POLICE RECRUIT

Police Officer Recruit

Join the City of Signal Hill Police Department for a rewarding career, where Officers care about their community and the community supports its Officers. The Department is devoted to enhancing the quality of life in the City by providing a proactive and professional level of police service, and treating all persons with fairness, respect, and dignity. Upon satisfactory completion of P.O.S.T. academy and meeting other requirements as a recruit, a Police Officer's salary is $95,041.40 - $121,299.58 annually.

The City of Signal Hill is not only a small 2.2-square-mile city. It is also a tight-knit and peaceful community that recognizes and appreciates the value of its Police Department. The Signal Hill Police Department has a state-of-the-art facility, technology, equipment, and a great relationship with the community, making us THE PLACE TO WORK in Los Angeles County.

This is a non-sworn, non-represented, civilian classification, specifically designed to train police officer candidates for eligibility as a sworn police officer with promotion to the position of police officer contingent upon satisfactory completion of police academy training and meeting all other requirements. Police recruits attend a basic police recruit academy certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). Position requires full-time attendance at a P.O.S.T. certified academy to prepare the recruit to assume the responsibilities of a police officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours. Academy training progress is reviewed through the formal evaluation system of the police academy by designated academy staff. Non-academy work performed at the Police Department is reviewed through conference, written reports, inspections and observations of results achieved by superior officers. Upon graduation from the academy, police recruits are elevated to sworn police officer with full salary, safety status, and benefits. All new hires must pass a 12-month probationary period to attain permanent police officer status.

Applications and written exam scores must be received by September 16th to be considered for the Physical Agility Test scheduled tentatively for November 14, 2026. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City.

STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted in lieu of application). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue in the selection process.

STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted.

National Testing Network (NTN) FrontLine Law Enforcement Written Exam

• Passing scores: Reading - 70% or higher; and Writing - 70% or higher
• This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service.
• To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website. Select the City of Signal Hill Police Department and the specific position you are applying to.
• NTN will submit the scores to the City of Signal Hill Human Resources for review.
• Do NOT submit a test score if you do not meet the job qualifications.

OR

P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)

• Passing score: T-Score 45 or higher
• The City of Signal Hill does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the PELLETB test with another agency within the last 12 months, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
• PELLETB score must be attached to online application.

STEP #3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT)

Qualified applicants who complete steps 1 & 2 will be invited to the PAT.

Candidates who are successful on the Written Exam will participate in a Physical Agility Test (PAT). The PAT is held at Rio Hondo Community College.

STEP #4: ORAL INTERVIEW

Candidates who successfully pass the PAT will be invited to the Oral Interview. Please note the exam dates listed below are tentative and subject to change. Please regularly monitor your email for communication regarding exam dates.

Examination Plan - Weight - Tentative Exam Date

Physical Agility Test (PAT) - Qualifying - November 14, 2026

Interview - 90% - December 2026

Writing Skills Exercise - 10% - December 2026

Command Staff Interview - Qualifying - TBD

The City does not have, nor do we recommend, any study materials.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Attends a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy designated by the City of Signal Hill to obtain formal training in police work associated with public safety and the protection of life and property.
• May perform non-sworn work in the Police Department's jail operation, communication center, property and evidence handling, service desk, community relations or any other designated department area as assigned.
• Learns to patrol assigned areas; learns to answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; learns to answer complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; learns to perform surveillance activities; learns procedures for conducting chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; learns to investigate suspicious circumstances.
• Learns to enforce traffic laws; learns methods for conducting complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; may learn and assist in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.
• Learns procedures to obtain and process evidence; takes written statements; prepares and/or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; may testify in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.

EDUCATION:

Equivalent to completion of high school. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of sixty college units of study from an accredited community college, college or university with an emphasis on criminal justice, administration of justice or related field.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

• U.S. citizen or resident alien who has applied for citizenship at the time of application.
• Must have reached 21st birthday upon completion of the police academy.
• Vision uncorrected at least 20/70 and correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. Normal depth perception and color vision in both eyes.
• Hearing must be normal in both ears as passed by the City's Medical Examiner.
• Height and weight must be in proper proportion.
• Ability to meet physical requirements will be established by competent authority.

A comprehensive background investigation and polygraph will be conducted on any eligible persons considered for hire. Recent drug usage, theft or other illegal activity may be grounds for disqualification. A pre-employment medical, psychological evaluation AND a drug screen will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Proper English grammar and vocabulary.

Ability to:

• Qualify for and satisfactorily meet the ongoing standards of a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy.
• Learn to apply the technical, legal, administrative, and human principals involved