Police Officer Trainee

City of Mountain View; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

New hire bonus

Job summary

The City of Mountain View invites applicants to join the Mountain View Police Department as a Police Officer Trainee. This non-sworn training position offers academy-based preparation to become a sworn officer, with emphasis on community policing and service to the Mountain View community.

Two filing periods are open: Sept 10, 2026 and Nov 9, 2026. Applicants must meet age, education, license, and POST standards, with a $5,000 new hire bonus for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Have completed 40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college.
• Possess a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Meet POST vision and hearing standards.

Responsibilities

• Attend a POST-certified police academy as a Police Officer Trainee.
• Develop knowledge, skills and training for a career in law enforcement.
• Complete the academy and be appointed sworn, probationary Police Officers.
• Support community policing and build relationships with the community.

Education

High school diploma or GED

40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college

Valid California driver's license

POST vision and hearing standards

Job description

What's The Role And What You'll Do

If you are looking to begin a career in law enforcement, we invite you to consider joining the Mountain View Police Department. The Police Officer Trainee position is an opportunity to take the first step toward becoming a police officer and serving the Mountain View community.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you will attend a California Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) certified police academy, where you will develop the knowledge, skills, and training needed for a career in law enforcement. This is a non-sworn, training-level position. Upon successful completion of the academy, trainees are appointed as sworn, probationary Police Officers and begin their careers with the Mountain View Police Department.

Our department is committed to community policing and building strong, positive relationships with our diverse and engaged community. Our officers work proactively to address local concerns and make a difference in the community they serve.

Application Filing Deadlines

This Recruitment Will Be Open For Two Filing Periods:

• First filing deadline: September 10, 2026
• Second filing deadline: November 9, 2026

Candidates may apply during either filing period. All minimum qualifications and required testing documentation must be satisfied by the applicable filing deadline.

To be considered for the Police Officer Trainee position, candidates must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Have completed 40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college at the time of application.
• Possess a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.
• Meet POST vision and hearing standards.

Testing Requirement

Additionally, candidates must satisfy one of the qualifying test requirements below:

Option 1: POST PELLETB Exam

The POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) is a written examination that measures reading and writing ability.

• Minimum required score: T-Score of 50 or higher
• The PELLETB is administered by participating California law enforcement agencies and basic training academies. To find testing dates and locations, visit: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/
• Candidates must submit the official test results provided by the agency or academy that administered the PELLETB.

Important Notes:

• Previous completed PELLETB scores may be accepted if the examination was completed within one year of the application deadline and the score meets the minimum requirement.
• Candidates may submit their application before receiving their PELLETB results; however, the official test result must be received by Human Resources no later than the application deadline.
• Applications will not be considered complete without the required test results.

Option 2: National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline National Test

The NTN Frontline National Test is a standardized law enforcement examination consisting of reading, reporting, writing, and video-based human relations components.

• Minimum required scores:
• Reading: 70% or higher
• Writing: 70% or higher
• Video: 65% or higher
• The test is administered through the National Testing Network (NTN). To learn more or schedule an exam, visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/
• You must select Mountain View Police Department as a recipient agency before taking the exam.
• NTN provides The City of Mountain View with access to your official scores through its secure system. Screenshots, printed copies, or other unofficial copies of test results will not be accepted.

Important Notes:

• You must meet the minimum score for each test component.
• Scores must be available to Human Resources by the application deadline.
• Applications will not be considered complete until official scores are available to Human Resources.

Academy graduation certificates or other academy completion documents do not satisfy the testing requirement for this recruitment.

Contact Sergeant Wyckoff with questions regarding this process at [e-mail].

Selection Process

The selection process is expected to include the following steps:

• Pre-Employment History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and satisfy one of the required testing options will be invited to complete an online PHQ.
• Oral Board Interview: Candidates who successfully complete the PHQ will be invited to participate in an oral board interview.
• Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete the oral board interview will be placed on an eligibility list.
• Executive Interview: Select candidates from the eligibility list may be invited to participate in an executive interview.

Candidates who advance beyond the executive interview must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, including a DOJ and FBI Live Scan fingerprinting, an extensive background investigation conducted in accordance with POST guidelines, a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological screening. Final appointment is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment requirements.

A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from the appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

BONUS OPPORTUNITY

The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments: $2,500 in your first paycheck and $2,500 following the successful completion of the probationary period.

Fine Print

Depending on the number of applications, the above process may be altered. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance at any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submitting the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.