Police Officer Recruit

City of Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

City paid health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach is hiring a Police Officer Recruit. Recruits join under supervision, attend the academy for about six months, and perform non-sworn tasks until graduation.

Upon completion and department approval, recruits become probationary officers and begin field training, with a salary step increase after graduation. Applications are reviewed continuously; NTN/PELLETB exams may be required, and results must be attached if already completed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in justice fields preferred.
• Some public contact or safety-rule enforcement experience preferred.
• Must obtain a valid California driver's license and maintain acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Attend the police academy for approximately six months under supervision.
• Perform non-sworn duties during recruit status and prepare for academy graduation.
• After graduation, be appointed as a probationary officer and begin field training.

Skills

Public contact experience

Discipline

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College coursework in criminal justice or related field

Tools

California Driver's License

Job description

Description

The City is now accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Recruit! Under general supervision of a Police Corporal, Sergeant, or Watch Commander, Police Officer Recruits attend the police academy, and assume non-sworn duties within the Laguna Beach Police Department. Recruits are hired at the first step of the salary range and are required to attend the police academy training which is approximately six (6) months in length. This training is intense and requires a high degree of discipline. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority.

Upon graduation from the academy and approval by the department, Recruits are appointed as probationary police officers and begin field training. Upon appointment, the monthly salary will be increased from Step 1 to Step 2 and incumbents will be enrolled in the P.E.R.S. safety retirement formula of 2.7% @ 57.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review on Monday, August 31, 2026. Interested candidates must submit a completed online application in order to be considered. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process below.

WRITTEN EXAM

• National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam (Passing scores: Video - 70% or higher; Reading - 75% or higher; and Writing - 75% or higher)
• P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) (Passing score: Total T-Score - 50 or higher)

Candidates who have passed one of these written exams can submit test results by attaching results to their application. Only scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

If you have NOT completed the NTN or PELLETB, please note that the Laguna Beach Police Department does have future test dates and will send out invites via e‑mail.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT)

Qualified applicants will be invited to the PAT when a test date is established. The PAT is typically scheduled several times per year.

PANEL INTERVIEWS

Candidates who successfully pass the Written Examination & Physical Agility Test will be invited to participate in a Structured Panel Interview.

Candidates must pass all steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Police Officer Recruit. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

• Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent is required. College coursework in criminal justice, administration of justice, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Some experience involving public contact work or the enforcement of public safety rules and policies is preferred.
• License/Certificate Requirements: Must obtain a valid California Class C or Class 3 driver's license and provide evidence of an acceptable driving record; must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Pre-placement Process

A pre-background interview will be scheduled upon successful completion of the panel interview stage. Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a thorough background security investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, and pre-employment physical examination including a drug test.

Why work for Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.

01 What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than a High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate

02 Have you completed college coursework in criminal justice, administration of justice, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you possess any experience or on-the-job training involving public contact work or the enforcement of public safety rules and policies?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question