Police Officer Recruit

City of Glendale (CA); Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Glendale Police Department is seeking an entry-level Police Officer Recruit (non-sworn) for pre-academy training and the police-training academy. This role offers a pathway to become a sworn officer with a strong community focus and opportunities for advancement.

Applicants must meet minimum requirements, pass the National Testing Network exam by October 20, 2026, and relocate to live within required distance. A valid California driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to the public.
• Respond to calls for service and emergencies.
• Apply community policing principles.
• Administer first aid when needed and document incidents.
• Prepare clear written reports.

Skills

Customer service

Decision making

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Join the Best! Earn up to $157,000 a year!** We are a full service agency, offering a variety of specialized assignments – from helicopter pilot to K9 handler, we have a career path for you! The Glendale Police Department (GPD) is currently looking for individuals who are committed to keeping Glendale one of the safest big cities in America. Experience what it’s like to partner with a community that supports its Police Department. If you are looking for plenty of opportunities for advancement, and taking pride in providing the highest level of service to the community, Glendale PD is for you! ** This figure includes incentive pays, e.g., detective pay, longevity pay, and educational (POST certificate) pay.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit an application AND complete the "Law Enforcement - Frontline National" exam through the National Testing Network at www.NationalTestingNetwork.co by October 20, 2026 and no earlier than one (1) year from the time of application. Make sure to select the City of Glendale in order to share your results with our agency.

This entry level, non-sworn classification participates in pre-academy training and the actual police-training academy.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.
• Responds to calls for service regarding accidents, emergencies, crimes, threats, altercations and/or requests for aid. Provides information and assistance to the public.
• Emphasizes a Community-Based Policing philosophy focused on community interaction and collaborative problem solving.
• Administers first aid to injured persons. Interviews, interrogates and records statements from witnesses, suspects and victims. Identifies relevant facts and prepares written reports on incidents and cases assigned.
• Apprehend suspects by driving safely at high speeds, chasing suspects on foot, climbing over obstacles, physically subduing suspects, utilizing self‑defense and arrest control techniques, and utilizing firearms under appropriate conditions.
• Enforces traffic laws, directs traffic, issues citations and warnings. Investigates accidents and accident scenes.
• Investigates matters involving juveniles, reports of child neglect and juvenile delinquency. Refers juveniles to the appropriate authorities.
• Serves subpoenas, serves warrants, testifies in court, marks and stores evidence, apprehends suspects, makes arrests as prescribed by law, and confers with City/District Attorney's Office to provide information for case preparation.
• Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience

None.

Education/Training

Graduation from high school or attainment of a State Board of Education issued certificate of proficiency, or attainment of a GED certificate, CHSPE certificate, HiSET certificate, or CPP certificate.

License(s)/Certification(s)

Valid Class C California driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of and skill in:

• Exceptional customer service practices.

Skill in:

• Making independent judgments and decisions based upon standard policy or procedure.

Ability to:

• Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
• Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Deal calmly with angry, upset, and frightened people.
• Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.
• Establish smooth working relationships and effectively resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Emphasize a Community-Based Policing philosophy focused on community interaction and collaborative problem solving.
• Foster a teamwork environment.
• Read, write and comprehend directions in English.
• Remain poised and controlled in threatening or violent situations.
• Write clear, accurate, detailed reports based on field notes of events.

Other Characteristics

Willingness to:

• Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
• Work overtime as requested.

Special Conditions

Applicants must be of good moral character, with no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude.

Legal and Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age at the time of appointment as a Police Officer.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

TATTOO POLICY: Unless otherwise exempted by the Chief of Police, no employee or volunteer of the Glendale Police Department shall have any visible tattoos, body art, or other skin markings while on duty – in uniform, business attire, or casual dress. Tattoos, body art, and/or other skin markings shall be completely covered by the authorized on‑duty uniform (e.g. long sleeve uniform), business attire, or casual dress. Marks or scars from injuries or medical procedures are exempt from these policy restrictions. For further information regarding this policy, please contact the Professional Standards Bureau at (818) 548‑3117.

Desirable Qualifications

Knowledge and/or use of personal computers.

Medical/Psychological Standards

All candidates must pass a pre-placement medical examination and a psychological evaluation. https://post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual

Hearing

Acceptable as to City standards.

Residence

Within four months of employment, all employees of the Glendale Police Department are required to live within a radius of sixty contiguous land miles of the Glendale Civic Center.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy

The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention. Exceptional Customer Service Policy

WRITTEN EXAM

Must complete the "Law Enforcement - Frontline National" exam through the National Testing Network at www.NationalTestingNetwork.com by October 20, 2026 and no earlier than one (1) year from the time of application. Make sure to select the City of Glendale in order to share your results with our agency.

When you visit the www.NationalTestingNetwork.com website:

• Select "Exams"
• Select "Law Enforcement Jobs"
• Under "California", check "Glendale, Police Officer Recruit"
• Select "Continue"
• Review information about the testing process and agency and follow instructions as prompted.

Minimum NTN exam passing score for the City of Glendale is:

Video Score: 65%

Writing Score: 70%

Reading Score: 70%

Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the City of Glendale. Candidates who attain a passing score on the entry level exam will be referred to the City of Glendale’s candidate list. The City of Glendale will contact candidates AFTER THIS BULLETIN CLOSES and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION

Submitted Police Officer Recruit application will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements. All qualifying applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

Physical Agility Test October 10, 2026

PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND QUESTIONAIRE

To determine whether the candidate meets the background investigation standards of the Glendale Police Department.

ORAL INTERVIEW

To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and general background for the position. Candidates must pass the exam component with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted on all finalists, which will review and verify personal history including, but not limited to financial responsibility, criminal history, drug use history, driving record, and verification of application materials. Significant issues or omissions in the above-stated areas may be grounds for disqualification. Background investigation will include a polygraph and Livescan fingerprinting. For further information, please contact the Professional Standards Bureau at (818) 548‑3117.

ENTRY-LEVEL EXAMINATION

Veteran's Credit Awarded.Proof of honorable discharge (DD214) from U.S. Armed Forces must be attached to your application.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.