Police Trainee

Palm Springs Police Department; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Palm Springs Police Department is seeking an entry-level Police Trainee to enter a POST-certified Basic Academy training program sponsored by the City of Palm Springs. The trainee position is full-time and non-sworn, with up to six months of academy training followed by placement as a sworn officer upon graduation.

Qualified candidates must be prepared to attend the academy, and upon completion may be eligible for placement as a sworn Police Officer within the City.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to preserve law and order and enforce laws and ordinances.
• Respond to public service requests, traffic hazards, and related incidents.
• Plan and execute warrants; search suspects and locations; collect evidence.
• Serve warrants, make arrests, and interview witnesses.
• Process evidence and maintain case records.
• Investigate organized crime and gangs; compile intelligence and reports.
• Review vehicle theft and crash reports.
• Conduct investigations across narcotics, property, and persons; interview suspects and prepare reports.
• Testify in juvenile and civil courts and prepare related court reports.

Job description

Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum.

THE CITY:

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign of 100%, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.

THE POSITION:

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 Palm 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 Palm Springs.

A qualified candidate for Police Trainee must be prepared and available to attend a full-time Basic Academy for a period of up to six (6) months.

The Police Academy provides training in basic criminal investigation processes and techniques; preparation of various reports; analysis of situations to make appropriate decisions under stressful situations; testify and present evidence in court, and practices and theory in criminal and civil law enforcement.

Upon placement as a sworn Police Officer with the City of Palm Springs, this position provides services in the enforcement of laws, the protection of persons and property, and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

WRITTEN TEST WAIVER:

Request a waiver on your application by responding to the applicable supplemental questions and submitting the applicable documentation if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Have passed the National Testing Network (NTN) for the Frontline National Law Enforcement test within one (1) year of date of application.
• You were previously hired by the City of Palm Springs as a Police Officer (Recruit Level) within two (2) years of date of application.
• Have taken the California P.O.S.T. Pellet-B exam within two (2) years of date of application and acquired T-scores of 46 in all areas (reading, writing, and overall).
• Possess a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America).

NOTE: If your waiver request is approved, your application will bypass the written test selection process and be moved to the physical agility test selection process. You will be notified of the physical agility test date.

NOTE: If you submit waiver documentation and your waiver request is not approved you will be notified of your eligibility for the written test based on further review of your application and responses to the supplemental questions.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties 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, 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.

• 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 general public service and crime victim calls, 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, contraband, 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 areas of responsibility including narcotics, property, and persons; gather information from witnesses and informants; interview suspects; prepare reports and follow up on investigations.
• Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports.
• Maintain and operate spe