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Police Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Examples of Essential Duties The Police Officer Trainee will receive instruction in, be exposed to, and introduced to the following areas, which include, but are not limited to the following: Learn ...

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Durham, NC · On-site

$25.26 - $29.43/hr

Police Officer Trainee Police Officer Be You. At Duke, we embrace diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths each team member brings to our community. As a Police Officer ...

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 Concord Police Department. The Police Department:

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 Concord Police Department. The Police Department:

A Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position before and during enrollment in a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, which lasts approximately six ...

Police Officer Trainee

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$84K - $102K/yr

Police Officer Trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Police Academy. After successful completion of academy, Police Officer Trainees will have the opportunity to be ...

Police Officer Trainee

Hayward, CA · On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

A Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position before and during enrollment in a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, which lasts approximately six ...

Police Officer Trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Police Academy. After successful completion of academy, Police Officer Trainees will have the opportunity to be ...

The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn member of the Department who will attend a POST-Certified Basic Police Academy. Upon graduation from the Academy, the Trainee will be sworn in as a Police ...

A Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn full-time employee of the City and is eligible for pay and benefits. Acceptance by the Academy, which includes successfully passing the POST Entry-Level Law ...

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Durham, NC · On-site

$25.26 - $29.43/hr

Police Officer TraineePolice Officer Be You. At Duke, we embrace diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths each team member brings to our community. As a Police Officer ...

Police Officer Trainee

Roseville, CA · On-site

$33.05 - $46.50/hr

Roseville Police Association Description ANSWER THE CALL Join the Roseville Police Department in the role of Police Officer Trainee. The Human Resources Department is accepting applications for the ...

A Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn full-time employee of the City and is eligible for pay and benefits. Acceptance by the Academy, which includes successfully passing the POST Entry-Level Law ...

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE Police Department Recruitment #18-K19-001 Salary: $5,868.95/Month INTRODUCTION Do you ...

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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 14, 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

$66K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description This is an open recruitment. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply. The eligibility list that is developed from this recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Police Officer Trainee classification or in similar classifications.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the positions have been filled. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

*Upon successful completion of a P.O.S.T. Academy and being Sworn in as a Police Officer with the City of Hollister Police Department, the employee shall receive either a $25,000 or $30,000 recruitment bonus dependent on their level at the time of hire. Bonus shall be paid out as specified in the HPOA MOU

DEFINITION This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the City's police service. Incumbents are hired from entry-level eligible lists and sent to a basic police academy for training. During training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Hollister, Hollister Police Department, and the police academy attended.

Trainees will be exposed to a variety of non-enforcement duties in law enforcement. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a one-year probation as a regular status employee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory and management staff, with direct supervision from a Police Officer. Examples of Essential Duties The Police Officer Trainee will receive instruction in, be exposed to, and introduced to the following areas, which include, but are not limited to the following: Learn about police patrol activities while accompanying a police officer in a patrol unit. Assist police officers in answering calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of all laws.

Assist in the investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, death cases, and other criminal incidents. Assist in the preparation of police emergency or other traffic situations. Report street lamps or traffic signals that are not working properly, report and assist with the removal of traffic hazards.

Administer first aid or perform CPR. Make contact with citizens regarding the maintenance of law and order and the reporting of criminal activity. Wear a distinctive police uniform and make contact with the public while on police patrol or while assigned to the public counter area.

Answer inquiries and give clear, accurate information to the public concerning police procedures and matters. 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 obtaining witnesses statements, performing commuter tasks to gather information and record information.

Qualifications Experience and Training Guidelines Must be at least 20.5 years of age and applicant must pass an extensive background process. Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Experience: None required

Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Californian driver's license. Must be at least 20.5 years of age at time of testing and at least 21 years of age at time of appointment to sworn peace officer

Not have any felony convictions. Be able to pass a comprehensive background. Be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status and applied for citizenship.

Mental Evaluation: Peace officers will be evaluated by a doctor and must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer; This includes whether the candidate has a bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Knowledge of: The geography of the local area. First aid principles, practices and techniques.

Self defense tactics. Interviewing and interrogation techniques. Ability to: Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T

approved basic police academy. Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours. Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities

Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places. Learn to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.

Learn to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action. Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports. Learn to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action.

Identify potential crime situations or traffic hazards and take preventive action. Meet the first aid requirement as prescribed by the State of California and to administer first aid. Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks.

Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Selection Process Selection Process Applications must be submitted online through this applicant tracking system. All materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification.

False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list or discharge from employment. Candidates presenting the most desirable combination of education, experience and/or training as stated in this announcement will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may require any combination of the following: application appraisal, written examination, performance test, and personal interview conducted by an outside oral panel and/or the Department.

The City of Hollister offers preference to qualified veterans during the candidate selection process. The City of Hollister's Veterans' Preference Policy can be accessed here. Applicants must claim Veteran's preference in the agency-wide questions section and attach a copy of their DD214 to the application.

Following the examination process, successful candidates are placed on an employment list. Appointment will be made from the employment list. Appointed employee(s) will be required to pass a psychological evaluation, physical, drug screen, background investigation, and fingerprints check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action: The City of Hollister does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Hollister encourages minorities and women to apply. The City of Hollister makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled.

Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the selection process must inform the Human Resources Office via email at hr@hollister.ca.gov of such request. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process.