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Police Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Campbell

Police Officer Trainee

Campbell, CA

$118K/yr

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 ...

City of Tracy, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Tracy, CA · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

Positions at this level are distinguished from the Police Trainee class by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.

City of Lakeport

Police Officer Trainee

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.89/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

City of Lakeport

Police Officer Trainee

Lakeport, CA

$19.50 - $24.89/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

City of Lakeport

Police Officer Trainee

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.89/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

City of Campbell, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Campbell, CA · On-site

$118K/yr

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 ...

Central Marin Police Authority

Police Cadet

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Police cadets may be hired as Police Trainees who attend an area police academy and upon graduation, become probationary police officers. This is a uniformed, civilian position which does not require ...

City of Tracy

Police Officer - Lateral

Tracy, CA · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

Positions at this level are distinguished from the Police Trainee class by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.

City of Cotati

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Cotati, CA · 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 ...

City of Hollister

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA

$66K - $80K/yr

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 ...

City of Hollister, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Hollister, CA · On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

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 ...

City of Hayward, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Hayward, CA · On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

City of Hayward

Police Officer Trainee

Hayward, CA

$92K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,287 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Police Cadet (PART-TIME)

City of San Pablo, CA

San Pablo, CA • On-site

$2.5K - $3.1K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary : $2,556.67 - $3,106.13 Monthly
Location : 13880 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: CDT 01JUL2021
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 10/06/2020
Closing Date: Continuous
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.
No benefits offered for Part-time employees

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