Police Officer - Trainee & Lateral

Job Title

Lateral Sworn Police Officer

Hiring Bonus

A hiring bonus for lateral, sworn Police Officers may be provided up to $50,000. $10,000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Field Training Program, $10,000 shall be paid 1 year after completion of the Field Training Program, $15,000 shall be paid 2 years after completion of the Field Training Program, and $15,000 shall be paid 3 years after completion of the Field Training Program. Lateral sworn Police Officers could be eligible to receive 40 hours of sick time and 40 hours of vacation time to be determined at their time of hire. The following are the conditions, restrictions and eligibility requirements to qualify for the Hiring Bonus:

• Lateral Sworn Police Officers who apply on or after January 27, 2026.
• Lateral Sworn Police Officers must currently be employed as a full-time CA Police Officer with another LE agency and have successfully completed a POST Certified Patrol Field Training Program and probationary period.
• Police Officer "re-hires" are ineligible for the Hiring Bonus.
• Part-time Police Officers are ineligible for the Hiring Bonus.
• The PD employee's name (only one employee may be specified) must be listed as recruited by on the original Lateral Sworn Police Officer's employment application when it was submitted.
• The City Manager reserves the right to discontinue the Hiring Bonus at any time.

Ideal Candidate

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency; higher education preferred
• Valid California driver's license and a safe driving record
• 21 years of age at time of appointment
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive reports and communicate effectively orally
• Spanish bilingual skill highly desirable
• Ability to skillfully and effectively deal with various racial, ethnic and economic groups
• Ability to work under physical and mental pressures and in potentially hazardous situations as determined by a pre-employment psychological exam
• Willingness to work night shifts and weekends
• Physical health, strength, stature and agility to meet physical demands of police work as determined by an agility test and a pre-employment physical exam
• Vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Normal color acuity; non-restricted peripheral vision
• Use or possession of a drug classified as a hallucinogenic within 5 years prior to application for employment may result in disqualification
• Other illegal use or possession of drug not mentioned above (including cocaine) within 3 years prior to application for employment may result in disqualification
• Per SB960, effective Jan 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law but do not have to be U.S. citizens or applying for citizenship

Examples of Duties

• Alcohol/Tobacco Compliance Teams
• Auto Theft Task Force
• Bike Patrol
• Corporal/Field Training Officer
• County Gang Task Force
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Detective
• Downtown Officer
• K-9 Unit
• Mental Health Liaison
• Motor Officer
• Professional Standards Unit
• School Resource Officer
• Special Investigations Team (Gang Team)
• Special Response Unit (SWAT)
• Training Unit

Typical Qualifications

Selection process applicants who successfully pass both the written exam and physical agility tests (PELLETB score of 44 or higher) will be screened to determine suitability for hiring. South Bay Regional Public Safety Training in San Jose, CA offers the test on behalf of the Watsonville Police Department. The written portion may also be taken through These exams must be taken prior to submitting an application with our department. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS! Your application will not be considered if all paper work is not submitted and/or with passing scores on the below listed exams. Paper work to be submitted: 1.) Physical agility exam (must have passed) letter. 2.) POST PELLET B written exam with a passing score of 44 and above OR submitted scores through the National Testing Network. The Post Pellet B Exam and the Physical Agility Exam may be waived due to education or work experience. Applicants who meet employment qualifications will be subjected to a comprehensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to: 1. Oral Interview 2. Personal History Questionnaire 3. Polygraph Examination 4. Background Investigation 5. Psychological Examination 6. Medical Evaluation

Supplemental Information

We, the members of the Watsonville Police Department dedicate ourselves to impacting our community in positive ways, everyday, through strong relationships and problem solving. We commit ourselves to public safety through engagement, education, enforcement, and professional development. Our core values are; Character, Competency, Compassion, and Communication.