POLICE RECRUIT

City of National City, CA; National City (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of National City is seeking candidates for a Police Recruit trainee position to begin the path to becoming a Police Officer. Recruits are non-sworn civilians entering initial basic police training and may be appointed as Officers upon successful completion of requirements.

Applications include completing the POST Battery exam or providing a valid T-Score as allowed, with training dates, background checks, and medicals required as part of the selection process.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for citizenship.
• Must be at least 21 years old at time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at time of appointment.
• Must meet POST admission requirements for Basic Police Academy.

Skills

Observe & learn

Written reports

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

THE CITY:

The City of National City is a full-service, state-governed city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County’s second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City’s competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.–Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov.

Connect with us on social media: National City Facebook | National City Instagram.

Mission

In partnership with our community, the National City Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of service and public safety. We will pursue this commitment with an unwavering resolve while always respecting the rights and dignity of those we serve.

Under immediate supervision, attend a Basic Police Academy and participate in departmental training and orientation programs to prepare for a professional law enforcement career.

This is a non-sworn, civilian, trainee class designed to employ Police Officer candidates during the initial, formalized, basic police officer training. Police Recruit is distinguished from the next higher class, Police Officer, in that recruits are not assigned any active law enforcement duties and do not have peace officer powers. Upon successful completion of required training, recruits may be appointed and sworn in as Police Officers.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

ABILITY TO

Observe, learn, understand, and interpret various laws and police practices and procedures; analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in emergency and stressful situations; undergo strenuous physical conditioning; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports in English; establish and maintain cooperative working relations with persons of widely varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds; understand and carry out oral and written directions.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship. Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment. Must meet all requirements for admission to Basic Police Academy recognized by POST.

Written Exam

The City of National City utilizes the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). For more information regarding this exam please visit www.post.ca.gov. Applicants desiring to waive the written examination are required to submit proof of a valid and recent (issued within 3 months) POST T-Score of 47 or higher.

Physical Agility Test

The test consists of six elements: Obstacle course/agility run, body drag, chain link fence, solid fence climb, 500-yard run, and 1.5-mile run.

POST Academy Enrollment Information

Any applicant enrolled in a Basic Police Academy that meets all the requirements of the California Commission on Police Standards & Training (POST), is eligible to waive the written examination and the physical agility test. Proof of enrollment must be attached to the application.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The City of National City Police Recruit Written Exam and Physical Agility Test and Written Exam will be held on the following dates. The dates are provided to assist potential candidates in planning. Eligible candidates will be notified of the time and location prior to the testing dates.

• Written Exam: Thursday, January 7, 2027.
• Physical Agility Test: Saturday, January 23, 2027.

NOTE

Due to circumstances beyond our control, test dates are subject to change.

Only those candidates who successfully pass the Written (if applicable and Physical Agility Examinations may be invited to the oral interviews. The candidates that continue in the selection process will be subject to a background investigation including fingerprinting, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and a thorough medical examination. There are certain types of conduct, which will be automatic grounds for disqualification. Please read the information on the Disqualifying Criteria to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause a delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

For additional information on the National City Police Department.