Police Officer Trainee

The Richmond Police Department, located in the East Bay Area in Contra Costa County (California), proudly protects and serves our Richmond community 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. We are actively hiring for entry‑level and lateral Police Officer positions, and for Communications Dispatcher positions. Recruitment for support staff such as Records Specialists, Property Technicians, and Crime Scene Technicians is ongoing as positions become available. Police Officer Trainee Base pay of $7,924 per month. The highest salary applies to a lateral officer at the Top Step with 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree. Includes the following incentives: Graveyard Differential (+7.5% base), Longevity (+2% base), Bilingual (+2% base). High school diploma or equivalent At least 21 years of age 10 semester or 15 quarter college units, OR completion of basic and advanced military training with honorable discharge (provide DD214) No felony convictions POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET‑B) T‑Score of 48+ (within 12 months) OR current enrollment in a California POST‑affiliated Police Academy Valid California driver’s license with satisfactory driving record Vision: Uncorrected 20/100; corrected to 20/30 in each eye Normal color vision and hearing Police Officer Lateral Currently employed as a police/peace officer in California Completed probation as a peace officer in another jurisdiction, comparable to Richmond’s classification Communications Dispatcher I Knowledge of local geography (Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Kensington) Ability to dispatch public safety units, follow procedures, communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure Typing: 30 WPM (certificate required; no online tests accepted) Completion of a POST‑certified 120‑hour Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course within one year of hire (condition of employment) Must meet COVID‑19 vaccination policy and pass full background screening POST Pellet B score of 48 or higher Communications Dispatcher II Includes all Dispatcher I requirements 18 months of full‑time experience in public safety dispatch Deeper knowledge of customer service principles and communication systems Ability to interpret, prioritize, and relay complex information during emergencies Skill to assist/mentor Dispatcher I's and Call Takers Must have already completed the POST 120‑hour Basic Dispatcher course or passed the POST Equivalency Exam (proof required) Police Officer hiring process Ensure you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are applying for. Submit an application through . Once your application is received, you will be scheduled for our testing process and invited to attend the testing sessions. For Trainees and Academy Grad (Direct) applicants: complete an Oral Board Interview and a Physical Agility Test. Provide a Personal History Statement (PHS) for review. Satisfactorily complete a Polygraph Examination. Undergo a thorough Background Investigation. Participate in an interview with the Chief of Police or a designated hiring authority. Satisfactorily complete a Psychological and Medical Examination. For Lateral candidates: similar process with a modified Physical Agility Test. What is a Pellet‑B Exam and T‑Score? The California POST Pellet‑B Exam is a multiple‑choice written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. A "T‑Score" is a standardized score based on your test answers (midpoint average of 50, standard deviation of 10). For entry‑level Police Officer Trainee and Communications Dispatcher I positions, a T‑Score of 48 or higher, dated within one year from the date of your application, is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr