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Police Service Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Records Assistant

Hanford, CA ยท On-site

$48K - $59K/yr

This is the journey level in the Police Records Assistant series. Incumbents initially perform the ... police services and procedures. Prepare cases for filing with the court or District Attorney ...

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This is the journey level in the Police Records Assistant series. Incumbents initially perform the ... police services and procedures. Prepare cases for filing with the court or District Attorney ...

New

Police Cadet

Larkspur, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $28/hr

CMPA Support Services Opening Date: 05/19/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description The Central ... Cadets assist with a variety of administrative and field duties, develop valuable public safety ...

Police Cadet

La Verne, CA ยท On-site

$17.23 - $19.95/hr

Answer telephone calls and assist with requests for police services and general information. Access authorized law-enforcement databases and computer systems to obtain or enter information in ...

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Cotati, CA ยท On-site

$32.12/hr

This is a sub-entry level service class in which incumbents learn and gain additional ... Clean and assist in maintenance of police officer equipment and firearms. * Perform errands for the ...

Police Recruit

Eureka, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

May assist department personnel in a variety of field and office law enforcement activities as ... Disaster Service Worker All City of Eureka employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ...

Showing results 21-40

Police Service Assistant information

What is a police service assistant?

Police Service Assistants are civilian employees who support police officers by handling administrative, clerical, and logistical tasks within a police department. Their responsibilities may include processing reports, managing records, assisting the public at front desks, and conducting data entry. They do not have law enforcement powers, but they play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of police services by allowing sworn officers to focus on their primary duties. Police Service Assistants often interact with the community and support various police functions behind the scenes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police service assistant?

To thrive as a Police Service Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, records management systems, and office software is commonly required. Excellent customer service, discretion, and effective communication are soft skills that help build trust and support both officers and the public. These abilities are essential for ensuring accurate recordkeeping, efficient operations, and professional interactions in a law enforcement environment.

What are common challenges faced by police service assistants in their daily work?

Police Service Assistants often manage a variety of administrative and operational tasks that can be fast-paced and demanding. They must handle confidential information with discretion, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and communicate effectively with both sworn officers and the public. Balancing accuracy in paperwork with responsiveness to urgent requests is a frequent challenge. Adaptability and strong organizational skills help ensure smooth operations within the police department.

What is the difference between Police Service Assistant vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Service AssistantPolice Officer
Required credentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; police academy training and certification
Work environmentClerical, administrative, and support roles within police departmentsPatrol, investigation, and enforcement duties in various settings
Employer and industry usagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding support roles in policingEnforcement and active duty roles in law enforcement

The main difference between a Police Service Assistant and a Police Officer lies in their responsibilities and required training. Police Service Assistants typically handle administrative and support tasks within police departments, requiring minimal certifications. In contrast, Police Officers perform active law enforcement duties, including patrol and investigations, requiring police academy training and certification. Both roles are essential to law enforcement operations but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

How to become a police service assistant?

To become a police service assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must pass background checks and a physical fitness test. Some positions require prior customer service experience or familiarity with law enforcement procedures, and training is often provided on the job. Certification or specialized training may enhance prospects but is not always mandatory.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Police Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Police Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Police Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Service Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Police Records Assistant

City of Hanford Corporation

Hanford, CA โ€ข On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Police Records Assistant

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill one (1) Police Records Assistant position within the Hanford Police Department. This position performs a variety of specialized recordkeeping tasks related to police functions; to respond to citizen inquiries; and to perform related duties as assigned. This is the journey level in the Police Records Assistant series. Incumbents initially perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this series and work under close supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from the Senior Police Records Assistant in that the latter performs the higher level duties including providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel and performing biweekly payroll processing for the unit.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Process police reports by extracting information and updating computer data; route reports to appropriate agency or personnel; scan and file police reports. Receive information and complaints from the public by telephone and in person; respond to inquiries by providing information on police services and procedures. Prepare cases for filing with the court or District Attorney's Office; receive and enter subpoenas from the District Attorney's Office. Process and issue a variety of permits and licenses; enter data and maintain accurate records of permits issued and payments made. Enter accurate data into local, State, and Federal computer systems; access multiple computerized systems to enter or retrieve data for law enforcement purposes. Fingerprint suspects or persons required to register for offenses, and members of the public for employment, state licenses, and permits. Transcribe police officer interviews for use by the District Attorney's Office. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect. Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Modern office principles, procedures, and equipment. Basic arithmetic. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to: Maintain and process a variety of records, reports and data in support of police department functions. Intermittently, review and evaluate documents related to department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve issues for the public and with staff. On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time or stand at public counter; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less. Learn and interpret legal and reporting codes and statutes applicable to management of law enforcement records. Perform accurate and efficient on-line data entry utilizing a computer terminal. Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority. Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software. Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities. Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy. Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others. Experience and Education Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two years of responsible clerical experience involving public contact. Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. License and Certificates Possession of a California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) certificate within six months of appointment.

Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training, and work experience to be followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final. Those candidates who are determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.

Benefits

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

  • Retirement: Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The City provides the PERS retirement program: 3% at 60 for Classic Members.
  • 2% at 62 for New Members
  • Twelve specific holidays, plus two floating holidays.
  • City offices (where possible) will be closed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
  • Vacation leave starts at 11 days annually, increasing to 21 days based on time in service.
  • Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, unused sick leave may be applied toward retirement for Classic Members.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: The premiums for medical and dental insurance are split 60/40. The city covers 60% of the premium, and the employee pays 40%. VSP Vision is provided to each employee at no cost. Additionally, vision coverage for family members is available at a 60/40 shared cost.
  • Free and available to all insured full-time employees and covered dependents. Medical care offering same-day appointments, little to no copays, and comprehensive healthcare.
  • $50,000 City paid policy.
  • A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related study for up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
  • Employees shall receive a stipend upon completion of the following consecutive years of active service with the City of Hanford. The City Manager shall have the discretion to provide longevity pay based on cumulative years of service at another public entity (State, County, or City municipality) in a management and/or technical level position.
  • Employees are eligible to receive matched employer contributions for deferred compensation up to $75 per pay period.