POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Police Officer Trainee

Start a career in law enforcement. The City of Stockton offers incentives for new employees including a sign on bonus of $15,000 and relocation assistance reimbursement. Other incentives include 40 hours of vacation available for immediate use and the city pays the entire employee share of their health plan contribution.

Physical Ability Test (PAT) and PELLETB Written Test will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Mark your calendar!

Definition

Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, entry-level position in the Police Department. Emphasis is placed on community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving. Assignment to this classification is temporary. Failure to complete a police academy will result in termination from City of Stockton employment.

Principal Duties (Illustrative Only)

Attend and successfully complete a police academy to prepare for the position of Police Officer.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited United States high school or possession of a GED certificate received from a recognized accrediting association. Completion of some college course work is preferred.

Age: Must be twenty (20) years of age at the time of application, and twenty-one (21) years of age by the time of appointment.

Driver's License: Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Background Investigation: Must successfully complete a background investigation, which shall include a polygraph and psychological examination, and a California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance. Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Must be able to pass a physical examination, which includes a drug screen, administered by the City Physician. Vision requirements are 20/100 uncorrected; 20/30 corrected. Color blindness will be cause for rejection. Hearing must be within normal range -- 5/5.

Additional requirements: Must be able to work days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays; and drive. The City of Stockton requires employees in a public safety classification to reasonably respond to emergencies at all times. Employees will be required to maintain primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall in order to timely respond to emergencies and meet the health, safety and welfare needs of the City. New employees have up to three (3) months from the date of hire to comply with the requirement. Any interested candidates must be willing to adhere to this requirement throughout the duration of employment.

All applications and supplemental questions must be completed fully and submitted on an official City of Stockton application form. Incomplete applications and supplementals will be rejected and cannot be revised after submittal on or before the final filing date. Postmarks, facsimiles, and photocopies of the city's employment application will not be accepted. Resumes are welcomed but should be submitted as additional information only.