Police Officer Trainee

Mountain View Police Department; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$5,000 new hire bonus

Job summary

Mountain View Police Department invites you to begin a career in law enforcement as a Police Officer Trainee. You will attend a POST-certified academy, gaining the knowledge and training needed for a career in policing, while serving the Mountain View community.

This is a non-sworn, training-level role with a clear pathway to become a sworn officer upon academy completion. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications, including being at least 21, possessing a high school diploma or GED,

Qualifications

• Candidates must be at least 21 years old or older.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Completion of 40 semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited college is required.

Skills

Communication

Reading & writing

Teamwork

Education

HS diploma or GED

40 sem units / 60 quarter units

Job description

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.

To learn more about the recruitment process and this career opportunity, please visit Join MVPD. You can also review the updated job description here.

Application Filing Deadlines

• 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

• 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