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Salary: $29.24 Hourly
Location : Police Department, 65950 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 0824-2026
Department: Police Department
Division: Non-Sworn
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
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.
Examples of Duties
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 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 needed and with overflow work as assigned
• May serve in a lead capacity in the absence of immediate supervisor

Typical Qualifications
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

Supplemental Information
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 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 available online at 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 or visit the

Applicants that pass the entry level exam may be invited to continue in the selection process for this position which may include one or more of the following: qualification review, physical agility exam, oral panel exam, and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of candidates.
Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.
Written Test Waiver:
Request a waiver if one of the following conditions applies to you:

• 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.

Applicants that pass the entry level exam may be invited to continue in the selection process for this position which may include one or more of the following: qualification review, physical agility exam, oral panel exam, and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of candidates.
Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Employees in this classification serve a probationary period of one (1) year.
EMPLOYEE LEAVE: The City offers a generous Vacation and Sick leave program, plus 10 annual holidays and one (1) floating holiday. Employees accrue 80 hours per year of sick leave; employees accrue 80 hours of vacation leave for the first five years; after five years, employees accrue additional hours based on years of service.
BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM: The City of Desert Hot Springs participates in the Civic Scholars Program and offers its full-time employees the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree at no cost to the employee. Civic Scholars is an employer sponsored college pathway for the employees of Desert Hot Springs that is fully online and self-paced. Built to be mobile friendly, it allows the working adult to start or complete their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited, non-profit university with no disruption to their work life balance. Details about this program, and how employees can obtain a bachelor's degree at no cost, is available from Human Resources.
RETIREMENT: The City participates in the Social Security system and all employees are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees pay the Member's contribution depending on their prior PERS eligibility. Membership is mandatory. The retirement formula for new employees is 2% at 60, or 2% at 62, depending on prior PERS eligibility, with highest three-year compensation average.
INSURANCE: The City contributes a maximum amount per month towards the cost of medical, dental and vision coverage available to employees and dependents; life insurance is paid by the City.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Available for interested employees, offered through ICMA.
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: In compliance with the DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT OF 1988 it is City policy to maintain a drug free workplace.