Police Cadet

Police Cadet Program

If you are considering a career in law enforcement and want to gain practical experience while serving a supportive and engaged community, the City of La Verne Police Department offers an opportunity to learn about the profession from within a municipal police department.

The Police Cadet Program is a limited-term career-development program designed to provide participants with practical experience, mentoring, professional development, and exposure to municipal law-enforcement operations while preparing them to competitively pursue higher-level positions in law enforcement, public safety, or municipal service.

Police Cadets may gain experience in a variety of departmental functions, including records, parking enforcement, crime prevention, community services, patrol support, traffic, property and evidence, investigations, and other departmental operations.

This is a part-time, temporary position scheduled to work no more than 28 hours per week. Work schedules may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events based on Department needs.

This is a non-sworn position and does not constitute POST-certified Police Officer academy training. Participation in the Cadet Program is intended to provide career development and exposure to law-enforcement operations but does not guarantee appointment to a Police Officer or other City position.

Applicants should carefully review the entire job bulletin before submitting an application.

Under immediate to general supervision, the Police Cadet performs a variety of clerical, technical, administrative, and operational support duties throughout the La Verne Police Department.

Cadets work under the supervision of sworn or civilian personnel and may rotate among departmental divisions or assignments to develop knowledge of police operations and gain practical experience in a professional law-enforcement environment.

Assignments may include records, parking enforcement, community services, property and evidence, investigations, patrol support, traffic, crime prevention, and other departmental functions as assigned by the Chief of Police or authorized designee.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to:

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with members of the public and City employees.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn and comply with departmental policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain professionalism in a law-enforcement environment.
• Accurately prepare and maintain records and reports.
• Operate computers, office equipment, and other assigned departmental equipment.
• Work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, law-enforcement personnel, community members, and outside agencies.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration whose education, experience, abilities, and qualifications most closely match the needs of the position and the La Verne Police Department.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process which may include, but is not limited to:

• Application review
• Physical Agility Test
• Written exercise or examination
• Oral panel interview
• Chief's interview
• Background investigation and criminal-history review
• Medical examination and drug screening

Additional assessments may be administered when determined appropriate by the City.

All employment offers are conditional upon the applicant successfully completing each required phase of the pre-employment process.

Appointment in the Police Cadet classification is generally limited to three years. Cadets who are actively enrolled and in good standing in an accredited college, university, or approved career-training program may be eligible for an extension of up to one additional year based on satisfactory performance and Department needs. Total appointment in the classification shall normally not exceed four years. Additional extensions may be granted under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Chief of Police or designee.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform clerical and administrative assignments, including typing, data entry, filing, copying, scanning, and maintaining records.
• Answer telephone calls and assist with requests for police services and general information.
• Access authorized law-enforcement databases and computer systems to obtain or enter information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Operate standard office equipment and departmental computer systems.
• Receive information from members of the public and assist with preparing appropriate reports or documentation.
• Process police reports and maintain departmental records and files.
• Perform citation sign-offs and provide fingerprinting services when authorized and properly trained.
• Assist with crime-prevention programs, community events, public education, and other Community Services activities.
• Serve subpoenas and other authorized documents.
• Issue parking citations and assist with parking-enforcement activities.
• Review or investigate recreational vehicle and overnight parking permit applications.
• Assist with maintaining, storing, inspecting, and arranging for the repair of police equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with traffic and crowd control at community events, traffic collisions, emergencies, and major incidents.
• Assist members of the public with reports involving lost or stolen property and other qualifying misdemeanor incidents, as authorized.
• Provide information and customer service at the Police Department's public counter.
• Transport property, equipment, traffic-control devices, documents, and other authorized items.
• Receive and process payments associated with authorized public records and departmental services.
• Maintain the confidentiality of law-enforcement information and sensitive records.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum qualifications: High School Diploma or GED equivalent and must be between the ages of 18 through 21 at time of appointment. Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. The position may require prolonged sitting or standing; walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying assigned equipment and materials; operating a motor vehicle; and using computers and standard office equipment.

Police Cadets may work indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to heat, cold, inclement weather, noise, vibration, traffic, moving vehicles, mechanical hazards, and emergency environments. The position may require travel to different locations and availability for varied shifts, special events, call-outs, or standby assignments.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.