Police Trainee

City of Desert Hot Springs; Desert Hot Springs (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Desert Hot Springs is accepting applications for a Police Trainee to enter a prescribed academy program and qualify for future sworn positions. You will train under supervision in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, firearms, and fitness as part of a comprehensive peace-officer development path.

Successful candidates will attend the academy full time, pass a strenuous background check, and work toward California POST certification within the required timeframe, while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age or greater.
• Must be prepared and available to attend Basic Academy full time.
• Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including: a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening, physical screening, and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Participate for successful completion in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, firearms, defensive tactics, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
• Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program
• Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct

Skills

High school diploma

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Definition:

The City of Desert Hot Springs is accepting applications for qualified applications for the position of Police Trainee. The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future Police Trainee vacancies.

Supervision received/exercised:

Receives direct supervision from assigned Sergeant and Command staff. While participating in Academy, receive direct supervision by assigned staff.

Essential functions:

Police Trainee:

• Participate for successful completion in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officer, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, firearms, defensive tactics, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.
• Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program
• Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct

Sworn Police Officer:

• Successful completion of the 16 week Field Training Program
• Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order and discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
• Respond to calls from the general public for service and criminal complaints, traffic hazards, stray animal reports, and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
• Plan, execute, write, and serve search warrants; search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contra band and lost or missing people.
• Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal and institute codes; perform booking procedures for new prisoners; contact and interview witnesses to gain additional information.
• Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer as necessary.
• Investigate organized crime and gang activities, subjects, groups, and representatives relative to assigned area of responsibility; collect intelligence information and produce cases and reports for presentation to the District Attorney.
• Review and investigate reports relating to vehicle theft and accidents
• Conduct a variety of investigations relative to assigned area of responsibility including narcotics, property, and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports and follow up on investigations.
• Testify in adult, juvenile, and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
• Maintain and operate specialized police surveillance equipment including transmitters, radios, and cameras.
• Develop, conduct, and participate in training exercises and classes; respond to and resolve questions and concerns; stay abreast of current crime trends and innovative policing techniques; implement new information into training programs as appropriate.
• Must maintain POST Police Officer Certification

Occasional functions:

• Perform specialized assignments directed by the Chief of Police
• Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities
• May assist other staff as neededand with overflow work as assigned
• May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years of age or greater
• Must be prepared and available to attend Basic Academy full time
• Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation including: a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph screening, credit check, psychological screening, physical screening, and drug screening.

License and Certification needed:

• Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record at time of appointment
• Must be able to obtain California POST Basic Certificate within 24 months of Academy graduation.
• Must maintain POST Police Officer Certification after appointment to a sworn officer.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain valid CPR Certificate within 6 months of appointment

Written Test:

• The written exam is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The City of Desert Hot Springs administers the Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) for entry level police officer applicants. The PELLETB is designed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
• Applicants are encouraged to review the Applicant Preparation Guide for the Post-Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery available online at post.ca.gov prior to taking the exam.
• The PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability.
• Applicants are given 2 1/2 hours to complete the PELLETB.
• Applicants who possess a PELLETB T-Score of 42 or higher, within the past year from the date of application may submit their scores, on official agency letterhead, as an attachment to their application in order to be considered for an exemption from the written exam.
• For more resources applicants can purchase the California Police Officer Exam PELLETB Exam Prep Book or visit the PELLETB Preparation Website.

Written Test Waiver:

• Possess a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education).
• Have City of Desert Hot Springs Community Service Officer experience and obtain a waiver from the Chief of Police.
• Applicants who possess a PELLETB T-Score of 42 or higher, within the past year from the date of application may submit their scores, on official agency letterhead, as an attachment to their application in order to be considered for an exemption from the written exam.