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Police Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Dispatcher

South Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $79K/yr

Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies. Qualifications Employment Standards Education and Experience: A high school diploma or ...

Police Cadet

Larkspur, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Cadets assist with a variety of administrative and field duties, develop valuable public safety ... Police cadets may be hired as Police Trainees who attend an area police academy and upon graduation ...

Police Chief

Brawley, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances. Attend regional and state police conferences and meetings with other public officials to keep abreast of current trends in the field.

Police Chief

Brawley, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

Recommend adoption and assist with preparation of ordinances. * Attend regional and state police conferences and meetings with other public officials to keep abreast of current trends in the field.

Police Officer Trainees may be assigned to assist investigators in the handling of criminal cases. Duties might include assisting with the collection of evidence at a crime scene, assisting with ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Police Officer Trainees may be assigned to assist investigators in the handling of criminal cases. Duties might include assisting with the collection of evidence at a crime scene, assisting with ...

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Police Assistant information

What are some common challenges faced by police assistants, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

Police Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling sensitive information, balancing administrative tasks with public interactions, and adapting to rapidly changing priorities. New hires can effectively manage these challenges by developing strong organizational skills, maintaining clear communication with officers and the public, and staying up-to-date with departmental procedures. Proactively seeking guidance from experienced colleagues and participating in ongoing training also helps build confidence and competence in the role.

What is a police assistant?

Police Assistants are civilian employees who support police officers and law enforcement operations by performing administrative, clerical, and sometimes field-related duties. Their responsibilities often include handling paperwork, assisting with inquiries from the public, managing evidence or records, and helping with community engagement initiatives. Police Assistants help free up sworn officers to focus on core policing tasks, improving the overall efficiency of the department. They play a vital role in ensuring that police stations and operations run smoothly. Requirements for this role may vary, but generally include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with the public.

How do you become a police assistant?

To become a police assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete relevant training or certification programs. Some positions may require prior experience in law enforcement or customer service, and strong communication skills are essential for the role.

What is the difference between Police Assistant vs Police Clerk?

AspectPolice AssistantPolice Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic certificationsHigh school diploma; administrative or clerical certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, assisting officers, community interactionOffice setting, handling paperwork and data entry
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, administrative offices within law enforcement
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Police Assistants typically engage in fieldwork supporting officers and community interactions, while Police Clerks focus on administrative tasks within police departments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are employed within law enforcement agencies, but their daily duties and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police assistant?

To thrive as a Police Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring additional administrative training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, records management systems, and office software like Microsoft Office is typically expected. Excellent communication, discretion, and the ability to handle stressful situations are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate support for police operations, confidentiality, and effective service to both officers and the public.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in California? The most popular types of Police jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Police Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Police Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Police Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Police Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Police Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Police Dispatcher

City of South Pasadena

South Pasadena, CA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Overview The South Pasadena Police Department is seeking a qualified professional to take on the role of Police Dispatcher. Current Starting Salary: Up to $76,356 depending on qualifications (DOQ) This recruitment is open continuous and may close or be extended at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The first review of applications will be September 1, 2025. Purpose This is a non-sworn position with an assigned work schedule of 3-12, 4-10 or 5-8 work schedule depending upon assignment. Under the general supervision of the Watch Commander, handles communications responsibilities by receiving emergency and routine calls and dispatching law enforcement personnel, processes arrestees, including booking and transport to Pasadena Police Department or Sheriff's Central Jail, and performs other duties as required which are deemed beneficial to the Department.

Duties & Responsibilities Examples of Duties Duties include, but are not limited to, receiving emergency and routine calls for law enforcement service and dispatching appropriate personnel; Maintaining radio contact and status of in-field units; Coordinating with City departments, emergency services, and other government agencies; Monitoring of other radio frequencies; entering, updating, and retrieving information from national, state and local computer systems; Maintaining a daily dispatch log; training of other communications personnel; Receiving reports and complaints from the public by phone and in person; Providing for the processing, security, health, and welfare of persons in custody; transporting of persons in custody to court and from other law enforcement agencies; Gathering information and completing reports of selected police incidents; Providing parking enforcement by issuing citations and towing vehicles for California Vehicle Code and City ordinance violations; assisting with traffic and crowd control; Processing of evidence and financial transactions; Accurately preparing related forms and reports for all assigned tasks; Performing clerical work as required. Police Assistants may be required to work additional or overtime shifts consistent with Department policies. Qualifications Employment Standards Education and Experience: A high school diploma or equivalent.

Prior dispatch experience (preferably in the public sector) is highly desirable. Special Requirements A valid California driver license; completion of a P.O.S.T Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course before or within one year from date of appointment. Knowledge of: English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation; typewriter/computer keyboarding; general office procedures and equipment

Ability to: Understand and communicate tactfully with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; function appropriately in emergency and routine situations with the public, persons in custody, and fellow employees; accurately interpret codes and ordinances and apply investigative techniques to assess compliance; follow through on assignments; make logical interpretations, and come to conclusions from studying facts; operate specified Police Department equipment necessary for completion of daily tasks, such as, but not limited to, police dispatch and records equipment, police computer equipment, police vehicle and portable radios, and police patrol vehicles. Physical Demands Candidates must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, climb at least five flights of stairs unassisted, coordinate eyes, hands, and fingers in typing; exert light to moderate physical effort, and exert sufficient force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and safely and legally control persons in custody. Working Conditions The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. FLSA Status Non-exempt Additional Information SELECTION PROCESS: Candidates considered for employment must successfully complete a typing speed exam, a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery exam (or have received an exemption waiver), an oral interview, a polygraph, an extensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, and a medical examination.

The examination components consist of: Application Review Typing Speed Test (Net Typing Score of 40 wpm or more) ** To waive this portion of the process please attach a typing certificate that meets requirements below. A POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam **To waive this portion of the process please attach a copy of your POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam dated within one year of this application Oral Appraisal Interview Polygraph Background Investigation Chief's Interview Psychological Screening & Medical Examination You may qualify to be exempt from the typing speed test, if you can attach a typing certificate that contains the following: - Applicant's name - Name of issuing agency - Signature of agency representative certifying the certificate - Date of administration (Test must be dated within one year of application due date) - Five minute timed test indicating the gross typing speed, errors and NET typing speed. Net typing score of 40 wpm or more.

- Online or self-administered tests will not be accepted A copy of your typing certificate must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption. You may qualify to be exempt from the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Exam, if you can provide proof of completing one of the following: (1) Achievement of a passing score of 48 on the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery. The score must be provided on the agency's letterhead and completed within 365 days of filing application OR (2) Proof of successful completion of the POST certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) AND completion of probation as a public safety dispatcher during previous employment OR (3) Possess a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate.

A copy of your proof must be attached to the application to be considered for exemption. SELECTION PROCEDURE The City reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents may be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please email HR@southpasadenaca.gov

The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.

FAIR CHANCE ACT The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report (for non-public-safety backgrounds).

Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act. ABOUT THE CITY The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community

South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments. Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley

One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions. South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate.

There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.

South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area. Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years. NOTE: The provisions in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract; and any provisions contained in this flyer may be modified or revoked without notice.