Police Officer Recruit

Police Officer Recruit

The Monterey Police Department is currently accepting applications for Police Officer Recruits. The Police Officer Recruit classification is considered a full-time, unrepresented, temporary classification to be used while attending the POST basic Academy and will be paid an hourly rate of $49.35. This position is a non-sworn, entry-level training position. Employees in this classification are temporary, at-will employees, and do not have Police Officer status while attending the Academy. Employees do not get promoted as a sworn Police Officer until they complete the Academy. Upon successful completion of the Academy and appointment to the position, candidates will receive the yearly salary of $118,032.00 and full benefits of a regular full-time, sworn Police Officer with the City of Monterey.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

You must have taken the written exam and physical agility test prior to applying. A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a panel interview and a final departmental interview. Candidates moving forward will be subject to an extensive background examination including a polygraph test, psychological exam and physical. Once testing is complete the Chief of Police shall review the background and post-conditional offer assessments and make the final determination as to whether a formal job offer is to be made.

Requirements include high school graduation equivalency or GED and successful completion of a Work Sample Test Battery with a minimum qualifying score of 384, or results from any Physical Agility Test administered by a California POST participating agency that meets that agencies minimum qualifying score, and a T-Score of 48 or higher on the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Assessment results are valid within one year from the date that the tests were administered.

The City of Monterey does not administer the Law Enforcement entrance assessment testing, however, we will accept scores from any POST participating agency. The closest testing facility to Monterey is run by South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (SBRTC). For more information on testing through SBRTC, please visit the SBRTC website at

For more information regarding the testing standards, please visit the POST website at

Under direct supervision, attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform police service; performs related duties as required.

This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the Police Department. Incumbents are sent to a basic police academy for training. During the training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Monterey Police Department and the academy attended. Trainees may be assigned non-safety duties in the Police Department such as assisting in prevention; collecting information and data; transporting people and materials, etc. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a new eighteen-month probationary period.

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

• Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy.
• Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities.
• Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
• Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours.
• Report criminal activity.
• Participate in related training programs.
• May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
• May be subject to recall/call-out.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from High School or GED equivalent, being at least 21 years of age, not having any felony convictions, being able to pass a comprehensive background, and being legally authorized to work in the United States. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Must possess a valid California Driver's License upon appointment and be insurable with the City's standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.

Knowledge of City organization, operation, policies and procedures, City, State and Federal laws, statutes, ordinances and court decisions as pertinent to assigned duties, law enforcement and crime prevention principles, practices and techniques. Skill in understanding, interpreting, and applying State and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement; reacting quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt and effective course of action; observing and remembering facts and details of incidents; following oral and written instruction; learning to operate firearms safely and skillfully; obtaining information through interview, interrogation, and observation; writing clear and accurate reports; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicating verbally in a clear and effective manner; dealing tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.

Physical health, strength and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and a medical exam (based on current California POST Commission guidelines). Must meet current POST vision guidelines, including those for color, binocular and peripheral vision. Psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission).