Police Officer Recruit

Hawthorne Police Department; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorne Police Department is seeking Police Officer Recruits to join the training academy and begin a career in law enforcement. Recruits will participate in a POST-certified basic academy and receive a salary during the program.

Upon successful completion, recruits are eligible for appointment as a sworn Police Officer. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, California driver’s license, and passing a comprehensive background check with POST standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College level training desirable and encouraged after appointment.
• Must be at least 21 years old upon graduation from the academy.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License may be required based on assignment.
• Successful background investigation including polygraph and meeting POST standards is required.

Responsibilities

• Investigates crimes.
• Arrests suspects and assists in booking and processing offenders.
• Receives and documents citizen complaints.
• Patrols public areas to identify and address suspicious or disorderly activity.
• Prepares clear, accurate, and thorough written reports.

Skills

Investigation

Arrest procedures

Report writing

Public interaction

Observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

College level courses encouraged

Age 21 by academy graduation

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision, performs general law enforcement duties; assists in criminal investigations; supports crime prevention and juvenile intervention efforts; and undertakes special assignments to protect life and property. Performs related duties as assigned. This position requires availability for shift work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Police Officer Recruits are the entry-level classification within the Police Department. The Police Officer Recruits are assigned to attend a P.O.S.T. certified basic Police Academy. During the academy, recruits will receive a Police Officer/Recruit salary. Upon successful completion of the academy, recruits are eligible for appointment to the classification of Police Officer and will receive the corresponding salary. Appointment as a Police Officer is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all training requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates crimes.
• Arrests suspects and assists in the booking and processing of criminal offenders.
• Receives and documents citizen complaints.
• Conducts patrols of public areas, including bars and hotels, to identify and address suspicious or disorderly activity.
• Prepares and submits clear, accurate, and thorough written reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training & Experience

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• College level training desirable and successful applicants will be expected to take college courses in Police Science after appointment.
• Must be at least 21 years old upon graduation from the academy.

Licenses, Certifications and/or other Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record may be required based on assignment.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including polygraph, and meet the minimum POST standards for psychological and medical examinations, and physical ability.
• Upon successful completion of all required training, Police Officer Recruits will be eligible for consideration for appointment to a sworn Police Officer position.
• Police Officer Recruits who do not successfully complete all required training will be automatically terminated from employment with the City without the right of appeal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A high degree of general intelligence, verbal facility, memory, and adaptability is required.
• Ability to understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations, together with an aptitude for law enforcement.
• Ability to analyze situations and act quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public.
• Keen observation and the ability to remember names, faces and details of incidents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the required duties for this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to handle and operate objects, controls and equipment. Will occasionally use arms, legs, and back to reach, climb, crouch, crawl, lift and/or move more than 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally work in outside weather and environmental conditions and will occasionally participate in field activities consistent with the duties of a police officer recruit.