Location
Description
Definition
To attend a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved Police Basic Recruit Academy and successfully complete the academic and physical training required for appointment to the classification of Police Officer.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is a trainee level classification which provides transition into the position of Police Officer. Police Officer Trainees are hired into this civilian position for the period prior and during the time they are assigned to a POST certified police academy. Upon successful completion of training at an academy and upon the availability of a Police Officer Recruit II position, Police Officer Trainees are sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer Recruit II.
Supervision Received
Receives close supervision and evaluation on a daily basis by academy staff. Limited supervision by department training supervisor and/or manager during regular academy visits.
Essential Job Functions
Ability to:
- Successfully complete all academy requirements.
- Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
- Make rapid, sound independent judgements within legal and procedural guidelines.
- Remaining calm and have the ability to control own emotions in tense situations.
- Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports and other written material.
- Understand and following oral and written direction, to include interpreting and applying complex laws, procedures and policies.
- Be able to utilize both written and oral communication.
- Become proficient in self-defense techniques.
- Become proficient in the care and use of firearms.
- Become proficient in basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
- Deal courteously and effectively with people of all diverse, cultural, and socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations.
- Learn the principles, practices, procedures, laws and ordinances, terminology and operation of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.
Ideal Candidate
License, Qualifications, and Other Requirements
- Must obtain POST “T-Score” of 48 points or higher (mandatory to apply) or NTN as an option
- WSTB is mandatory to apply
- Must possess a valid C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.
- Must possess the equivalent of a high school diploma.
- Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college is desired.
- Must complete academy physical conditioning requirements.
- Must be free of any felony convictions.
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
- Must meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards.
- Vision 20/30 corrected visual acuity (both eyes) or 20/80 uncorrected visual acuity (both eyes) for those wearing spectacles or hard contact lenses.
In accordance with Government Code Section 1031, effective January 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. There are no specific citizenship requirements.
Documentation Requirements
California Government Code Section 1031(h) limits employment authorization documents to those consistent with Section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: work in a standard office environment and use standard office equipment and current software; to work in a field environment in various weather conditions; grasp, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer keyboard and mouse/trackball; sit for prolonged periods of time; walk, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, stoop, run and safely lift and move equipment and material weighing up to 45 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and to small or large groups and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical, and complex documents, interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner; and safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County to fulfill assigned duties.
Essential duties/functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Probation
Police Officer Trainees are considered at-will employees. Police officer probationary status begins when the trainee is sworn in as a Police Officer Recruit II after completion of the police academy.
Benefits
Medical/Dental/Vision: The City provides up to $2,125/month to purchase medical, dental and vision benefits. A retiree medical benefit is provided after 15 years of service (see POA MOU for details on benefits).
Retirement: Through CalPERS, employee will be responsible for 7% of the CalPERS retirement plan. After completion of the academy the CalPERS Retirement Benefit will be either 3% @ 55(Classic Employees) or the new 2.7% @ 57(New Employees) formula is dependent on the individual’s eligibility, as per AB 340. The City does not participate in Social Security therefore there are no Social Security tax deductions (except 1.45% Medicare).
Deferred Compensation Plan: A 457b Deferred Comp Plan and a ROTH IRA plan are available on a voluntary basis.
Sick Leave: Employees shall accrue 3.69 hours of per pay period with no limit on accumulation.
Holidays: 79 Paid Holiday hours and 47 Holiday hours placed in a Holiday Time Bank.
Life Insurance and AD&D: $100,000 coverage for both Life Insurance and AD&D; both are employer paid. Additional voluntary supplemental life insurance is available.
Disability Insurance: Long-Term Disability insurance is provided and paid by the City.
Special Instructions
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Application and resume should be completed on-line via the CalOpps website.
You must attach the following test results as part of your application:
- P.O.S.T. PELLET-B “T-Score” with a minimum acceptable score of 48 or NTN minimum scores as follows: 70% Reading, 70% Writing and 65% Video. Test results must be dated within one year of application.
- Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) Physical Agility Test with a minimum acceptable score of 320 and a passing 1.5 mile run time (14 minutes or less). Test scores must be dated within one year of application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Application and resume will be reviewed and evaluated using, in part, the criteria contained in this posting.
The selection process may consist of one or more of the following components: a written exam, an oral interview, and medical exam.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process and notified by e-mail. Successful candidates’ names will be placed on an employment eligibility list. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a minimum of one year from the date the list is established. Additional vacancies that occur for this classification may be hired from the list.
The City of Union City provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, upon request. Please contact the Human Resources Department (hr@unioncity.org) if you will need reasonable accommodation for any aspect of the selection process.
The City of Union City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.