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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Riverside, CA

City of Pomona

Police Officer Recruit

Pomona, CA · On-site

$89K/yr

Police Officer Recruit: $7,459/mo. - Salary earned while attending a P.O.S.T. certified Police ... POST WRITTEN EXAMINATION PREP LINKS: 1. Preparation guide for the POST entry-level written test:

City of Corona, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Corona, CA · On-site

$6.0K/mo

The Police Officer Trainee is an entry level, non-sworn training classification. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS There will be two informational meetings on Wednesday, September 30 th, 2026, at 5pm and 7pm

City of Corona

Police Officer Trainee

Corona, CA

$6.0K/mo

The Police Officer Trainee is an entry level, non-sworn training classification. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS There will be two informational meetings on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at 5pm and 7pm.

City of Rialto, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Rialto, CA · On-site

$5.2K - $7.0K/mo

This is a sub-entry level service class in which incumbents learn and gain additional qualifications in preparation for a career as a police officer. The trainee attends a POST certified police ...

City of Chino

Police Recruit

Chino, CA

$75K - $91K/yr

WE'RE HIRING POLICE RECRUIT Starting Salary $6,261.75 - $7,591.58 Monthly Excellent Benefits $2,599 ... The exam is designed for entry-level peace officer candidates and does not require prior law ...

City of Rialto

Police Officer Trainee

Rialto, CA · On-site

$5.2K - $7.0K/mo

This is a sub-entry level service class in which incumbents learn and gain additional qualifications in preparation for a career as a police officer. The trainee attends a POST certified police ...

City of Upland

Police Officer Trainee

Upland, CA · On-site

$32.55 - $41.55/hr

APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE FOR THE POST ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEST BATTERY IS AVAILABLE BY ... Police Officers. Receives, learns, and understands instruction in basic criminal investigation ...

City of Chino, CA

Police Recruit

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

Chino Police Department, 5450 Guardian Way, Chino, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 202600053 ... The exam is designed for entry-level peace officer candidates and does not require prior law ...

City of Tustin

Police Recruit

Tustin, CA · On-site

$38.03/hr

This is an entry-level position in which new hires will be placed in a local, 6-month POST ... The Department provides its officers opportunities to gain exposure to a wide variety of municipal ...

City of Montclair

Police Dispatcher

Montclair, CA · On-site

$60K/yr

This is a recruitment for Entry-Level Public Safety Dispatchers and for experienced Public Safety ... with officers on assignment; keeps supervising officers informed of situations; maintains ...

City of Chino

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA

$75K - $91K/yr

Police Officer Salary $8,333.75 - $10,128.00 Monthly Plus, eligible pay incentives The City of ... This is an entry-level position; no prior law enforcement work experience is required. Knowledge of:

City of Montclair, CA

Police Dispatcher

Montclair, CA · On-site

$60K/yr

This is a recruitment for Entry-Level Public Safety Dispatchers and for experienced Public Safety ... with officers on assignment; keeps supervising officers informed of situations; maintains ...

City of Chino, CA

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

Upon promotion, they will serve a probationary period and be granted full peace officer authority ... This is an entry-level position; no prior law enforcement work experience is required. Knowledge of:

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All JobsPolice Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer JobsEntry Level Police Officer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Police Officer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$64.8K

$108K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Riverside, CA is $64,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $77,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

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

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.
More about Entry Level Police Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Entry Level Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,837 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Police Officer Recruit

City of Pomona

Pomona, CA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Attend a Police Academy and graduate from a full-time police academy to attain the knowledge and skills required for hire as a Police Officer.

  • Participate in physical agility tests, written exams, and an oral interview as part of the selection process.

  • Follow directions, communicate effectively, work cooperatively with co-workers and the public, and submit to background investigations, psychological evaluations, and pre-employment medical screening.

Job description

VACANCY Join a progressive law enforcement family. The Pomona Police Department offers a challenging career for individuals dedicated to serving and protecting the community. Throughout their career, a police officer may have the opportunity to work patrol, investigations, traffic, multi agency task forces, canine, aviation, and a variety of other teams/assignments.

Pomona has its own Type 1 jail facility (staffed by non-sworn jailers) and its own firing range. Due to recent and anticipated retirements, the department has several vacancies, making this an excellent time to join the Pomona PD family. Candidates may be hired as a Police Officer Recruit or as a Police Officer as follows: Police Officer Recruit: $7,459/mo.

- Salary earned while attending a P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy. Police Officer: Step 1, $8,614/mo

- Academy graduate is hired at step 1 of the Police Officer salary and serves a 12 month probationary period. **Police Recruits $25,000 Signing Bonus: The City of Pomona identifies Police Recruits as those that will or are currently attending a Police Academy to attain the knowledge and skills required for hire as a Police Officer via the recruitment process. If the candidate has applied for the position of Police Officer Recruit, they must graduate from a full-time police academy and be sworn in as a Pomona Police Officer to be eligible for this program.

Refer to Policy for details: Police Officer Recruit Bonus Pay Policy Please note the Policy Effective Date. IMPORTANT EXAM DATES FOR THIS RECRUITMENT: Recruitment Advertising Dates: July 20, 2026 - September 27, 2026 PD Workout & Mentorship Program: Every Wednesday, starting August 5, 2026 to September 30, 2026 Mentor Workshop: Thursday, October 1, 2026, via Zoom (exact time TBD) Attend this event via Zoom and obtain valuable information and knowledge to help you be a successful candidate and launch your career as a Pomona Police Officer. Physical Agility Test and Written Exam: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Candidates who submit a passing PELLET-B exam (prior to the testing date or bring their original letter on the date of the exam) will only take Physical Agility Test.

Candidates who do not have a PELLET-B exam prior to the exam date will begin their day with the Physical Agility Test. Those who pass the Physical Agility will then begin the Written Exam. POST WRITTEN EXAMINATION PREP LINKS: 1.

Preparation guide for the POST entry-level written test: Written Preparation Guide 2. Commission on POST Candidate Information: POST Information 3. City of Pomona Hiring Process: Click on this link for Police Officer Process Applicants invited to the physical agility and written exam that have taken the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam with another agency within 12 months of this recruitment's written examination date, may attach their original letter on City letterhead with T-Score to their application for review or bring their original letter on City letterhead with T-Score on the testing date and may have the Pomona written exam process waived if the total T-Score is 45 or above.

The City does not waive the physical agility process. * Subject to the City reviewing the letter. * MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY Minimum Requirements: Graduation from high school or GED equivalency.

Must be at least 20 1/2 years of age. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license with acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Special Requirements: Must be able to work flexible schedules, to include overtime, emergency call back, shift work, nights, holidays and weekends.

Must successfully pass a Police Department pre-employment screening process. Must successfully pass a Basic POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) Police Academy. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Ability to: follow directions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively and effectively with co-workers and the public; must be able to provide credible court testimony in legal proceedings, must be of good moral character and willing to submit to a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment medical screening.

SELECTION PROCESS APPLICATIONS: Applicants are urged to fully describe their education and experience, as applications will be screened to a reasonable number of most qualified. Applicants deemed as most qualified are based upon a competitive evaluation of information provided on their application. Veteran's Preference, 10 points for a disabled veteran and 5 points for non-disabled veteran, will be added to the overall score on the eligible list.

To receive the Veterans Preference, you must submit a DD214 at the time of application (attach to your online application). EXAMINATION PROCEDURE: Application qualifying. The examination procedure may consist of a physical agility exam (pass/fail), written exam (pass/fail), and an oral interview weighing 100% of the applicant's final score.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.

APPLICANTS WITH A T-SCORE: The City may waive the written examination for applicants that have taken the P.O.S.T. written exam with another agency within 12 months of this recruitment's written examination date. Must have a T-Score of 45 or higher

Attach a copy of the letter with application (must be an official agency notice). Applicants with a T-Score must still attend and pass the physical agility exam. Prior to employment, applicants must successfully pass a background interview with the Police Chief or his designated representative, a polygraph, and an in-depth background investigation.

Conditional job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a psychological evaluation and a pre-employment medical exam which includes an alcohol/drug screen exam. Failure to receive a recommendation for hire at any phase of these procedures will result in disqualification.

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