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Police Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Supplemental Information Permanent, full-time employees of the State of West Virginia, receive a wide variety of financial and personal job benefits. Specific information about benefits is available ...

Police Officer Recruit

Covina, CA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

The Police Recruit is the police trainee classification designed specifically and solely for the purpose of employing police officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial basic police ...

Police Officer Recruit

Covina, CA · On-site

$85K - $112K/yr

The Police Recruit is the police trainee classification designed specifically and solely for the purpose of employing police officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial basic police ...

Police Officer Trainee

Novato, CA · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/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 Concord Police Department. The Police Department:

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.91/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 Concord Police Department. The Police Department:

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

WE'RE HIRING POLICE ACADEMY TRAINEE Starting Salary $6,261.75 - $7,591.58 Monthly Excellent Benefits $2,599 monthly benefit bank for health insurance CalPERS Retirement Plan 2.7% at 57 City ...

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

WE'RE HIRING POLICE ACADEMY TRAINEE Starting Salary $6,261.75 - $7,591.58 Monthly Excellent Benefits $2,599 monthly benefit bank for health insurance CalPERS Retirement Plan 2.7% at 57 City ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Police Trainee information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$48.3K

$69.5K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 is a police trainee?

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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,287 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform routine non-sworn duties in various divisions of the Police Department under direct supervision.

  • Perform clerical tasks such as keeping records, entering information into computer systems, answering phones, and preparing reports.

  • Assist with processing evidence, parking enforcement, traffic control, and participating in training and ride-along programs.


Job description

DEFINITION To perform a variety of routine non-sworn duties under direct supervision. Duties are performed on a rotational basis through various divisions of the Police Department in an apprenticeship program framework in preparation for a law enforcement career. Police Cadets will be provided with the opportunity to pursue a law enforcement career by applying for a sworn or civilian position.

He/she may be appointed to Police Trainee to attend the police academy with a formal training program or they may be given the opportunity to pursue a civilian position such as; Dispatcher, Jailer, Police Services Technician or Records/Services. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED General direction is provided by the Chief of Police. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Under direct supervision, a Police Cadet performs tasks in various divisions of the Police Department in conjunction with a formal training matrix program designed for career advancement into the law enforcement field; performs related work as assigned.

Perform clerical duties; keep records, enter information into computer systems; answer the telephone and provide information and directions to the general public. Process information and prepare reports as assigned; submit completed reports on all cases assigned; prepare a variety of correspondence, and statistical and narrative reports; research and analyze information. Learn to interpret and apply City law enforcement policies and procedures including Police Department policy manual, and related state and federal laws.

Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system. Effectively communicate both orally and in writing; establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with department personnel and city personnel. Exercise good judgment and demonstrate initiative in the performance of work.

Meet the physical requirements of the position. Participate in formalized training courses and programs. Assist in processing and storing evidence, storage inventory and control of department supplies.

Assist with parking enforcement and traffic control and DUI check points. Build and maintain positive working relationships with the public using principles of good customer service. Understand basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculation of percentages.

Modern office equipment, methods, procedures, and computer hardware and software. Participate in the Ride-Along program at a minimum of once a month; to include a written after action report. On a continuous basis, know and understand aspects of all police employee's jobs; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses and suspects; interpret and apply the law to field situations; problem solve crime situations; and explain law to the public.

The cadet will be responsible for adhering to all San Pablo Police Department rules, regulations, policies and procedures including but not limited to the Department Orders, Rules of Conduct, directives, and direct orders given by superiors. Cadets will be responsible for adhering to all applicable State and Federal laws including but not limited to the Penal, Vehicle, and Health and Safety Laws. Cadets will be responsible for knowing the Use of Force policy, Driving policy, Uniform and Grooming policy, Professional Standards policy and Ride-A-Long policy.

All positions may be required to work holidays, evenings, weekends, shift work, or varied schedule. Important Perform related duties as assigned. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of appointment; must be able to perform essential job functions of the position.

Must possess a valid California C Driver's License and have a satisfactory driving record. Applicants must be free of any felony convictions. Must be a United States citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship by date of appointment.

EDUCATION Applicants must have a High School Diploma or the equivalent of completion of the (12th) grade. Cadets shall complete a minimum of six semester units of college course work per semester with a minimum of twelve units completed yearly. If attending a school which operates by the quarter system a minimum of twelve units must be completed yearly.

Police Cadets are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 ("C" grade) for all courses taken. If the Police Cadet elects to continue towards completion of a Bachelor's Degree, the Police Cadet may continue in the program until he or she has reached their 24th birthday. If the Police Cadet, prior to reaching their 24th birthday, fails to maintain a 2.0 minimum grade point average, discontinues education, drops below the required minimum number of units, or fails to be appointed as Police Trainee or Police employee, the Police Cadet will be released from employment

Police Cadets who complete a Bachelor's Degree may remain in the program until their 24th birthday.