Police Cadet

City of El Segundo; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of El Segundo's Police Cadet Program offers high school students and college entrants an internship within the municipal police department. Cadets perform clerical and entry-level support tasks under supervision while exploring a career in law enforcement.

Cadets work about 19 hours per week, must maintain at least 12 college units, and be enrolled during the program; eligibility includes a California driver license and a grade C average or higher.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; enrolled in at least 12 college units.
• Interest in a law enforcement career; ongoing enrollment required.
• Ability to follow directions and work under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Copies and shreds documents.
• Receives, sorts and distributes incoming and outgoing mail.
• Files and retrieves documents and records.
• Interacts with the public and provides information about Department procedures or services.
• Prepares routine reports and forms.
• Orders supplies as directed.
• Directs traffic and provides related assistance at traffic or accident scenes.
• Identifies violations of parking laws and issues citations.
• Cleans and washes police vehicles.
• Performs minor maintenance at the police station as directed.

Skills

Oral & written directions

Record keeping & reports

Interpersonal with public

Office equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma/Equivalency

Some college coursework

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

ABOUT THE POLICE CADET PROGRAM:

The Police Cadet position is aimed at individuals considering a career in law enforcement. Participants in the Cadet Program gain exposure to, and an understanding of, police work performed in a municipal police department. Police Cadets serve as non-sworn police auxiliary personnel and perform various clerical and beginning level technical support police work under general supervision as part of an intern/apprentice program. As the Police Cadet program is designed as a career preparation internship, concurrent enrollment in equivalent to a minimum of 12 semester units at a community college or university is required (Police Cadet applicants and employees are required to maintain a grade "C" average or higher). The Police Department is currently recruiting for part-time, non-benefited, at-will position exempt from the classified service. This position will work an average of 19 hours per week.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:

This recruitment process is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application, standards of the Police Cadet program, and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process. Candidates selected following the interviews will move on to the background step of the selection process. All employment offers are conditional and based on candidate's successful completion of a criminal records check, polygraph exam, extensive personal background investigation, final interview with the Police Chief or designee, and a City paid medical evaluation (includes drug and alcohol screen).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:

• Copies and shreds documents;
• Receives, sorts and distributes incoming and outgoing mail;
• Files and retrieves documents and records;
• Interacts with the public and provides factual information about Department procedures or services;
• Prepares routine reports and forms;
• Orders supplies as directed;
• Directs traffic and provides related assistance at traffic or accident scenes;
• Identifies violations of parking laws and issues citations;
• Tags abandoned vehicles for impound;
• Assists staff in performing day-to-day tasks;
• Participates in and provides support to special projects and events;
• Cleans and/or washes police vehicles; and
• Performs minor maintenance at the police station, including changing light bulbs, emptying trash, etc. as directed.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic office practices and related equipment operation.

SKILL IN:

• Understanding and following oral and written directions;
• Understanding and applying City and Department rules, regulations, policies, procedures and laws;
• Operating various types of office equipment;
• Maintaining records and preparing various forms and reports; and
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other City employees and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have any combination of education or experience equivalent to a High School Diploma, some college coursework, and a demonstrated interest in a law enforcement career. Must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 college semester units. Incumbents must maintain a course load of at least 12 college semester units/quarter system equivalent, and maintain a grade "C" average or higher.

LICENSING/ CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Class C Driver License

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work may be performed primarily in a field setting under a full range of environmental conditions and/or in a traditional office setting. Cadets may work with and/or in close proximity to chemicals, blood products, and various controlled substances. Irregular work assignments, and work on holidays/evenings may be required. Occasional exposure to weather conditions.