diverse, engaged community.

We’re looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals who share our commitment to Community Policing—creating strong, lasting relationships, building trust, and working proactively with residents and businesses to address community needs. Our officers embody this approach by prioritizing safety, engaging collaboratively with the public, and delivering results that enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

Upon hire, lateral Police Officers will enter the department’s field training program. The duration of this program may be adjusted based on each officer’s prior experience and performance. We encourage interested applicants to explore more about our department on our website and review the full job description here.

Submit your resume, application and California Basic POST Certificate online at GovermentJobs.com or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650)903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will be open on a continuous basis with a first review date of  Friday, August 1, 2025. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.

*BONUS OPPORTUNITY
The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments; $2,500 in your first paycheck and $2,500 following successful completion of the probationary period. 

Fine Print. 
Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Candidates on the eligibility list must successfully pass a medical exam, psychological screening and an extensive background investigation conducted under POST guidelines, including a polygraph and a DOJ and FBI fingerprint check, prior to employment.  A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Division upon submittal of application. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for law enforcement agencies. 

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The Officers are generalists who typically handle cases from the first response, through investigation, and onto final disposition. In addition, Officers frequently assist the Chief of Police with administrative duties and consult closely with him in the formulation of Departmental policies, procedures, and tactics. The Department is well-equipped and well-trained. The Reserve Officer is assigned to one of four patrol shifts or other duties as assigned. Officers frequently work alone and may be required to make decisions regarding appropriate courses of action without direct supervision. The Department is committed to providing a high level of training to those Officers who desire to increase their level of proficiency.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT, CLICK JOB URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

Upon successful completion of POST Academy, the position becomes a full-time probationary Police Officer position. 

We are looking for exceptional individuals to join our team. Individuals who are committed to working with their community in total partnership as we work together to improve the quality of life for everyone who works, lives, and plays in our county. We are a diversified Police Department that fully embraces the philosophy of community-oriented policing and merges that with our primary focus of creating a safe and secure community. We are a crime-fighting organization focused on rooting out that small group of individuals among us who break the law.

Take a hard look at our organization, if you are truly committed to making a difference in people’s lives and looking to live a life of service within a high-performing agency in a community that loves and respects its police department, consider joining us.

Under direct supervision, the Police Academy Recruit attends a basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified training academy to obtain the basic skills and fitness level necessary for the performance of Police Officer duties.  This position requires a thorough background investigation, psychological assessment, and a medical exam prior to appointment. This is the non-sworn, entry-level classification in the Police Officer series. Incumbents in this classification receive training in a controlled classroom environment.  Advancement to the sworn Police Officer position is based on meeting minimum qualification standards and satisfactory performance in the academy.

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.

THE POSITION

Under close and general supervision, the Public Safety Dispatcher performs a variety of duties involved in receiving, evaluating, prioritizing, and relaying calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance; dispatches appropriate units and coordinates response of emergency personnel; operates a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; performs a wide variety of specialized duties involved in emergency communications; and performs related duties as assigned.

The position receives close or general supervision from the Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor. Exercises no supervision over staff

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, CLICK THE JOB URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

The Auburn Police Department seeks motivated officers with varied law enforcement experience in patrol, crime prevention, traffic, and investigations. We're building a list of quality experienced police officers (lateral) and recent police academy graduates to fill upcoming police officer openings.

Apply now for priority consideration!

Auburn PD

We are dedicated to the community and the citizens of Auburn, making this community a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit. Our officers professionally, positively, and effectively represent the Department.

Staffed by 25 sworn and 11 professional staff, the Department provides police personnel opportunities in patrol services, investigative services, special assignments, dispatch, records and administration.

Our objectives include the preservation of life, property, and the maintenance of public order. We accomplish these objectives through comprehensive crime prevention programs, public education, training, and solemn enforcement with commitment to public safety.

Our Community We Serve

Renowned for its beauty and outstanding quality of life, the City of Auburn is 7.5 square miles and home to an enlightened, diverse, and civic-minded population of approximately 14,070 people. Located at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Highway 49, Auburn is the County Seat of Placer County as well as the home of the California Welcome Center. The city is located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at elevations between 1,000 and 1,500 feet above sea level. Auburn’s location provides the advantage of being above the valley fog and below the Sierra snow line.

Recruitment Process

This recruitment is open to experienced police officers (Lateral) and recent police academy graduates only.

We'll select the most qualified candidates based on their skills and experience, as they match the Department's needs. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. We're building a list to fill upcoming openings, apply now for priority consideration!

• Application Review: The next review of applications will be on April 30, 2025.

• Selection Steps: The process include the following steps, and may include other relevant assessments. The selected candidate must pass the pre-employment process including a background investigation, live scan, physical, and psychological evaluation (may include other related checks).
  • Oral board interview exam
  • Chief’s interview
  • Job offer
  • Pre-employment

Important Information

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodation in this process for candidates with disabilities. Please notify us of any needs at least five days before the selection process by calling (530) 823-4211 ext. 114.

The City of Auburn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information is subject to change and does not create an expressed or implied employment contract.

The City of Woodland Police Department is looking for candidates who possess a current California POST Basic Academy Certificate or are currently enrolled in a California POST basic police academy.  Police Officer positions with the City of Woodland are filled from an eligibility list.  A description of the position, duties, and qualifications is available from the City Human Resources Office or online at www.cityofwoodland.org/employment.

ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Woodland Police Department is staffed with 71 sworn officers, 18 professional employees, and 8 part-time temporary professional employees. Our staffing is expected to expand in size as the City grows. The Department is managed by a Chief of Police, a Deputy Chief, 4 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, and a Police Records Supervisor. The Department has three Bureaus; Patrol, Investigations, and Community Relations. Police Officers are assigned to all Bureaus where they work in various capacities and teams.   Within the Bureaus are many specialty units including K-9, Traffic/Motors, School Resource Officers, Gang Task Force, Detectives, and Homeless Outreach Street Team.  There are a number of collateral duties available to officers including SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard, Arrest & Control Instructors, Firearms Instructors, Gang Resistance Education, and Training (G.R.E.A.T) instructors, Social Media Team, Recruitment, and Bicycle Patrol. The Woodland Police Department prides itself on being a service-orientated agency using a Community Oriented Policing model and Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) strategy. The Woodland Police Department welcomes and practices constant community engagement, outreach, and activism. The City's Police Activities League (PAL) was formed and is led by Woodland Police personnel who place an emphasis on providing accessible and healthy activities for the city's youth.

ABOUT THE CITY

Woodland is a city of approximately 60,000 residents. Incorporated in 1871, Woodland is conveniently located on I-5 just 12 miles northwest of Sacramento and 9 miles north of U.C. Davis. Woodland’s primary business is agriculture and light industrial, including distribution centers for Target, True Value, Payless, and Walgreens. Woodland has a community college, 2 senior high schools, 2 junior high schools, and 12 elementary schools in the public school district, supplemented by 5 private schools, grades K through 12. The area offers various recreation possibilities: water skiing and boating on the Sacramento River, Lake Berryessa, and Lake Folsom; skiing in the Sierras, hunting, and fishing; five golf courses; and many other youth and adult-oriented recreations.

The City of Woodland Police Department is looking for lateral officer candidates who are currently employed as a California peace officer, have two years of experience and possess a California POST Basic Certificate or are have formerly been employed as a California peace officer, possess a California POST Basic Certificate and have not had more than a three-year break in service as a California Peace Officer. Police Officer positions with the City of Woodland are filled from an eligibility list.  A description of the position, duties, and qualifications is available from the City Human Resources Office or online at www.cityofwoodland.org/employment.

ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Woodland Police Department is staffed with 72 sworn officers, 18 professional employees, and 8 part-time temporary professional employees. Our staffing is expected to expand in size as the City grows. The Department is managed by a Chief of Police, a Deputy Chief, 3 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, and a Police Records Supervisor. The Department has three Bureaus; Patrol, Investigations, and Community Relations. Police Officers are assigned to all Bureaus where they work in various capacities and teams.   Within the Bureaus are many specialty units including K-9, Traffic/Motors, School Resource Officers, Gang Task Force, Detectives, and Homeless Outreach Street Team.  There are a number of collateral duties available to officers including SWAT, Crisis Negotiations Team, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard, Arrest & Control Instructors, Firearms Instructors, Gang Resistance Education, and Training (G.R.E.A.T) instructors, Social Media Team, Recruitment, and Bicycle Patrol. The Woodland Police Department prides itself on being a service-orientated agency using a Community Oriented Policing model and Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) strategy. The Woodland Police Department welcomes and practices constant community engagement, outreach, and activism. The City's Police Activities League (PAL) was formed and is led by Woodland Police personnel who place an emphasis on providing accessible and healthy activities for the city's youth.

ABOUT THE CITY

Woodland is a city of approximately 60,000 residents. Incorporated in 1871, Woodland is conveniently located on I-5 just 12 miles northwest of Sacramento and 9 miles north of U.C. Davis. Woodland’s primary business is agriculture and light industrial, including distribution centers for Target, True Value, Payless, and Walgreens. Woodland has a community college, 2 senior high schools, 2 junior high schools, and 12 elementary schools in the public school district, supplemented by 5 private schools, grades K through 12. The area offers various recreation possibilities: water skiing and boating on the Sacramento River, Lake Berryessa, and Lake Folsom; skiing in the Sierras, hunting, and fishing; five golf courses; and many other youth and adult-oriented recreations.