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Police Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Gardena, CA

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA · On-site

$87K/yr

Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police training as well as attending a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy to prepare the ...

City of Gardena

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA

$87K/yr

Description A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving ...

City of Antioch, CA

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA · On-site

$66K/yr

Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position. Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a ...

Town of Los Gatos, CA

Police Trainee

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$60.47/hr

The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. If selected, the Town will compensate you at an hourly rate while you attend ...

City of Antioch

Police Trainee

Antioch, CA · On-site

$66K/yr

Regular Basic Course A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a ...

Town of Los Gatos

Police Trainee

Los Gatos, CA

$60.47/hr

The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. If selected, the Town will compensate you at an hourly rate while you attend ...

City of Santa Maria

Police Trainee

Santa Maria, CA

Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus. *THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT ...

City of Pasadena, CA

Police Trainee

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

The City of Pasadena is embarking on a hiring process for Police Trainee. ***For this application filing period, the City of Pasadena will not administer a written exam; candidates who meet the ...

City of Santa Maria, CA

Police Trainee

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$3.1K - $3.8K/wk

Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus. *THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT ...

City of Glendora, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA · On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

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 ...

City of Glendora

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA

$66K - $80K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsPolice JobsPolice Trainee JobsPolice Trainee Jobs in California

Police Trainee information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$48.3K

$69.5K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in California is $48,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,169.00 and $57,284.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

For police trainees and officers, holding up four fingers can be a gesture used to signify the number four, often in contexts like counting or signaling. It may also be part of specific hand signals or communication methods used during training or operations, but its meaning can vary depending on the situation or department protocols.

What is the difference between Police Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic police academy trainingComplete police academy; sworn law enforcement officer
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty in the field, enforcing laws
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies during trainingFull-time law enforcement agencies

Police Trainees are in the training phase, focusing on learning laws and procedures under supervision. Police Officers have completed training and are responsible for patrolling, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents. The trainee role is a stepping stone to becoming a fully sworn officer.

What are Police Trainees?

Police Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified police officers. They typically participate in a police academy program where they learn about law enforcement procedures, criminal law, physical fitness, firearms handling, and community interaction. During this period, trainees receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced officers. Upon successful completion of the training program, they may be eligible for appointment as probationary police officers.

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

To thrive as a Police Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic legal knowledge, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, stress management, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure safety, uphold public trust, and support effective law enforcement in diverse and challenging situations.

What should I expect during the field training phase as a Police Trainee?

During the field training phase, Police Trainees are paired with experienced officers who act as mentors and evaluators. You will rotate through different shifts and assignments, gaining hands-on experience responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and interacting with the community. This period is designed to build your confidence and competence while providing real-time feedback on your performance. Expect a fast-paced environment where adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are key. Trainees are closely monitored and regularly assessed to ensure they meet department standards before moving into solo patrol duties.

What does a police officer trainee do?

A police officer trainee assists experienced officers in enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and completing administrative tasks. They undergo training in areas such as criminal law, patrol procedures, and communication skills, often working under supervision to gain practical experience before becoming fully certified officers.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police trainee programs typically accept applicants of various ages, and starting at 27 is generally not too late. Many departments value maturity and life experience, and candidates often need to meet minimum age requirements, which usually range from 18 to 21, depending on the jurisdiction. Physical fitness, background checks, and completing police academy training are also essential steps in becoming a police officer.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

The police trainee position is often considered one of the easiest law enforcement roles to enter, as it typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and minimal prior experience. It serves as an entry-level role that provides on-the-job training and prepares individuals for full police officer duties, often with less competitive requirements than specialized or higher-ranking positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in California? The most popular types of Police jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Police Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Police Trainee job openings:
Police Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,287 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Police Trainee

City of Gardena, CA

Gardena, CA • On-site

$87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Salary : $87,336.00 Annually
Location : 1718 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Police Department
Division: Sworn
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police training as well as attending a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy to prepare the incumbent to assume the responsibilities of a Police Officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police-related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours.
Under general supervision, will perform law enforcement, crime prevention and other duties related to the position as required.
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The Police Trainee will be receiving training for eventual appointment as a Police Officer within the Gardena Police Department. Until appointment as a Police Officer, the Trainee is a non-sworn position performing civilian police training work and attending a P.O.S.T certified basic academy.
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
AGE: 21 years at time of appointment to Step 1.
EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent G.E.D. Certificate.
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, GENERAL HEALTH: Applicants must have the capacity both mentally and physically to perform the essential duties of a Gardena Police Officer as determined by a qualified psychologist and/or medical examiner.
LICENSE
Must possess a valid Class "C" California Driver's License, or if licensed in another state, be capable of securing the required California license.
Probationary Period
Probationary Period is 12 months following the completion of Academy.
STEP 1: Granted upon successful completion of Academy.
STEP 2: Granted after 6 months of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 1.
STEP 3: Granted after 1 year of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 2.
STEP 4, 5, & 6: Granted on annual basis following continuous and satisfactory service.
Supplemental Information
Testing Procedure:
Prior to appointment, the applicant must meet minimum standards by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the City of Gardena. Applicants must pass the processes listed below:
  1. Written Exam - Pass/Fail
  2. Physical Agility - Pass/Fail
  3. Oral Interview - 100%
  4. Polygraph Examination - Qualifying
  5. Psychological Evaluation - Qualifying
  6. Medical Examination - Qualifying
  7. Background Investigation - Qualifying
  8. Chief's Oral Interview - Qualifying

City of Gardena GPOA Police Trainee benefits include the following:
Vacation
Nine and three-quarter (9.75) hours per month and increasing with years of service
Holidays
Thirteen point thirty-three (13.33) hours paid holiday per month
Sick Leave
Twelve and one half (12.5) hours per month
Retirement: Enrollment into CalPERS with formula 2.0% at age 62 for PEPRA CalPERS members, or 2.0% at age 55 for Classic CalPERS new hires
Health Insurance
The City will pay the PPO Plan premium for a full-time permanent employee plus one (1) dependent
Uniform Allowance
$34.62 each pay period
Life Insurance
City-paid Group Term Life Insurance Policy ($10,000) for full-time, sworn employees enrolled in the City Health Plan
Deferred Compensation
Voluntary enrollment, no City match
01
Do you have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your current age?
  • Under 20
  • 20 years or older

03
Do you have a California's Driver's License? If licensed in another state, are you capable of securing the required California License?
04
Have you completed a Basic P.O.S.T. Certified police academy?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you currently attending a Basic P.O.S.T. Certified police academy?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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