Police Officer Trainee

City of Tehachapi (CA); California (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking motivated individuals to join as Police Officer Trainees. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the community while undergoing training at a police academy. Trainees will learn critical skills in law enforcement, including physical fitness, report writing, and community engagement. This position not only prepares you for a rewarding career in public service but also provides a chance to make a significant impact in the lives of residents. If you have a passion for public service and are ready to embark on a challenging yet fulfilling journey, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Up to $5,000 Hiring Bonus

Qualifications

• Must be at least 20 years and 6 months old.
• Possess a valid Class 'C' California Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Attend P.O.S.T. certified basic academy and pass all required classes.
• Develop awareness of police functions and responsibilities.

Skills

Physical Fitness

Written Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

U.S. High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Hiring Incentive:

Up to $5,000 Hiring Bonus

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

We are currently recruiting for a Police Officer Trainee. The City of Tehachapi is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to the community.

Police Officer Trainees are non-sworn (civilian) employees who attend a police academy to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Upon successful completion of this training, they are sworn in as Police Officers.

Police Officers are key participants in a partnership with the City and community to identify and resolve crime problems affecting the quality of life of all residents. This community support and the diversity of cultures in Tehachapi make it an exciting and demanding place to work.

APPLICATION: To be considered for this position, applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each of the following sections of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT/BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Peace Officers are responsible for protecting and serving the public and are entrusted with substantial authority to carry out those responsibilities. As such, the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requires that the history of peace officer applicants be thoroughly investigated to make sure that nothing in their background is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties. Applicants are required to attach a completed POST Personal History State (PHS) to their application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

To obtain a copy of the POST Personal History Statement, log onto:

https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/2-251-phsPeaceOfficers.pdf

1. Download Form # POST 2-251 Personal History Statement - Peace Officer.
2. Save it to your computer.
3. Fill out the PHS completely and then upload it as an "attachment" to your application.

Signatures and initials are not required at this time. If selected for the position, you will be asked to sign, date, and initial your PHS in the presence of our background investigator.

*Applicants must submit POST 2-251 Version 1/2024 - Earlier versions of the form will not be accepted.

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST: Applicants must pass the department's physical fitness test which consists of 1.5-mile run, pushups, sit-ups, pullups, and a 200-yard sprint.

WRITTEN ENTRANCE TEST: Applicants must pass the department's written test. The test covers basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and cognitive thinking.

APPLICATION REVIEW: Applicants that meet the minimum requirements for the position will be invited to a panel interview.

PANEL INTERVIEW: The interview will consist of questions regarding the applicants' education, experience, interest and qualifications to determine suitability for law enforcement service.

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS) REVIEW: A preliminary review of applicants' PHS will be conducted to ensure nothing in their background is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties. Applicants must receive a score of 3 or greater (using a 5-point scale) to pass the PHS review phase.

ELIGIBILITY LIST: This is a continuous recruitment. Candidates will remain on the eligibility list for a period of up to twelve months.

CHIEF'S INTERVIEWS: Selected candidates will advance to the Chief's Interview.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION & MEDICAL EXAMINATION: California Government Code 1031(f) requires all California peace officers to be free from any emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Peace officers must also be free from any physical condition that might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers. As a condition of employment, candidates recommended for the position must pass a psychological evaluation and medical examination.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attends P.O.S.T. certified basic academy, participating in and passing all required classes.
• During training develops awareness and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers.

Academy training may include:

• Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms;
• Review of radio codes and applicable penal code sections;
• Overview of the court system;
• Writing and editing police reports;
• Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention, and protection of citizens and property;
• Review of rules, regulations, and procedures;
• Developing and maintaining a high level of physical fitness; and
• Learning and demonstrating competence in arrest and control technique.

Related Functions:

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Age: Police Officer Trainees must be 20 years and 6 months of age.

Education: California P.O.S.T. requires possession of a U.S. High School Diploma or GED equivalency.

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship prior to application for employment in compliance with Government Code Section 1031.

License: Applicants must possess a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License.

Written Exam: Applicant must either pass the department’s Police Aptitude and Character Test with a minimum score of 74 or submit their test results from the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) with a minimum score of 42.

Physical Condition / Vision: Good physical condition. Vision and physical conditions must satisfy established P.O.S.T. Medical Standards as provided on the P.O.S.T. Website:http://post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual.aspx

Moral Character: Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions.

Background Investigation: Must pass a rigorous background investigation.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility: Frequent sitting and standing for long period of time; frequent stooping, bending and squatting.

Lifting: Frequent lifting up to 60 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.

Vision: Constant overall vision, color perception, eye-hand coordination, and depth perception; frequent reading/close-up work; constant field of vision/peripheral.

Dexterity: Frequent grasping, holding, and reaching; constant use of a computer; occasional use of a firearm.

Hearing/Talking: Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing on telephone and radio; ability to hear faint sounds; constant talking on telephone/radio.

Emotional/Psychological: Regular exposure to hostile, abusive and threatening individuals; may be required to restrain or arrest individuals. Frequent working alone may be exposed to trauma, grief and death; frequent public contact; decision-making and concentration.

Environmental: Constant wearing a ballistic vest; frequent exposure to loud noise; occasional exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environment including extreme heat, cold and inclement weather on a year-round basis; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work, positions require overtime holiday and weekend work. Depending upon assignment may require standby work assignments. Occasional travel.