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Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Police Officer - Entry Level

Redmond, WA · On-site

$110K - $127K/yr

Your career in law enforcement begins here. Before we go on and tell you why the Redmond Police ... To be considered for an entry-level law enforcement officer position at our agency and others, you ...

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$88K/yr

T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) By submitting a T-score for a California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET B) exam taken from an outside agency within one ...

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$88K/yr

S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) * By submitting a T-score for a California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET B) exam taken from an outside agency within ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 12, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level law enforcement officer?

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 common challenges faced by entry level law enforcement officers during their first year?

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 is an entry level law enforcement officer?

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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,343 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Police Officer Recruit

City of Vernon

Los Angeles, CA

$81K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Summary POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT MONTHLY SALARY: $6,828 - $8,299 PLUS, A COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR THE VERNON POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. Under close supervision, attends a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic training academy to obtain California Peace Officer Certification.

This is the entry level non-sworn, non-peace officer, training position. Essential Functions Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

The job announcement does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Attends classroom training sessions and takes notes required to obtain State Peace Officer Certification. Completes written, oral and skills proficiency examinations for a wide variety of required Peace Officer skills and knowledge and maintains required levels of proficiency.

Participates in physical conditioning training and testing and maintains required levels of physical fitness. Adheres to CA POST academy rules and regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Must be at least 21 years old upon graduation from the academy, and per California Government Code Section 1031 and 1031.5 must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship at least one (1) year before employment application. Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including a polygraph, and meet the minimum POST standards for medical examinations and physical ability

Upon successful completion of all required training, Police Officer Recruits will be eligible for consideration for appointment to a sworn Police Officer position. Police Officer Recruits who do not successfully complete all required training will be automatically terminated from employment with the City without the right of appeal. LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A valid California State Driver's License is required.

Supplemental Information Knowledge of: City and Vernon Police Department (VPD) policies and procedures. Safe work practices, occupational hazards, and safety precautions. Skill in: Maintaining academic and professional standards in accordance with VPD policies.

Following verbal and written instruction. Reading and understanding training materials and completing written, physical, and skills testing. Learning and applying training materials and training instructions.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a classroom environment, and in the field for training exercises; requires strenuous physical efforts and ability to meet physical standards of the CA POST Academy. SELECTION PROCESS: Completed application packets will be reviewed and only those applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process, which may include the P.O.S.T

written exam, physical agility exam, and a panel interview. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.

Applications must be submitted online. If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Copies of required certifications must be submitted with the application.

Stating "see resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at www.cityofvernon.org. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information

WRITTEN EXAM: (PASS/FAIL) The City of Vernon administers the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B). An applicant preparation guide can be found using the following link: Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Applicant Frequently asked questions link: https://post.ca.gov/LE-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs

The City of Vernon will accept POST exam scores from other agencies. The passing T-Score for the City of Vernon is 45. Candidates who have taken the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) examination at another agency and have received a T-Score of 45 or higher, may attach a copy of their test score results on agency letterhead for consideration.

All scores are subject to verification. POST regulations prohibit examinees from taking this exam more than one time in any 30-day calendar period from any exam site in the State of California. Be advised that if you make multiple attempts to take this exam within a 30-day calendar period, POST will invalidate your exam.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT): (PASS/FAIL) This Physical Agility Test consists of the following components: a. 99-yard obstacle course b. 165 Drag 32ft c.

Chain Link Fence Climb 6ft d. Solid Wall Climb 6ft e. 500 Yard Sprint Candidates who have taken the Physical Agility Test (PAT) examination at another agency and have received a passing score within one year from the date application is submitted, may attach a copy of their score results, on agency letterhead for consideration and must include all components listed above.

All scores are subject to verification. ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW: (Weighted 100%) Those candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in an oral board interview to evaluate experience, education, and qualifications for the position. BACKGROUND: Candidates are subject to and must successfully pass an extensive and thorough background investigation.

CITY OF VERNONHUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Program Manager lgrizzelle@cityofvernonca.gov (323) 583-8811, ext. 166 "The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer".