Police Recruit

Salary : $66,560.00 Annually
Location : Menifee, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-15
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/06/2026

Police Recruit (POST Academy Students)
Please note:

This position requires current enrollment/attendance in a POST certified Police Officer Training Academy. To establish your qualifications for this position, please complete your online application thoroughly and attach proof of enrollment at a California POST Certified Academy.


Failure to provide the required documentation may result in disqualification from the selection process.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Police Recruit positions.
DEADLINE TO APPLY This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. This recruitment may close at any time.
THE CITY
The is a vibrant and rapidly growing municipality located in southwestern Riverside County, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through innovative public service and strategic development. Under the leadership of the City Manager, Menifee operates through a dynamic organizational structure composed of fifteen (15) departments - Building & Safety, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Code Enforcement, Community Development, Community Services, Economic Development, Engineering, Finance, Fire Department, Human Resources, Information Technology, Police, and Public Works, each committed to supporting the city's mission of responsive governance, sustainable growth, and public safety. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, community engagement, and innovation, the City of Menifee continues to enhance the quality of life for its diverse and dynamic population.
THE DEPARTMENT

The is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to protecting and serving the residents of Menifee with professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Established to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community, the department provides a wide range of services including patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, and community outreach programs. Guided by a strong sense of stewardship and a commitment to accountability, professionalism, respect, and consistency. By fostering open communication and building strong partnerships with our residents, we work to strengthen community trust and support proactive, community-focused policing. Under the leadership of Chief Christopher Karrer, the Menifee Police Department strives to create a safe and connected community where people feel supported and secure.
THE OPPORTUNITY

The Police Recruit position offers a valuable opportunity for individuals currently enrolled in a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy to begin their law enforcement career with the City of Menifee. As a non-sworn, entry-level member of the department, the Police Recruit will continue their academy training while representing the City in a professional and ethical manner.

Police Recruits are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, physical readiness, sound judgment, and a commitment to the values of the Menifee Police Department. While completing academy coursework, including criminal law, patrol procedures, ethics, cultural competency, defensive tactics, emergency response, and use-of-force training. Recruits must maintain high standards of conduct, integrity, and accountability.

Upon successful completion of the POST academy and fulfillment of all departmental requirements, the Police Recruit may be eligible for advancement to the sworn classification of Police Officer. At that stage, they will begin serving the Menifee community through patrol duties, crime prevention efforts, and public safety services.

This opportunity is ideal for academy students who are dedicated to public service, personal growth, and establishing a strong foundation for a long-term career in law enforcement.

The Police Officer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Successfully attend, participate in, and complete a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy.
• Engage in rigorous academic coursework covering criminal law, civil law, patrol procedures, ethics, cultural competency, and community-oriented policing principles.
• Participate in physical conditioning, defensive tactics training, arrest and control techniques, and scenario-based exercises designed to prepare recruits for field operations.
• Receive instruction in and demonstrate proficiency in emergency response, first aid, defensive driving, and the lawful and safe use of firearms.
• Complete all written examinations, practical assessments, and performance evaluations required by the academy and the Police Department.
• Maintain accurate and detailed written logs, reports, and assignments as part of academy curriculum and departmental expectations.
• Uphold the values, professionalism, and ethical standards of the City of Menifee and its Police Department throughout all training activities.
• Demonstrate consistent progress, discipline, and accountability in meeting physical, academic, and behavioral standards.
• Represent the department in a courteous, respectful, and community-focused manner while interacting with academy staff, fellow recruits, and the public.

MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. An associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university is highly desirable. This is an entry-level position and does not require prior law enforcement experience.


Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of successful completion of Police Academy.
• Must successfully complete a comprehensive POST background investigation, physical examination, and psychological evaluation.
• Must possess U.S. Citizenship at time of appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click to access the complete classification description, including the experience, education, and physical and mental requirements for this job.


NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer) Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the essential requirements of the position. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.
Oral Interview - Appraisal Panel (Refer/Non-Refer)
Candidates who pass prior stages will participate in an oral interview conducted by a panel of law enforcement and HR professionals. The interview will evaluate communication skills, professionalism, judgment, ethical decision-making, and overall suitability for a law enforcement career. Only those who achieve a passing score will move forward.


Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List: Once the appraisal has been completed, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Background Investigation & Conditional Offer (Refer/Non-Refer)
Candidates who advance will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including criminal history, personal history, financial review, and a polygraph examination. Those who successfully complete this stage may receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon passing a psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screening.

Conditional Offer
Candidates who receive a conditional offer must successfully complete the following:

• Psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed professional
• Medical examination and drug screening
• Successful completion of the POST Basic Academy

Physical Demands
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires the individual to climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps, and carry policy safety gear. Sensory demands include talking, hearing, and using the sense of smell. Finger dexterity is required to feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. This position must also be able to pull and carry people in emergency situations, administer first aid, and fight in self-defense. The need to lift, drag, push, pull, and carry up to 165 pounds or more is required.

Mental Demands

Mental demands of the position require employees to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; remain calm and use effective judgement in dangerous situations; and interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff, other organizations, police safety personnel, school representatives, and the public.
Environmental ElementsThe work environment involves exposure to outdoor weather, physical training courses, and simulated law enforcement scenarios as part of the Police Academy. Training may include high-noise environments (e.g., sirens, whistles), physical stress, and emotionally charged situations. Recruits may be exposed to dust, dirt, uneven surfaces, and fluctuating temperatures. Some training scenarios may include exposure to mock weapons, defensive tactics training equipment, and role-play exercises simulating high-stress encounters. Safety equipment may be required during certain exercises.
01


The information you provide will be used to rate your qualifications for the position and will be used as a scoring device. Incomplete information will result in a lower rating. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing these questions. Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions. If you do not have experience, please write N/A. NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be scored. By selecting yes below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this application requirement.

• Yes
• No

02


Please indicate the highest level of education that you have completed.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Juris Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• I do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.

03


Will you be 21 years of age or older at time of successful completion of Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

04


Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Alien who is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. (Note: Per GC§1031(a) and 1031.5, to be a peace officer in California, you must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible to apply for citizenship).

Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you currently enrolled in a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

07


What is the name of the POST-certified academy you are currently attending?
08


What is your expected academy graduation date?
09


You must attach proof of current POST academy enrollment (e.g., enrollment letter, class schedule, academy ID). Have you attached documentation verifying your current POST academy enrollment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question