Police Officer Trainee
The Police Officer Trainee position with Confidential Client is an entry-level, non-sworn role designed to prepare candidates for appointment as sworn Police Officers upon successful completion of the POST-approved Basic Police Academy. The role involves learning law enforcement principles, codes, and procedures while demonstrating integrity, respect, and teamwork to support community safety and trust. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process including written exams, physical agility tests, oral interviews, and background checks to ensure readiness for law enforcement duties.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Admin.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
This entry-level Police Officer Trainee role supports a municipal police department training pipeline. As a Police Officer Trainee you will complete a POST-approved Basic Police Academy and a phased testing/certification process that can lead to appointment as a sworn Police Officer upon successful completion of training and hiring steps.
What You’ll Do
- Train in and learn core law enforcement fundamentals and police procedures in a POST-approved academy.
- Complete classroom and practical instruction in areas such as reading, writing, reasoning, human relations, and law enforcement codes.
- Participate in a physical agility program and pass physical performance standards (wall climb, push-ups, sit-ups, 1.5-mile run).
- Take part in oral board interviews and other selection exercises.
- Assist with non-sworn, supervised tasks as assigned during the training period.
- Follow department policies, regulations, and legal requirements while demonstrating integrity and teamwork.
Compensation & Benefits
- Police Officer Trainee salary (annualized): $72,552.
- Upon promotion to Police Officer (sworn): $96,312 annualized (progression after academy and appointment).
- Medical allowance and opt-out options (details vary by plan).
- Retirement plan participation as applicable (PEPRA / Classic tiers noted in the MOU).
- Paid holidays and annual leave accrual; additional benefits and allowances for sworn officers (uniform allowance, bilingual pay, incentive pay, etc.).
- Complete benefits summary is provided in the employer’s current MOU.
Minimum Qualifications
- Completion of 12th grade or equivalent (GED); education must be listed on the application.
- Ability to successfully complete a POST-approved Basic Police Academy.
- Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License at appointment.
- Must be at least 20.5 years of age at time of application.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Ability to pass background, psychological, medical, polygraph, and fingerprint checks.
- No felony convictions; no disqualifying serious or numerous minor convictions.
- Good moral character as determined by background investigation.
Skills & Characteristics
- Strong written and verbal English skills; accurate spelling, grammar, and comprehension.
- Ability to learn police terminology, codes, and basic law enforcement practices.
- Good judgment, initiative, tact, and the ability to work within policies and legal guidelines.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with coworkers and the public.
- Commitment to integrity, respect, inclusion, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Testing & Selection Process
- Online written exam (108 questions covering reading, math, reasoning, writing, and human relations). Candidates must score 70%+ to advance (unless waived).
- Physical agility test (solid 6 ft wall climb, 25 push-ups in one minute, 30 sit-ups in one minute, 1.5-mile run in 13:30). Each event must be passed.
- Oral board interviews on the same day for candidates who pass the physical agility.
- Top scoring candidates placed on an eligibility list for background processing and appointment as positions open.
- Written exam may be waived with a bachelor’s degree (unofficial transcripts required) or a Pellet-B score of 42+ within the last 3 years.
Important Dates & Logistics
- Application window (source schedule): applications accepted through September 10, 2026, 11:59 PM.
- Tentative one-day testing dates were listed in the source; informational meetings and test dates will be communicated to qualified applicants.
- Applicants requiring accommodation for testing should notify Human Resources at least 72 hours prior to test events.
Community & Organization
This role serves a vibrant, diverse municipal community and is part of a structured local government organization operating under a council-manager model. Trainees should expect to engage with community members, partner agencies, and department staff as part of training and duties.
Selection Conditions & Background Checks
- Candidates will undergo fingerprinting and criminal records checks (state and federal).
- Psychological and medical exams are required and must be successfully passed.
- Polygraph testing and credit review (if applicable) are part of the background process.
Keywords & Skills (for candidate search/fit)
- Police Officer Trainee Corona CA
- POST academy trainee
- physical agility test
- oral board interview
- California Class C Driver’s License
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range