Academy Enrolled/Self Sponsored Police Recruit

Fountain Valley Police Department; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive: $5,000

Physical Fitness & Wellness pay: $495/

Bilingual premium: up to $200/month

Special assignments: K9, SWAT, SRO, FT

Career growth & development

Job summary

The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively recruiting candidates enrolled in a POST certified Basic Police Recruit Academy. This open, continuous recruitment welcomes motivated individuals ready to excel within a supportive, forward‑thinking agency in Orange County.

We offer a clear career track, accessible leadership, and a robust benefits package with opportunities for specialized assignments and growth, including K9, SWAT, and SRO paths.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a California POST approved Basic Police Recruit Academy.
• Provide formal verification of academy written and physical agility entrance scores with your application.
• Maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff.

Responsibilities

• Engage in community‑oriented policing and uphold the department's public safety mission.
• Participate in a structured Field Training Program and gain field experience.
• Pursue specialized assignments (e.g., SRO, detectives, SWAT, K9, drone operator) and potential promotions.

Job description

The Fountain Valley Advantage

This recruitment is open to candidates who are currently enrolled in a POST certified Police Academy.

This recruitment is conducted on a continuous basis to meet the needs of the City as vacancies occur and may close at any time.

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.

The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively recruiting highly motivated self-sponsored academy recruits who are community-oriented, disciplined, and ready to excel within a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

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

• 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.
• 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. Officers are encouraged to build lasting relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively.

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

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

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