Police Officer - Pre-Service

Riverside Police Department; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Riverside Police Department is seeking Police Officer - Pre-Service candidates who have completed or are near completion of a California POST Accredited Basic Academy (Modular). The role involves patrolling, enforcing laws, investigating incidents, and maintaining public safety.

A valid Class C license and willingness to work varied shifts are required. Applicants must pass extensive background checks, polygraph, medical and psychological evaluations.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent required.
• Must have completed California POST Basic Academy or Level One Modular Academy, or be at halfway point with graduation by appointment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city by radio car, motorcycle, or on foot to enforce laws and protect life and property.
• Make arrests, interview victims and witnesses, interrogate suspects, and preserve evidence.
• Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies on investigations and arrests.

Skills

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Ethical judgment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California POST Accredited Basic Academy (Modular)

Job description

The Riverside Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer - Pre-Service.

This recruitment targets applicants who have completed, or are close to completing, a California POST Accredited Basic Academy (Modular).

The Riverside Police Department is dedicated to selecting only those individuals who meet the highest of professional standards with a commitment to serving all members of their community with sensitivity, empathy, and impartiality.

Police Officers under direct supervision, perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; perform investigative work; display an awareness of, and empathy towards all persons who they come into contact with; and perform related duties as required.

All Police Officers work four ten-hour days.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies within this classification.

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

• Patrol city in radio car, on motorcycle, or on foot; 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, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, holdups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.
• Prepare reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas.
• While on patrol, stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary; check buildings for physical security; receive, search, book, fingerprint, and transport prisoners; direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• As assigned, perform specialized investigative, identification, crime prevention, special operations, aerial observation, communications or juvenile work.

Police Officer Pre-Service:

Education: High school graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Within the last three (3) years, applicant must have successfully completed a California Basic POST Certified Academy or Level One Modular Academy. Applicants may also qualify if they have reached the half‑way point of either the Basic Academy or Level One Modular Academy; however, the applicant must have successfully graduated the academy by time of appointment.

Necessary Special Requirement:

• Possession of a valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts.
• Candidates selected must pass an extensive police background investigation including a polygraph, psychological evaluation and medical evaluation.

Additional Recruitment Guidelines:

Grooming Standards:

All applicants will present themselves in a professional manner throughout the entire testing process. This means no facial hair, ear plugs or hoop style earrings. Males will have a well-groomed haircut with the back of their hair no longer than the bottom of their natural neckline. Females will have their hair pulled back into a ponytail or a bun if their hair is long enough to do so.

Both male and female applicants will dress themselves in a suit or formal business attire. No T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, shorts or sandals will be allowed as you are testing for a professional organization.

Tattoo Requirements:

All tattoos shall be covered by your business attire, and no temporary cover-ups will be accepted.

All listed standards and requirements indicated on this flyer will be strictly enforced as they are in accordance with our current department policies. We also reserve the right to remove any applicant from the process if these standards are not adhered to.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self‑schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self‑scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver’s License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre‑employment process.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre‑employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to