Police Trainee

Desert Hot Springs Police Department; Desert Hot Springs (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Desert Hot Springs Police Department is accepting applications for a Police Trainee to enter a POST-certified Basic Academy sponsored by the City. This is an entry-level, non-sworn training position with a clear path to becoming a sworn officer upon academy graduation.

The program emphasizes report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, driving, firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness, under supervision from sergeants and command staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be prepared to attend Basic Academy full time.
• Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation.

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.
• Following graduation from the Academy, patrol a designated area of the City and enforce laws and ordinances; participate in specialized investigations as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

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.

The Police Trainee is an entry-level, non-sworn training position. Police Trainees undergo a formal and comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Certified Basic Academy training program sponsored by the City of Desert Hot Springs. Upon completion of training and graduation from the Academy with an acceptable standing, a candidate is eligible for placement as a sworn Police Officer with the City of Desert Hot Springs.

Supervision received/exercised:

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

Essential functions:

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Police Trainee - While enrolled in the Police Academy:

• 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 - Following graduation from the Academy and upon appointment to the position:

• 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 to be awarded 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 needed and 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
• Perform specialized assignments directed by the Chief of Police
• Assist other investigators and police divisions in related investigative activities

Application and Exam Information:

A completed application and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as "see attached" or "see resume" as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process.

Written Test:

• The written exam is designed for an entry-level peace