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Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Law Enforcement Recruit

Arcadia, CA ยท On-site

$47.63/hr

Written Exam (Pass/Fail) - Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a score of 50 or above. Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELLETB score within ...

Law Enforcement Recruit

Arcadia, CA ยท On-site

$47.63/hr

Written Exam (Pass/Fail) - Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a score of 50 or above. Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELLETB score within ...

Police Recruit

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

Be currently scheduled to take the "Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)" at the time of application, with proof of test results or test date uploaded to application. A "T-Score ...

Police Recruit

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

OR Be currently scheduled to take the "Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)" at the time of application, with proof of test results or test date uploaded to application. A "T-Score ...

Police Officer Recruit

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $99K/yr

Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Applicant Frequently asked questions link: The City of Vernon will accept POST exam scores from other agencies. The ...

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Entry Level Law Enforcement information

See salary details

$33.5K

$49.3K

$69.5K

How much do entry level law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level law enforcement in the United States is $49,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, strong observational skills, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, composure under pressure, and sound judgment help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective enforcement of laws, community trust, and safety in challenging and dynamic situations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level law enforcement officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level law enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning to manage stressful or unpredictable situations, and building effective communication with both the public and colleagues. Many new officers also need to quickly become proficient with departmental procedures, report writing, and legal protocols. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training are crucial in helping new recruits navigate these challenges and develop confidence in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Law Enforcement vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level Law EnforcementCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, patrols, community interactionsPrisons, jails, detention facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Law Enforcement officers primarily focus on patrolling, crime prevention, and community policing, working in the field and interacting with the public. Correctional Officers supervise inmates within detention facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work in criminal justice, their environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within law enforcement.

What are entry level law enforcement jobs?

Entry level law enforcement jobs refer to positions such as police officers, sheriff's deputies, or corrections officers that require minimal prior experience in the field. These roles typically involve enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies. Candidates often need to meet basic requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level positions provide foundational training and experience for those starting a career in law enforcement.
More about Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Law Enforcement jobs? The most popular types of Law Enforcement jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,343 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Law Enforcement Recruit

Law Enforcement Recruit

City of Arcadia

Arcadia, CA โ€ข On-site

$47.63/hr

Part-time

Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description ABOUT ARCADIA Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods.

Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County. ABOUT US At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization.

We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in expanding your career as a member of Law Enforcement, we welcome and encourage your application.

Explore the wide array of special assignments and career opportunities that our premier organization has to offer. Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department. WHAT WE OFFER: CalPERS retirement plan City-paid vision plan City-paid life insurance policy Monthly benefit allowance of: $620 Employee only $700 Employee + 1 $900 Family Plan APPLICATION DEADLINE: This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Apply Online - Submit a detailed, thorough application. Written Exam (Pass/Fail) - Candidates must pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a score of 50 or above. Applicants who have obtained a qualifying PELLETB score within the last 12 months are encouraged to attach their test results to their application for consideration.

Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail) - Candidates who have successfully passed the written test are then invited to participate in the physical agility test and are required to pass it in order to continue in the examination process. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) - Candidates who successfully pass the prior components of the examination process are invited to participate in the oral interview panel and are required to pass it with a score of 70% or above in order to successfully be assigned to an eligibility list. SELECTION PROCESS Chief's Interview - The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff will meet and interview candidates to determine their readiness to join the Arcadia Police Department.

Background Check - An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure that candidates meet the high standards set forth to join the Arcadia Police Department. Psychological Examination - Candidates who successfully pass the background process are required to go through a psychological exam to be evaluated on their ability to handle stresses that accompany a career in law enforcement. Medical Examination - Candidates who successfully pass the psychological examination undergo a medical evaluation to assess their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

Differences in the classifications of Law Enforcement Recruit, Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service), and Police Officer (Lateral) within the City of Arcadia Law Enforcement Recruit Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) Police Officer (Lateral) Applicants for the Law Enforcement Recruit position are not required to be enrolled in a P.O.S.T. certified police academy. Prior to submitting an application, please review the minimum requirements noted in the Minimum Qualifications section of the job bulletin for the Law Enforcement Recruit position

Applicants for the Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) are required to either be currently enrolled in a P.O.S.T. certified police academy or have successfully completed a P.O.S.T. certified police academy within the last 12 months

Prior to submitting an application, please review the minimum requirements noted in the Minimum Qualifications section of the job bulletin for the Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) position. Applicants for the Police Officer (Lateral) are required to possess one year of experience with the public and current employment as a California peace officer or current employment as a peace officer in another State combined with a California P.O.S.T Waiver of Attendance Certificate. Prior to submitting an application, please review the minimum requirements noted in the Minimum Qualifications section of the job bulletin for the Police Officer (Lateral) position

DEFINITION Under general supervision, the Law Enforcement Recruit is a non-sworn trainee classification, designed specifically for the purpose of employing Police Officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial enrollment of a P.O.S.T certified police academy. An individual will remain in the Law Enforcement Recruit classification during pre-academy training, and during the actual academy training. Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T certified police academy, background investigation and all P.O.S.T requirements, the Law Enforcement Recruit will be eligible for advancement to Police Officer

Recruits who are not successful in completion of any of the foregoing requirements will be terminated from employment as a Law Enforcement Recruit. Examples of Duties DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Law Enforcement Recruit is a non-sworn, part-time classification designed for an individual who has not attended a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy

On occasion, a Law Enforcement Recruit may be assigned to non-sworn police work while awaiting assignment to an academy class. Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy, and approval of the Police Chief, a Law Enforcement Recruit will be eligible to be sworn in as a full-time probationary Police Officer

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises no supervision. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Attends a basic P.O.S.T certified academy designed to provide an entire overview of the criminal justice system which includes training in laws, police procedures, law enforcement technique, first aid and physical fitness. On occasion, may be assigned to non-sworn police work while in an academy class or while the background investigation is being completed

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Learn to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.

Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Successfully complete a P.O.S.T. certified police academy

Learn functions and objectives of Federal, State, and other local law enforcement agencies. Learn basic principles of criminal law. Learn principles and practices of community policing.

Learn modern police methods and procedures related to patrol, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, traffic control, and investigation and identification techniques. Learn modern investigative methods including interviewing and interrogation techniques. Learn law enforcement theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.

Learn local geography, City streets, public buildings, and businesses. Learn recent court decisions and how they affect department and division operations. Learn self defense tactics.

Learn, properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations particularly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, evidence and records maintenance, and traffic control. Learn to gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate and use facts and evidence. Learn, interpret and explain City and Department policies and procedures.

Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places. Prepare clear and concise reports. Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine proper course of action.

Act quickly and calmly in emergencies. Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively. Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Experience: One year of experience working with the public Education: Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional education is desirable. Minimum Age: Must be 20 years of age at time of submitting application.

Candidates must have reached 21st birthday upon graduation from the academy or upon hire as a sworn Police Officer. Medical Standards: Applicants must be in good physical condition as determined by a P.O.S.T medical examination, with weight in proportion to height, and consistent with P.O.S.T. and City guidelines for hearing and vision

There is a requirement that new hires maintain their physical condition as a condition of continued employment. Candidates must also pass an extensive Background Investigation, including a Polygraph and Psychological Examination. Other: Pursuant to Government Code 1031, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Applicants must be of good moral character and have no convictions of a felony offense or any offense reflecting lack of character, judgment or morals. Conviction of a felony or serious misdemeanor is disqualifying. If hired, candidates must sign an agreement to refrain from smoking, chewing or otherwise using tobacco, chewing tobacco or snuff.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Supplemental Information Special Requirements: Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by. Application: A fully completed online application is required to be submitted

Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.

The Selection Process: Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process.

The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year. Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.

Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.