Police Officer (Lateral & Academy Graduate)

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

Benefits offered by this job

5% salary increase after 7/1/26

Educational incentive pay

Certificate pay

Longevity pay

Bilingual pay

EAP

Job summary

City of Claremont is seeking Lateral and Academy Graduate Police Officers to uphold law and protect life and property. The department values strong ethics, public service, and community engagement.

The role offers diverse patrol assignments, field training, and opportunities to join specialized units. Minimum education includes high school completion, POST standards, and an Academy Graduate designation. Benefits and schedules support continuity and career growth.

Qualifications

• Requires completion of High School or GED and meeting POST minimum standards.
• Associates degree is desirable but not required for all applicants.
• POST course completion or Academy Graduate status required for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city, respond to incidents, and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Make arrests, interview victims and witnesses, and document findings.
• Prepare reports on incidents, traffic violations, and follow-up investigations.
• Direct traffic at events and emergencies, ensuring public safety.
• Serve warrants, file complaints, and assist in investigations as needed.
• Attend trainings and meetings to maintain certifications and readiness.

Skills

Police procedures

Criminal law & procedure

Self defense tactics

Interviewing techniques

Public safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

POST minimum standards

Associates degree desired

POST Academy Graduate

Job description

City of Claremont

The City of Claremont Police Department is looking for Lateral and Academy Graduate Police Officers that are highly energetic and motivated. They will have work ethics and moral standards that are of the highest caliber, to preserve the peace, protect life and property, prevent and detect crimes, and enforce laws and ordinances, while maintaining a positive public service approach toward the community.

Claremont's success is not accidental, but the result of a long tradition of creating and encouraging community cooperatives and involvement in civic affairs, which has also worked successfully in the areas of business and economic retention and development. The City of Claremont exemplifies the quality of a model city, and is viewed and respected as a leader in local government.

The Claremont Police Department consists of 42 sworn personnel and 28 professional staff positions, with a variety of volunteer programs, such as Reserve Police Officers, Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol, and Police Explorers. The Department provides multiple opportunities for special assignments, such as motorcycle patrol; bicycle patrol; Field Training Officer; regional SWAT team member; School Resource Officer/DARE officer; Detective Bureau, Drug Recognition Expert; Range Master; canine handler; a variety of regional task forces, and the Specialized Services Bureau. Typically, 35% patrol time is free for pro-active patrol. Patrol staff works a 3/12 schedule, and the Detective Bureau works a 4/10 schedule.

The probationary period for this position is 18-months.

The Position

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrol City in radio-equipped car; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, property crimes against persons, and other criminal incidents.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate arresting and/or follow-up investigations of offenses.
• Prepare reports on arrest, traffic violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices, issue citations, and make arrests as necessary.
• Check buildings for physical security, report traffic hazards to the proper authority, i.e., inoperative street lamps.
• Arrest, search, fingerprint, photograph, book, and transport prisoners.
• Direct traffic at special events, fire and other emergency or congested situations.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas, file complaints, and perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
• Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
• Respond to medical emergencies and administer first aid as necessary.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions as assigned.
• Enforce traffic laws, warn drivers against unlawful practices, issue citations, and make arrests as necessary.
• Act as Field Training Officer for Police Officer trainees when required.

Knowledge Of

• Police methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques and equipment, jail operations, police records and reports, and first aid techniques.
• Criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the search and seizure and the preservation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
• Self defense tactics.
• Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
• Health and Safety Code, pertaining to controlled substances.

Ideal Candidate

Education

• Completion of High School, passing the General Education Development Test or passing the California High School Proficiency Examination.
• Meet California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum standards.
• Possession of an Associates degree is desired.
• Must have completed a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course. (Academy Graduate)

Age

Must be at least 21 years of age

License Or Certificate

Possession of a valid California State Class C driver's license.

Additional Information

SELECTION PROCESS

All application materials will be thoroughly reviewed and those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the needs of the Police Department will be invited to an oral interview. Those candidates scoring 70% and above on the oral exam will be placed on an eligibility list. Upon establishment of the eligibility list, those invited to begin the background process must immediately turn in the PHS statement. You can find the PHS at: POST PHS Statement
An extensive background investigation covering prior employment, personal references, financial history, driving record, criminal history, controlled substance use/abuse, and personal character will be conducted. Successful completion of a medical examination, drug screen test, and psychological evaluation conducted by City designated doctors, and polygraph exam will be required prior to appointment.

Compensation & Benefits

• 5% Negotiated Salary Increase effective 7/1/26
• 3% at 55 PERS retirement (Classic Members) and 2.7% at 57 PERS retirement (New Member)
• $1,500 a month for medical allowance.
• 96 hours - 160 hours vacation based on years of service
• 120 holiday hours and 40 floating holiday hours
• Educational Incentive Pay
• Certificate Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Special Duty Pay
• Bilingual Pay
• 96 sick hours per year (may bring up to 200 hours of sick leave from current employer)
• $75,000 life insurance on employee and $10,000 on dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The City of Claremont is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process or in the performance of their duties must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.

This summary highlights select benefits. Comprehensive benefits, pays, and working conditions are outlined in the applicable Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The full MOU is available on the City’s website.