Academy Enrolled/Self Sponsored Police Recruit

City of Fountain Valley, CA; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Valley Police Department seeks motivated officers starting from the academy. You will progress through a structured selection process, meet POST requirements, and join a department that emphasizes community service, leadership, and work-life balance.

Enjoy a robust benefits package and opportunities for specialization, mentorship, and career growth within a visible leadership structure. Apply now to contribute to a trusted public safety team.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a California POST Basic Police Recruit Academy.
• Provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application.
• Maintain satisfactory academic and physical training evaluations by your academy staff.
• Must graduate from the academy prior to your official appointment date.
• High School graduation or GED (Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable).
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver’s license by appointment.
• Able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• The selection process includes an application review, oral interview, extensive background investigation, polygraph, and medical examination after a conditional job offer.

Skills

Physical fitness

Interpersonal communication

Legal eligibility to work in the US

Education

High School diploma or GED

Currently enrolled in CA POST Basic Police Recruit Academy

Valid CA driver’s license

Job description

The Fountain Valley Advantage

At the Fountain Valley Police Department, you are a valued professional, never an anonymous badge number. We operate a premier, mid-sized agency in the heart of Orange County where high performers enjoy an accelerated career track, visible leadership opportunities, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance.

Fountain Valley Police Department

The City of Fountain Valley is a vibrant, thriving community of approximately 60,000 residents. Located just 7 miles from the Pacific Coast and within 15 miles of major Southern California attractions like Disneyland, our city offers an exceptional environment for a rich work-life balance. From iconic community traditions like Summerfest to our Concerts in the Park, our officers actively work alongside residents to maintain a safe, welcoming, and connected city.

Our Mission

• Courage: To protect life and property throughout our community.
• Duty: To deliver the highest tier of public service in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner.
• Commitment: To maintain a proactive leadership role in public safety, preserving the community trust every single day.

Why Join Fountain Valley Police Department?

Hiring Incentive Bonus

We offer a 5,000 dollar hiring incentive bonus for Police Officer Academy Graduates. This is paid in two equal installments: 2,500 dollars at the time of hire and 2,500 dollars upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Competitive Compensation and Stability

Build a stable, rewarding career with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. Please see the Benefits tab for full details regarding our total compensation package.

Specialized Assignments

Expand your expertise through diverse assignments, including General Detectives, Special Investigations Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic and Motorcycle units, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics, via West County), Drone Operator, and K9 units.

Special Compensation Opportunities

Officers may qualify for additional special compensation based on specific criteria outlined in the POA MOU:

• POST Certification Pay: 5 percent for Intermediate, 12 percent of base salary for Advanced
• Physical Fitness and Wellness Pay: 495 dollars per month
• Special Assignment Pay: Eligible for K9, Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, and SWAT roles
• Bilingual Premium: Up to 200 dollars per month depending on qualification level
• Community-Focused Policing: Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Officers are encouraged to build relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively.
• Opportunities to Grow: From specialty assignments to training and professional development, we support career growth and recognize initiative.
• Accessible Leadership: Our command staff is visible, approachable, and invested in your success.

Community-Focused Policing

Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Our officers are encouraged to build lasting relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively with residents.

Opportunities for Advancement

From specialized assignments to advanced training and professional development, we actively support your long-term career goals and reward initiative.

Accessible Leadership

Our command staff is visible, approachable, and deeply invested in your individual success.

Start Your Career Strong

We ensure a seamless transition from the academy to the streets by providing:

• A supportive and structured Field Training Program
• Dedicated mentorship from experienced officers
• Early opportunities to build confidence, competence, and field expertise

Ready to Make a Difference? If you are looking for a department where integrity, teamwork, and community come first, apply today to discover what makes the Fountain Valley Police Department the right choice for your future.

Academy Status & Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy.
• Provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application.
• Maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by your academy staff.
• Must graduate from the academy prior to your official appointment date.

General Guidelines:

• High School graduation or GED (Associate or Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable).
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license by the time of appointment.
• Able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Special Requirements (Pursuant to California POST)

• Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law
• At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Candidates must have normal hearing acuity. Refer to POST Hearing Guidelines.
• Candidates must have a vision of 20/70 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, and normal color vision. Refer to POST Vision Guidelines.
• Candidates must have height and weight in accordance with age, sex, and frame.
• Police Officers must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends as assigned.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of the following:

• Application Review (including successful submission of required documentation)
• Oral interview
• Extensive background investigation including credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting)
• Polygraph examination
• Medical examination after a conditional job offer is given (including a psychological evaluation and drug screen)

Re-application

Candidates who failed any component of the City of Fountain Valley's selection process for Police Recruit or Police Officer will not be eligible to re-apply for another selection process until six months have passed since the date they were disqualified from the selection process.

EEO / ADA Statement

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.

Important Selection Information:

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: Background Investigation, reference checks, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), post-offer drug test, and pre-employment medical examination.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO [e-mail]

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.