Police Officer Trainee

Hayward Police Department; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

3-day work week

Vacation - 80 hours minimum

15.5 Paid Holidays

Health, Dental and Vision coverage

CalPERS retirement plan

Life and Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Reimbursement

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Job summary

The Hayward Police Department seeks a Police Officer Trainee, a civilian position that progresses into a POST-certified academy. Trainees are sworn to Police Officer after successful academy completion and appointment, with benefits provided to civilian employees.

Upon appointment, duties include patrol, investigations, and court testimony. You will train to perform field operations and uphold department standards, with bilingual abilities encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Free of any felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Age at least 21 years at appointment.
• Vision in each eye correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass a background investigation and polygraph.
• Must meet department medical, physical, and psychological standards.
• Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Attend a basic POST certified police academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system.
• Receive training to understand department functions and officer responsibilities.
• Undergo academy and field training to become a Police Officer.

Skills

Public service mindset

Integrity and accountability

Professional demeanor

Bilingual applicants encouraged

Team collaboration

Job description

THE POSITION:

This is a trainee-level classification that transitions into the Police Officer position. A Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position before and during enrollment in a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, which lasts approximately six months. Upon successful completion of the POST academy and the availability of a Police Officer position, Police Officer Trainees are sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee position is represented by SEIU Local 1021 and has corresponding benefits provided to a civilian employee.

Upon appointment to Police Officer, duties may include various law enforcement assignments such as patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court, and providing information to the public. Please see the City of Hayward's website for a complete job description.

Must apply no later than Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 11:59p.m. to be considered for the next exam.

NEXT EXAM DATE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026

Place: Alameda County Sheriff's Department 6289 Madigan Road Dublin, CA 94568

You:

• Are intent on providing excellent service to the Hayward Community
• Have a desire to Improve Hayward's Quality of Life
• Value Integrity and Accountability
• Seek continuous Improvement
• Are professional and respect all who live and work in our community

What you will do:

• Attend a basic POST certified police academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and physical fitness.
• Receive training to develop an awareness of Police Department functions, as well as the responsibilities of Police Officers and how those responsibilities relate to field operations.
• Receive academy and field training to become a Police Officer.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Successfully complete academy requirements.
• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and locations.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and to assess situations and people accurately.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports.
• Become proficient in self-defense techniques.
• Become proficient in the care and use of firearms.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public.

Special Qualifications:

• Free of any felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law.
• Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.
• Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass a background investigation and polygraph exam.
• Must meet all Department medical, physical, and psychological standards.
• Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

• 3-day work week
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)