Police Officer Trainee

City of Turlock; Turlock (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

PLEASE NOTE

The Turlock Police Department is offering incentives for Police Officer Trainees in an amount ranging from $6,000 - $10,000.

The Academy Trainee/ Academy Graduate incentive breakdown is as follows:

1. $3,000 at swearing-in date.
2. $3,000 upon completion of 3 years of service from swearing-in date.
3. Veteran who is honorably discharged - Additional $4,000 ($7,000 total) upon completion of 3 years of service from swearing-in date.

The City of Turlock is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Trainee. The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time, benefited position within the police department. The incumbent in this position is preparing for, or currently participating in, a full-time California Basic Police Academy authorized and certified under the guidelines of the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

A Field Training Officer (FTO) from the Turlock Police Department’s field training staff supervises this position with general supervision provided by the Field Operations Division Managers (Captain or Lieutenants), as assigned. The Police Officer Trainee may be assigned to work for any division within the department before or after attending the police academy, or during extended breaks from the academy, and prior to being officially sworn-in as a regular full-time police officer with the City of Turlock.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry-level classification designed to allow for the assessment, hiring, and training of suitable candidates for the position of Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee is expected to prepare for, attend, and successfully pass – at all stages – a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Police Academy program selected by the Department. This is a non-represented position. The incumbent will serve an eighteen (18) month probation period. Failure to make satisfactory progress before, during, or after the Basic Police Academy may be cause for release from the program. Duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, and related regulating entities. Upon successful completion of the Basic Police Academy program, the incumbent will be appointed to the Police Officer I position and will serve a new 18-month probationary period.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attain and maintain the ability to successfully enter and complete a POST certified California police academy.
• Complete a firearms course to achieve a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832.
• Attend classroom activities, scenarios, physical training and other assigned duties, tasks and assignments in the Police Academy.
• Complete all graded work with a satisfactory score.
• Maintain honor, demeanor and self-control to the satisfaction of the Recruit Training Officer (RTO) and assigned Turlock FTO.
• Maintain a moral, ethical and legal standard commensurate with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
• Successfully pass the prescribed and required department firearms training course.
• Follow instructions and directions of assigned supervisors, completing tasks correctly and in a timely manner.
• Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies.
• Confer with supervisor on progress and problems concerning assigned duties and tasks.
• Other duties appropriate for the non-sworn position.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an ability to learn and implement police procedures and methods.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; ability to observe, assimilate, remember, record and recall pertinent facts and details.
• Learn laws of arrest and pertinent local, state, and federal laws.
• Learn criminal investigations techniques and procedures.
• Learn the safe use and care of firearms.
• Exercise restraint and good judgment in a variety of emergency situations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Prepare accurate case reports; write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly and in correct grammatical structure and with correct syntax.
• Use a computer and various software applications.
• Meet established standards of physical endurance, agility, health, and vision.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience:

Although no law enforcement or public safety experience is necessary for this entry-level position, the candidate must demonstrate the life-experience and common sense necessary to achieve a satisfactory score from assessors on the initial interview panel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AGE: Twenty-one (21) years old at time of appointment as a Police Officer.

CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.

EDUCATION: Be a high school graduate from a United States public school, an accredited United States Department of Defense high school or an accredited or approved public or nonpublic high school. A two (2) year, four (4) year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university is desirable.

DRIVERS LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Driver's license – minimum “Class C” – to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

CERTIFICATES: Possession of an advanced first aid certificate issued by the American Red Cross must also be obtained within six (6) months of appointment. Successful completion of a certified California Basic Police Academy within the first twelve (12) months is a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must take and pass the P.O.S.T. academy physical fitness test with a score required to enter the police academy. Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet police and safety standards.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the required documentation.
2. Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications.
3. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to compete in the testing process.
4. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their experience and education will be invited to compete in the testing process.
5. Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination.
6. Candidates will also be required to pass a physical performance test.
7. Candidates invited to compete in an oral examination that receives a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list.
8. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Turlock Police Department for a Command Staff interview.
9. Final appointment will be contingent upon passing a background investigation, Chief of Police interview, psychological examination, and medical examination.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEM

The City of Turlock has adopted a veterans' preference system.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING

Every person who receives a conditional offer will be required to submit to a pre-employment medical examination.

CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BENEFITS

• Effective January 1, 2013, all new employees will participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Health plan for employee and family.
• Term Life Insurance at 1-1/2 times annual salary.
• Long Term Disability Insurance.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Liberal vacation plan.
• Twelve paid holidays per calendar year.
• Annual Review of performance tied to a five-step merit increase plan.
• Sick leave accrual of one day (8 hrs) for each month worked.

WHERE TO APPLY:

City of Turlock
Human Relations Division
156 S. Broadway, Suite 235
Turlock, CA 95380-5454
[phone]

OR

Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.

Final Filing Date: Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis.

Written and Physical Exam: TBD

Oral and Command Staff Interview: Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Oral and Command Staff Interview date listed in this announcement is tentative and may be subject to change.

Additional dates for future Written and Physical Exams/Oral Examinations will be forthcoming.

PLEASE NOTE: Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.