Police Officer Trainee

City of Cypress Government; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cypress Government is seeking a Police Officer Trainee for a temporary, agency-sponsored position at a California POST-approved Police Academy. This role involves rigorous training in law enforcement practices, community policing, and physical conditioning, leading to a reclassification as a sworn Police Officer upon successful completion.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21, good moral character, U.S. citizenship or filed application.
• Valid California driver license, bilingual skills desirable.

Responsibilities

• Patrolling assigned areas and enforcing laws.
• Conducting investigations and making arrests.
• Preparing accurate reports and testifying in court.

Skills

Knowledge of law enforcement goals

Effective communication

Good judgment

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Job description

The position of Police Officer Trainee is a temporary and non-benefitted, agency-sponsored position during attendance at a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved Police Academy. Upon successful completion of academy training, the Police Officer Trainee will be reclassified to Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn position and attends formalized training at a police academy to learn practices, procedures, and techniques of law enforcement, crime prevention, community policing, first aid, physical conditioning, and handling of weapons.

Under the general supervision of Academy Command Staff and a Cypress Police Sergeant or Officer, a Police Officer Trainee is expected to actively participate, maintain an acceptable class standing at all times during training, and successfully complete the prescribed training program with acceptable results to perform the duties of a sworn Police Officer.

Police Officer Essential Functions

Under the supervision of a Police Sergeant or Lieutenant, a Police Officer performs various public safety duties, including:

1. Patrolling assigned areas, answering calls, and enforcing laws.
2. Conducting investigations of disturbances, burglaries, deaths, and other criminal incidents.
3. Making arrests when necessary.
4. Interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses.
5. Interrogating suspects and preserving information.
6. Testifying in court and presenting evidence.
7. Working cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies.
8. Preparing accurate reports in a timely manner.
9. Searching, fingerprinting, and transporting prisoners.
10. Directing traffic and maintaining positive community relationships.
11. Adhering to safety rules and regulations.
12. Performing other duties as required, including emergency response.

Police Officers may be assigned to special duties based on experience, skills, and performance.

Knowledge and Ability

• Knowledge of law enforcement goals, English language, and basic math.
• Ability to learn laws, procedures, police safety, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare reports, exercise good judgment, and establish cooperative relationships.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.; a degree in Criminal Justice or related field is desirable.
• Minimum age of 21, good moral character, U.S. citizenship or filed application, valid California driver license, and bilingual skills are desirable.

Physical Requirements

Includes heavy lifting, running, exposure to hazards, and good vision and hearing as per POST guidelines. Medical examination required.

Selection Process

Includes screening, written exam, physical agility test, oral interview, background check, polygraph, medical, and psychological exams. Candidates may be eligible for a six-month list following testing.

Employment Disqualification Standards

Disqualifications include felony convictions, recent illegal drug use, financial irresponsibility, recent DUI convictions, and other moral character concerns, all subject to thorough investigation and polygraph testing.