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Police Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Trainee

Richmond, CA ยท On-site

$7.9K/mo

A Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time employee of the City and receives a monthly salary of $7,924.64. Police Officer Trainees are eligible to receive the status of a sworn police ...

Police Officer Trainee

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

The Police Officer Trainee is expected to prepare for, attend, and successfully pass, at all stages, a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Police Academy program selected by the Department. Failure to make ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hercules, CA ยท On-site

$50.68/hr

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an opportunity for you to become a Police Officer Trainee in the Hercules Police Department. The Police Officer ...

PURPOSE The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time, benefited position within the Novato Police Department. The employee in this position is preparing for, or currently participating in, a ...

Police Officer Trainee

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$2.1K/mo

The Police Officer Trainee is an entry level, non-sworn training classification. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS There will be two informational meetings on Wednesday, August 19 th at 5pm and 7pm . Attendance ...

Police Officer Trainee: $19.50 - $24.89 per hour POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE Salary: Police Officer Trainee: $21.84 - $27.87 per hour Benefits Location Lake County, CA Job Type Full Time - Open to all ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hercules, CA ยท On-site

$50.68/hr

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an opportunity for you to become a Police Officer Trainee in the Hercules Police Department. The Police Officer ...

Police Officer Trainee

Lakeport, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24.89/hr

Police Officer Trainee: $21.84 - $27.87 per hour Benefits Location Lake County, CA Job Type Full Time - Open to all applicants Department Police Opening Date 10/24/24 Closing Date 11/21/24 5:00 PM ...

Police Officer Trainee

Lakeport, CA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24.89/hr

Police Officer Trainee: $21.84 - $27.87 per hour Benefits Location Lake County, CA Job Type Full Time - Open to all applicants Department Police Opening Date 10/24/24 Closing Date 11/21/24 5:00 PM ...

The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time, benefited position within the police department. The incumbent in this position is preparing for, or currently participating in, a full-time ...

The Police Officer Trainee is an entry level, non-sworn training classification. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS There will be two informational meetings on Wednesday, August 19th at 5pm and 7pm. Attendance ...

Description Application Process for Police Officer Trainee (Entry-Level). To avoid delays in processing your application, please read the information contained in this job posting in its entirety ...

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Police Officer Trainee is a general class, non-sworn employee position. Individuals selected for this position will be hired under the classification of Police Officer Trainee. Some of the typical ...

The Police Trainee participates in a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), in a non-sworn capacity. The ...

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Cotati, CA ยท On-site

$32.12/hr

Description POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE DEFINITION Attends a Basic Police Academy as approved by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and successfully ...

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 Officer Trainee information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced during the police officer trainee program and how can they be overcome?

Police officer trainees often face challenges such as adapting to a strict training regimen, mastering legal procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. The physical and academic demands can be intense, requiring strong time management and resilience. Building camaraderie with fellow trainees and seeking guidance from experienced officers can help ease the transition. Staying organized, maintaining a positive mindset, and proactively asking for feedback are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the program.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police officer trainees can typically start at age 21 or older, and 27 is not considered too late to pursue a career in law enforcement. Many departments value maturity and life experience, which can be advantageous in the role. Meeting minimum age requirements and completing necessary training and background checks are essential steps regardless of age.

What are Police Officer Trainees?

Police Officer Trainees are individuals who have been hired by a law enforcement agency to undergo training in police academy programs. During this period, they learn the fundamental skills, laws, procedures, and ethics required to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees are not fully sworn officers yet; they must successfully complete the academy and field training before becoming full-fledged police officers. The role is designed to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and legal challenges of police work.

What is the difference between Police Officer Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty, patrol, enforcement, and community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning laws, procedures, and skills; assisting officersEnforcing laws, patrolling, responding to incidents

The main difference between a Police Officer Trainee and a Police Officer is that trainees are in a learning phase, undergoing training and supervision, while officers are fully qualified and perform active law enforcement duties. Trainees focus on gaining skills and knowledge, whereas officers carry out the responsibilities independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, legal knowledge, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and completing police academy training are typically required. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help trainees effectively interact with the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring safety, upholding the law, and building public trust in the community.

What does a police officer trainee do?

A police officer trainee is in the process of learning law enforcement duties and procedures. They undergo classroom instruction and practical training, including patrols, report writing, and learning to use equipment, with the goal of becoming a fully certified officer.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

For police officers, holding up four fingers often signifies the number four, which can represent a specific unit, rank, or a signal used within the force. It may also be a gesture of solidarity or acknowledgment among officers, depending on the context. Such gestures are typically part of police culture or communication protocols.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

The police officer trainee position is often considered one of the more accessible law enforcement roles to enter, especially for those with a high school diploma or equivalent. It typically requires passing a written exam, physical fitness test, background check, and completing police academy training, which can vary in difficulty depending on the agency and location.
What cities are hiring for Police Officer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs? The most popular types of Police Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Police Officer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Officer Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

City of Richmond, CA

Richmond, CA โ€ข On-site

$7.9K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Salary: $7,924.64 Monthly
Location : Richmond Police Department, 1701 Regatta Blvd., Richmond, CA 94804, CA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 22-PS-420
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 02/01/2022
Closing Date: Continuous
Introduction
BE AMONGST THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE UP THE RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, there is an opportunity for you to become a Police Officer Trainee in the City of Richmond Police Department. If selected, you will be appointed full-time to a Police Officer Trainee position, and you will attend a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Police Recruit Academy. A Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time employee of the City and receives a monthly salary of $7,924.64.
Police Officer Trainees are eligible to receive the status of a sworn police officer after they have successfully completed the POST Academy and have been processed through the procedure to become a classified Police Officer. As a sworn Police Officer they will undergo field training within the Police Department.
This is an exempt classification. Employees in exempt classifications do not have protected status under the City's merit system, but serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. An exempt Police Officer Trainee may be appointed to the classified position of Police Officer without examination upon successful completion of academy training (Personnel Rules Section 4.2.1).
City of Richmond Police Officers work under the philosophy of community policing, and are responsible for protecting persons and property; maintaining order; preventing crime; controlling traffic, conducting specialized investigative duties; and writing reports. The current base annual salary range for a sworn Police Officer is $123,588.00 - $142,558.00. To learn more about Police Officers please go to:
Additionally, City-paid benefits may include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more! All benefits information can be found .
Position Description and Duties
A Police Officer Trainee attends a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-Certified Police Academy full-time. Upon successful completion of the POST Academy, trainees are eligible for immediate appointment to the position of Police Officer.
Officers, working under the philosophy of community policing, are responsible for protecting persons and property; maintaining order; preventing crime and juvenile delinquency; controlling traffic; specialized administrative or investigative duties; and writing reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Application and Selection Process
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
  • Be at least 21 years of age;
  • Have completed the equivalent of ten (10) semester or fifteen (15) quarter units at a college or university OR completion of basic and advanced training in the armed forces and receipt of an honorable discharge with a copy of the DD214 (must provide proof);
  • Have no felony convictions;
  • Possess a T-Score from the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) of 48 or above*, obtained within 12 months of application OR current attendance at a CA POST-affiliated Police Academy (must provide proof)
  • Possess a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record;
  • Have vision uncorrected 20/100 in each eye, corrected to 20/30 in each eye;
  • Have normal color vision;
  • Have normal hearing.

*NOTE: Applicants must provide a copy of a valid T-Score of 48 or above from the POST PELLET-B, taken within 12 months of application. Applicants may contact The Academy, South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Center (), or other local agencies or training academies to determine if they are administering the PELLET-B. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the CA POST website at
Automatic Disqualifiers:
  • Felony Convictions
  • Domestic Violence Convictions
  • Crimes of Moral Turpitude
  • Drug Use - Within Last Three (3) Years:
    • Hallucinogens
    • Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
    • LSD
    • MDMA (Ecstasy)
    • Cocaine
    • Methamphetamine
    • Heroin

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
The City's policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.
Additional Information
Application and Selection Process
  1. All applicants must submit a complete City of Richmond Employment Application online. Applicants can apply by visiting the City of Richmond employment page at Please fill out the Employment Application completely (including places of employment with complete addresses; i.e., number and street name, city and state, names of supervisors with telephone numbers, etc.), answer the Supplement Qualifications Questionnaire, and if applicable, attach required documents. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
  2. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an unranked Employment List. The Employment List is valid for four (4) months, unless extended an additional four (4) months. ** Placement on the employment list does not guarantee selection to proceed in the recruitment process. **
  3. Candidates will be selected to complete a Writing Sample (essay), participate in an oral board interview, submit a Personal History Statement (PHS), and complete a Physical Agility Test, mirroring the California POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) **:
    • Solid Fence Climb and Chain Link Fence Climb (Two Trials)
      1. Maximum time allowed - Solid: 15.1 seconds, Chain: 19.3 seconds
    • Body Rescue/Drag (Two trials)
      1. Maximum time allowed: 28.9 seconds
    • Obstacle Course/Agility Run (Two Trials)
      1. Maximum time allowed: 33.9 seconds
    • 500 Yard Run (One Trial)
      1. Maximum time allowed: 199.9 seconds (3 minutes 33 seconds)

** The Physical Agility Test will be waived for candidates who provide proof of successful completion of the POST Work Sample Test Battery, provided by a POST accredited agency, with a minimum passing score of 384, within 6 months of application **
4. The PHS will be reviewed and evaluated based on hiring requirements.
5. Candidates will be selected to proceed in the hiring process, consisting of the
following:
  • Livescan Fingerprinting
  • Polygraph Examination
  • POST-Certified Background Investigation
6. Select candidates may receive a conditional offer of employment upon completion
and review of the background investigation report, and be scheduled for:
  • Medical Evaluation
  • Psychological Assessment
7. Candidates who successfully pass the medical evaluation and psychological
assessment will enter the final review phase of the hiring process. Candidates may
be scheduled to meet with the Police Chief for an interview.
8. The Police Chief will make the final hiring decision. Candidates who are selected for
hire will receive a final offer letter from the Human Resources Management
Department.
About the City of Richmond
The City of Richmond lies on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, five miles north of Berkeley and seven miles northeast across the Bay from downtown San Francisco. A hub of multimodal transportation, many of our residents and businesses are located in Richmond because of its central location and easy access to the Amtrak/Capitol Corridor, BART, AC Transit, the ferry, and two freeways (I-80 & I-580). Residents, visitors, and employees enjoy Richmond's numerous recreational opportunities, which include 32 miles of shoreline and over 3,000 acres of shoreline parks, more segments of the Bay Trail completed than any other city, several recreational boat harbors and yacht clubs, and thousands of acres of contiguous inland regional parks and open space. The City has substantial economic resources but is still affordable compared to other Bay Area cities. Our community is welcoming, diverse, and actively engaged. Richmond is truly the City of Pride and Purpose!
Immigration Reform Control Act
In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United State as a condition of employment.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The City of Richmond is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, and prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, religion, citizenship, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or military or veteran status or any other basis protected by law.
Disaster Service Workers
California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. More information can be found here.
EOE/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
WEBSITE: www.ci.richmond.ca.us
Analyst: J.Somera
Revised 1/2024
POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE BENEFITS
โ€ข Medical: City participates in PERS Medical Plans. Coverage is available for the employee's spouse and/or dependents. New employees will be required to pay 1.45% of payroll for mandatory Medicare coverage, with matched contribution by City.
โ€ข Dental/Vision Plans: City-paid plan for employee and dependents.
โ€ข Retirement: The City pays the employer portion to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); the employee pays the employee portion. The City of Richmond does not participate in the Social Security System.
If you are hired as a Police Officer after completing the City-sponsored Academy, you will be eligible to receive the following benefits.
POLICE OFFICER LATERAL/POST ACADEMY GRADUATE BENEFITS
โ€ข Medical: City participates in PERS Medical Plans. Coverage is available for the employee's spouse and/or dependents. New employees will be required to pay 1.45% of payroll for mandatory Medicare coverage, with matched contribution by City.
โ€ข Dental/Vision Plans: City-paid plan for employee and dependents.
โ€ข Retirement: The City pays the employer portion to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); the employee pays the employee portion. The City of Richmond does not participate in the Social Security System
โ€ข Uniform Allowance
โ€ข Paid Holidays
โ€ข Paid Sick Leave
โ€ข Paid Vacation
โ€ข Longevity Pay
โ€ข Shift/Assignment Differential
โ€ข Bilingual Pay
โ€ข Wellness Pay
โ€ข Educational Incentive Pay
โ€ข Safety Equipment
โ€ข Vacation Buy Back
โ€ข Life Insurance
โ€ข Disability Insurance
The Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) is available on the Human Resources Department's web page on the City of Richmond's website.
THE INFORMATION ON THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND CONSTITUTES NEITHER AN EXPRESSED NOR IMPLIED CONTRACT.
01
I certify that all information provided in my application and this Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of my knowledge and that I understand that an incomplete application or false information will lead to disqualification from the selection process.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have any felony convictions?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you used any of the following drugs within the past three (3) years: Hallucinogens, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy), Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have any misdemeanor convictions? Having a misdemeanor conviction will not automatically disqualify you from continuing in the selection process. Each case will be given individual consideration based on job relatedness.
  • Yes
  • No

05
If you have a misdemeanor conviction, please describe the conviction (s) and include the following information for each conviction: 1) Date of conviction(s; 2) State where conviction(s) occurred; 3) Charge(s); and 4) Penalty/Disposition. If no conviction, write "N/A".
06
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Have you attached a copy of a T-score of 48 or above from the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) obtained within the last 12 months OR proof that you are currently attending a POST affiliated police academy? Your application will not be accepted if you did not attach the required documents.
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you currently attending a POST affiliated police academy?
  • Yes
  • No

09
If you are currently attending a POST affiliated police academy, please indicate the name of the academy and your expected graduation date. If you are not currently attending a POST affiliated police academy, write "N/A".
10
Please select the highest level of education you have completed.
  • I have completed at least ten (10) verifiable semesters or fifteen (15) verifiab