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Police Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Police Cadet

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$23.38/hr

This position performs routine law enforcement work as a trainee of the City Police Department. Work includes patrolling the City in an official vehicle, on bicycle, or on foot to deter crime or ...

Police Officer

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$24.55 - $36.83/hr

Police Trainee: $48,633.78 * Police Officer: $51,064.52 - $76,596.52 * Senior Police Officer I / Detective I: $53,617.72 - $80,426.32 * Senior Police Officer II / Detective II: Police Detective: $56 ...

Police Officer

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$24.55 - $36.83/hr

Police Trainee: $48,633.78 Police Officer: $51,064.52 - $76,596.52 Senior Police Officer I / Detective I: $53,617.72 - $80,426.32 Senior Police Officer II / Detective II: Police Detective: $56,298.58 ...

Police Cadet

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$23.38/hr

This position performs routine law enforcement work as a trainee of the City Police Department. Work includes patrolling the City in an official vehicle, on bicycle, or on foot to deter crime or ...

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Police Trainee information

See salary details

$21.5K

$49.3K

$71K

How much do police trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for police trainee in the United States is $49,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $58,500.00 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.
More about Police Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Police Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs? The most popular types of Police jobs are:
What states have the most Police Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,311 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Police Officer Trainee

City of Glendora, CA

Glendora, CA โ€ข On-site

$66K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Salary : $66,575.88 - $80,923.32 Annually
Location : Glendora Police Department - 150 South Glendora Avenue Glendora, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: JB00166
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/23/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
This recruitment is for those individuals who are looking to start their career as a police officer and have not been through an academy program
SIGNING BONUS! Successful candidates will be eligible for a $5,000 Recruitment Incentive. An initial payment of $2,500 will be provided once candidate has passed the Police Academy Program and promoted to Police Officer, with an additional $2,500 paid upon successful completion of the probationary period as a Police Officer.
COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
We offer a variety of benefits, including Special Assignment Pay, Shift Differential Pay, Retention Pay, Bilingual Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and more!
WRITTEN EXAM WAIVED IF:
  • If you have attached a POST PELLET B "T-Score" from another agency with a score of 45 of higher, dated in the last 12 months, OR
  • A passing score from the National Testing Network transferred to the City of Glendora. It is the candidate's responsibility to contact NTN and have the scores transferred to the City of Glendora.

The City of Glendora is seeking motivated individuals with high ethical standards and a commitment to public service to join the City of Glendora Police Department and contribute to its mission of supporting and serving the community with dedication, excellence and mutual respect. If you take pride in delivering the highest level of public safety and service, and approach crime prevention creatively, we invite you to join one of the finest Police Departments in Southern California.
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 assignment is contingent upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T. certified basic academy and the review of the Police Chief. Newly appointed Police Officers have an 18 month probationary period before they can obtain permanent status. During training, Trainees report directly to the academy, and do not have police powers; they may be assigned non-safety duties in the Glendora Police Department. Trainees are subject to rules and regulations of the Glendora Police Department and the police academy attended. A Trainee may be dismissed at any time prior to being assigned as a Police Officer without cause and without the right of appeal. Police Officer Trainee is a general class, non-sworn employee position.
Individuals selected for this position will be hired under the classification of Police Officer Trainee.
Some of the typical duties of the Police Officer Trainee include but are not limited to, the following:
  • Successfully attend and graduate from a P.O.S.T. certified basic academy
  • Learn use and care of firearms and related equipment
  • Think clearly and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately
  • Learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations
  • Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports
  • Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Make clear and concise radio transmissions
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
  • Meet established physical requirements
  • Meet Police Officer requirements contained in the California State Government Code
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

For a complete job description visit cityofglendora.org/jobs
**Required Education: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
AND
Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include
  • Two (2) years of experience in civilian law enforcement OR
  • Military experience OR
  • Completion of an AA/AS degree or equivalent units from an accredited College or University
  • Or some combination thereof.

Knowledge and Skill Level:
Working knowledge of modern practices and techniques of law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing; Vehicle and Penal Codes; laws of arrest; rules of evidence; legal rights of citizens; court procedures.
Special Requirements:
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record during the course of employment.
Candidates must meet standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the City.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of academy graduation
Applicants must be U.S. citizen or be eligible for U.S. citizenship. Persons will be disqualified from holding a position as Police Officer if they fail to diligently cooperate in the processing of their citizenship application within three years or are otherwise denied citizenship.
All Glendora Officers obtaining sworn status on or after September 23, 1996, must have a permanent primary (i.e.: 51% or more of the time) residence within sixty-five (65) miles or less of the Glendora Police facility building.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Applicants must be free from conditions that would preclude satisfactory performance of the essential functions of the job applied for. Applicants for positions in the Police Department must pass a written exam, oral interview, administrative review, polygraph, background investigation, physical exam and drug screen test. Subsequent to a job offer, the City of Glendora requires a pre-employment physical examination. Candidates will be examined by a City physician, at City expense, before the appointment is approved. Candidates are cautioned not to resign or give notice to present employers until they qualify on the medical examination. The City of Glendora conforms to State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and workers with disabilities. Please notify the Human Resources in advance if you require special accommodations to participate in any phase of the selection process
APPLICANTS MAY NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION MORE THAN ONCE IN A SIX MONTH PERIOD.
Selection Process:
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which includes a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%.
CLOSING DATE: CONTINUOUS. OPEN UNTIL THE NEEDS OF THE CITY ARE MET.
E-VERIFY: To comply with federal law, the City of Glendora participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are required through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify their identity and employment eligibility. Section 1 of the Form I-9 will be completed on your first day of employment. On your first day, but no later than your third day, you will need to bring original documentation to verify your eligibility to work in the U.S.
Applicants who pass the recruitment components and are given a Conditional Offer of Employment will be required to pass an extensive law enforcement background. Candidates with questions on what this entails should contact the Police Department prior to applying.
DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENT/DISQUALIFICATION - The successful applicant will be required to be tested by urinalysis for the illegal use of drugs. All positive test results are grounds for disqualification.
The City of Glendora is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Click the below link to see the AFSCME Local 3915 Benefit package
01
Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California class C driver license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your highest level of completed education?
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Associates' Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree or higher

03
Based on the above criteria, I qualify for the written exam to be waived and have either:- Attached my POST PELLET B T Score of 45 or higher- Initiated a transfer of my NTN score to the City of Glendora
  • Yes, I qualify to have the written exam waived
  • No, I will need to complete the written exam

04
I currently have a minimum of 2 years of civilian law enforcement work experience.
  • Yes
  • No

05
I have current or previous military experience and have attached my DD-214.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question