Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

Under supervision, attends a basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified training academy to obtain the basic skills and fitness level necessary for performance of Police Officer duties. Prior to the actual enrollment in the Basic Academy, the Trainee may be assigned various duties throughout the department that requires public contact, but not the enforcement of laws.

This is the non-sworn, entry-level class in the Police Officer series. Incumbents in this classification receive training in a controlled classroom environment. The Trainee has no police powers during enrollment, and is a probationary employee during this period. Advancement to the sworn Police Officer level is based on meeting minimum qualification standards, satisfactory performance in the academy, and availability of positions.

Reports to Police Sergeant or higher ranking officer. This is not a supervisory classification.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: The geography of the local area. General principles of report writing, grammar, spelling, and composition. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to: Learn laws of arrest and pertinent local, State and Federal laws and ordinances. Observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places and to judge situations and persons accurately. Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system. Operate police vehicles and related equipment. Use and care for firearms. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Deal courteously and effectively with the general public. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. College coursework is desirable. Experience: Some law enforcement experience is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Special Requirements: Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment. Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

Work is performed in a high-stress police training academy environment; indoor classrooms and outdoor physical agilities course; exposure to noise, smoke, and fumes. Primary functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sufficient mobility to work in a law enforcement setting; restrain or subdue individuals; walk, stand, sit, or run for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; walk on sloped, uneven, and slippery surfaces; crawl through various areas on hands and knees; sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to work with special equipment during emergency situations; lift and move objects weighing up to 100 pounds, with assistance; maintain corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; operate a pistol, knife and handcuffs; use of office equipment, including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.

An individual selected for this position will be required to sign an employment contract with the City with the stipulation that should they resign from, be released from probationary status, or otherwise be terminated from the Merced Police Department within thirty-six (36) months of hire date as a Police Officer, the employee must reimburse the City for the estimated costs related to their academy training provided by the City.

Health and Welfare Benefits Up to $850.63 per pay period towards the following benefits: Medical – Choice of Anthem Blue Cross plans Dental – Choice of Delta Dental plans Vision – Choice of VSP vision plans Life – Pays amount equal to one year's salary up to $50,000 Disability – Choice of Long Term Disability coverage Vacation Sick Leave Longevity Pay Holidays Retirement CalPERS Retirement at either 2% at 60 or 2% at 62 for Miscellaneous employees depending on previous CalPERS or reciprocal employment. ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan available. Merced School Employee Federal Credit Union membership. "Healthy Life, Wealthy Life" Wellness Program.