Police Trainee

City of Gardena; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gardena is seeking a Police Trainee who will receive training to become a police officer. The Trainee will attend a certified police academy and perform non-sworn tasks for the Police Department. Candidates must meet age and education requirements, pass various tests, and obtain a California Driver's License.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years at time of appointment.
• Must possess a valid Class 'C' California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Participate in civilian police training and attend a P.O.S.T. certified academy.
• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention duties under supervision.
• Pass multiple evaluation tests including physical agility and psychological evaluation.

Skills

Mental and physical capacity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police training as well as attending a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy to prepare the incumbent to assume the responsibilities of a Police Officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police-related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours.

Under general supervision, will perform law enforcement, crime prevention and other duties related to the position as required.REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The Police Trainee will be receiving training for eventual appointment as a Police Officer within the Gardena Police Department. Until appointment as a Police Officer, the Trainee is a non-sworn position performing civilian police training work and attending a P.O.S.T certified basic academy.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
AGE: 21 years at time of appointment to Step 1.

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent G.E.D. Certificate.

HEIGHT, WEIGHT, GENERAL HEALTH: Applicants must have the capacity both mentally and physically to perform the essential duties of a Gardena Police Officer as determined by a qualified psychologist and/or medical examiner.

LICENSE
Must possess a valid Class "C" California Driver's License, or if licensed in another state, be capable of securing the required California license.

Probationary Period
Probationary Period is 12 months following the completion of Academy.
STEP 1: Granted upon successful completion of Academy.
STEP 2: Granted after 6 months of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 1.
STEP 3: Granted after 1 year of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 2.
STEP 4, 5, & 6: Granted on annual basis following continuous and satisfactory service.Testing Procedure:
Prior to appointment, the applicant must meet minimum standards by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the City of Gardena. Applicants must pass the processes listed below:

1. Written Exam - Pass/Fail
2. Physical Agility - Pass/Fail
3. Oral Interview - 100%
4. Polygraph Examination - Qualifying
5. Psychological Evaluation - Qualifying
6. Medical Examination - Qualifying
7. Background Investigation - Qualifying
8. Chief's Oral Interview - Qualifying

Upcoming Test Dates:
Written Exam (PELLETB): July 11, 2025
Physical Agility Test: July 27, 2025