Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service)

Arcadia, CA Police; Arcadia (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement plan

City-paid vision plan

City-paid life insurance policy

Monthly benefit allowance

Job summary

A local law enforcement agency in Arcadia, California, is seeking non-sworn trainees for their Police Officer recruitment program. Candidates will participate in P.O.S.T. certified training while undergoing background checks and evaluations. Ideal applicants should be a minimum of 20 years old, possess a high school diploma, and be legally authorized to work in the US. This role offers valuable insight into law enforcement and community service, requiring strong communication skills and good moral character.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working with the public.
• Must be 20 years at application and 21 by academy graduation.
• Legally authorized to work in the US under federal law.

Responsibilities

• Attend a basic P.O.S.T. certified academy covering police procedures.
• Perform duties assigned by department leadership.
• May be assigned to non-sworn police work during training.

Skills

Safe driving principles and practices

Operate modern office and computer equipment

Operate a motor vehicle safely

Good judgment and flexibility

Communication skills

Education

Completion of twelfth grade

Tools

Motor vehicle

Job description

ABOUT US

At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization. We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in expanding your career as a member of Law Enforcement, we welcome and encourage your application. Explore the wide array of special assignments and career opportunities that our premier organization has to offer.

WHAT WE OFFER

• CalPERS retirement plan
• City-paid vision plan
• City-paid life insurance policy
• Monthly benefit allowance:
  • $620 Employee only
  • $700 Employee + 1
  • $900 Family Plan

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Apply Online: Submit a detailed, thorough application.
• Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%): Candidates must obtain a passing score of 70% or above to be assigned to the eligibility list.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Chief’s Interview: The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff interview candidates to determine readiness to join the department.
• Background Check: An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure candidates meet high standards.
• Psychological Examination: Candidates who pass the background process undergo a psychological exam to evaluate their ability to handle the stresses of law enforcement.
• Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the psychological exam undergo a medical evaluation to assess ability to perform essential duties.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Law Enforcement Recruit and Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre‑Service) are non-sworn trainee classifications designed for the purpose of employing Police Officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial enrollment of a P.O.S.T. certified police academy. An individual remains in the recruitment classification during pre‑academy, academy, and any subsequent public‑service training. Upon successful completion of the academy, background investigation, and all P.O.S.T. requirements, the recruit becomes eligible for advancement to Police Officer. Those who do not complete these requirements are terminated from the recruitment classification.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre‑Service) is a non-sworn, part‑time classification intended for candidates currently attending or who have recently completed a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy. The position may be assigned to non-sworn police work on occasion. With approval of the Police Chief, successful completion of all required training and background investigation can lead to swearing-in as a full-time probationary Police Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises no supervision.

RESISTANCE AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Attends a basic P.O.S.T. certified academy covering criminal justice system basics, including laws, police procedures, and emergency response. May be assigned to non-sworn police work during academy or background investigation. Performs duties and responsibilities assigned by department leadership.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of: Safe driving principles and practices.
• Skill to:
  • Operate modern office and computer equipment.
  • Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Ability to:
  • Successfully complete a P.O.S.T. certified police academy.
  • Understand functions and objectives of federal, state, and local law‑enforcement agencies.
  • Apply basic principles of criminal law and community policing.
  • Execute patrol, apprehension, arrest, search, seizure, traffic control, and investigative procedures.
  • Conduct interviews and interrogation techniques.
  • Interpret and apply local policies and procedures.
  • Gather, analyze, and evaluate evidence.
  • Maintain accurate and concise reports.
  • Analyze situations quickly, determine appropriate actions, and act swiftly and calmly in emergencies.
  • Communicate clearly, orally and in writing, and foster positive working relationships.
  • Meet physical requirements necessary to safely perform duties.
  • Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: One year of experience working with the public.

Education: Completion of twelfth grade. Additional education is desirable.

Minimum Age: Must be 20 years of age at time of submitting application; must reach 21 by graduation from the academy or upon hiring as a sworn Police Officer.

Medical Standards: Applicants must be in good physical condition per a P.O.S.T. medical examination, meeting hearing, vision, and general fitness guidelines. Continued physical fitness is required during employment. Candidates must also pass a background investigation, polygraph, and psychological examination.

Other: Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Must possess good moral character; no felony convictions or serious misdemeanors. If hired, must sign agreement to refrain from smoking or tobacco use.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Current enrollment in a P.O.S.T. certified police academy or successful completion within the last 12 months.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 100 lbs. Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confined spaces, chemicals, explosives, mechanical and electrical hazards. Ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on‑call, and stand-by.

APPLICATION

A fully completed online application is required. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed, or hard‑copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online application. All certificates, cover letters, and other documents must be uploaded with your application.

EEO STATEMENT

Arcadia Police Department is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with Gov. Code § 1031. Personnel and applicants are evaluated and hired solely on the basis of their qualifications and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.