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Temporary Police Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer Recruit

Monterey, CA ยท On-site

$49.35/hr

Employees in this classification are temporary, at-will employees, and do not have Police Officer status while attending the Academy Employees do not get promoted as a sworn Police Officer until they ...

Police Trainee

Los Gatos, CA ยท On-site

$62.89/hr

Benefits Police Officer Trainees are temporary Town employees eligible to enroll in medical health benefits. Theyreceive retirement benefits through CalPERS, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment ...

Police Cadet

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Temporary Job Number: 19904-2023 Department: College Police Opening Date: 02/10/2023 Closing Date: Continuous Description The Glendale Community College Police Department is now accepting ...

Police Cadet

La Verne, CA ยท On-site

$17.23 - $19.95/hr

La Verne Police Department Recruitment Timeline Application Deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026 ... This is a part-time, temporary position scheduled to work no more than 28 hours per week. Work ...

Police Cadet

La Verne, CA ยท On-site

$17.23 - $19.95/hr

Police Department Opening Date: 08/12/2026 Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description ... This is a part-time , temporary position scheduled to work no more than 28 hours per week . Work ...

Police Recruit

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

Temporary Job Number: 202500057.2 Department: Police Opening Date: 06/30/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: 6000 Are you ready to launch a career that makes a real ...

Police Officer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$65K/yr

... entry level, temporary civil service classification without peace officer powers, rights or ... This class is distinguished from Police Officer, which is a sworn classification with peace officer ...

Police Officer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$65K/yr

... entry level, temporary civil service classification without peace officer powers, rights or ... This class is distinguished from Police Officer, which is a sworn classification with peace officer ...

Police Cadet

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $19.40/hr

This is a temporary part-time "extra help" at-will position, with ongoing year-round hiring. Extra ... Police Cadets may work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The Ideal ...

Police Cadet

Ventura, CA

$16.90 - $19.40/hr

This is a temporary part-time "extra help" at-will position, with ongoing year-round hiring. Extra ... Police Cadets may work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The Ideal ...

Police Officer Trainee

Gilroy, CA ยท On-site

$101K/yr

Police Dept Division: Operations Opening Date: 07/01/2026 POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE $8,467.43 per ... Individuals in this job classification are considered temporary, non-sworn, at-will employees.

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Police information

See California salary details

$9

$22

$40

How much do temporary police jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary police in California is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.30 and $25.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary police officer?

Temporary police officers are law enforcement personnel hired for a limited period to assist with specific needs, such as covering staff shortages, special events, or emergency situations. Unlike permanent officers, temporary police may have contracts that last for a few weeks or months, depending on the department's requirements. They generally have similar duties to regular officers, including patrolling neighborhoods, responding to incidents, and enforcing laws. However, their employment is not permanent and often does not come with the same benefits or job security. Departments may use temporary police to maintain public safety during peak periods or transitions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Police Officer, you generally need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, completion of police academy training, and appropriate licensing or certification. Familiarity with police communication systems, report-writing software, and evidence management tools is commonly required. Strong judgment, resilience, and interpersonal communication skills help manage high-pressure situations and interact effectively with the public. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and maintaining community trust during temporary assignments.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary police officers, and how can they be addressed?

Temporary Police Officers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new procedures, team dynamics, and jurisdictions, since their assignments may change frequently or be of limited duration. Building rapport with permanent staff and the community in a short time frame can also be demanding. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, proactive in learning local protocols, and communicate openly with supervisors and colleagues. Seeking out mentorship or guidance from experienced officers can also help smooth the transition and ensure effective performance.

What is the difference between Temporary Police vs Permanent Police?

AspectTemporary PolicePermanent Police
CredentialsBasic law enforcement training, short-term certificationFull police academy training, certification, and ongoing education
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, short-term roles, often in specific events or emergenciesFull-time, long-term employment with regular shifts and duties
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by law enforcement agencies for short-term needs or special eventsStandard law enforcement roles within police departments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking short-term law enforcement roles or event securityIndividuals looking for full-time police careers

Temporary Police roles are short-term positions often filled for specific events or emergencies, requiring basic law enforcement credentials. Permanent Police positions are full-time roles with comprehensive training and ongoing responsibilities. The main difference lies in duration, training, and employment stability.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get?

The easiest law enforcement job to obtain is often a community service officer or a civilian support role, which typically require less training and have lower entry barriers than sworn officer positions. These roles may require a high school diploma or equivalent and sometimes basic certifications, but generally involve less rigorous testing and training processes.

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 Temporary Police jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Police job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Police job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,595 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Police Officer Recruit

City of Monterey

Monterey, CA โ€ข On-site

$49.35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description About the Position: The Monterey Police Department is currently accepting applications for Police Officer Recruits. The Police Officer Recruit classification is considered a full-time, unrepresented, temporary classification to be used while attending the POST basic Academy and will be paid an hourly rate of $49.35 This position is a non-sworn, entry-level training position. Employees in this classification are temporary, at-will employees, and do not have Police Officer status while attending the Academy

Employees do not get promoted as a sworn Police Officer until they complete the Academy. Upon successful completion of the Academy and appointment to the position, candidates will receive the yearly salary of $118,032.00 and full benefits of a regular full-time, sworn Police Officer with the City of Monterey. **GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE MONTEREY POLICE DEPARTMENT BY VISITING MONTEREYPOLICEJOBS.COM** Application Process Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled

This recruitment may close at any time without notice. *******YOU MUST HAVE TAKEN THE WRITTEN EXAM AND PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST PRIOR TO APPLYING.******* A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process

The subsequent selection process may include a panel interview and a final departmental interview. Candidates moving forward will be subject to an extensive background examination including a polygraph test, psychological exam and physical. Once testing is complete the Chief of Police shall review the background and post-conditional offer assessments and make the final determination as to whether a formal job offer is to be made.

Requirements: High school graduation equivalency or GED and successful completion of a Work Sample Test Battery with a minimum qualifying score of 384, or results from any Physical Agility Test administered by a California POST participating agency that meets that agencies minimum qualifying score, and a T-Score of 48 or higher on the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Assessment results are valid within one year from the date that the tests were administered. The City of Monterey does not administer the Law Enforcement entrance assessment testing, however, we will accept scores from any POST participating agency.

The closest testing facility to Monterey is run by South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (SBRTC). For more information on testing through SBRTC, please visit the SBRTC website at http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests. For more information regarding the testing standards, please visit the POST website at www.post.ca.gov

SUMMARY: Under direct supervision, attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform police service; performs related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the Police Department. Incumbents are sent to a basic police academy for training.

During the training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Monterey Police Department and the academy attended. Trainees may be assigned non-safety duties in the Police Department such as assisting in prevention; collecting information and data; transporting people and materials, etc. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief.

Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a new eighteen-month probationary period. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy. Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities

Care for and maintain departmental equipment. Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours. Report criminal activity.

Participate in related training programs. May do research into law, policies, and related matters. May be subject to recall/call-out.

Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff. Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from High School or GED equivalent. Be at least 21 years of age. Not have any felony convictions.

Be able to pass a comprehensive background. Be legally authorized to work in the United States. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: Must possess a valid California Driver's License upon appointment and be insurable with the City's standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority. Supplemental Info Knowledge: City organization, operation, policies and procedures. City, State and Federal laws, statutes, ordinances and court decisions as pertinent to assigned duties.

Law enforcement and crime prevention principles, practices and techniques. Skill in: Understanding, interpreting, and applying State and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement; Reacting quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt and effective course of action. Observing and remembering facts and details of incidents.

Following oral and written instruction. Learning to operate firearms safely and skillfully; Obtaining information through interview, interrogation, and observation. Writing clear and accurate reports.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicating verbally in a clear and effective manner. Dealing tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Physical Demands Physical health, strength and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and a medical exam (based on current California POST Commission guidelines). Must meet current POST vision guidelines, including those for color, binocular and peripheral vision. Psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission).

Environmental Elements Employees attend a basic police academy for training. This is a developmental classification designed to attract and retain persons with the potential to be appointed to the Sworn Police Officer classification. Trainees will be in simulated Police Officer situations, but have no direct exposure to dangerous situations.