Police Officer Trainee

Police Trainee

The Police Trainee is a non-sworn, probationary position. The incumbent will remain a Police Trainee for the duration of training at a police academy. At the approval of the Chief of Police, the Police Trainee will be appointed into the classification of Police Officer upon graduation from the training academy and completion of the probationary period.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A Police Trainee receives training in law enforcement and police methodology through a POST certified police academy to prepare for promotion to the classification of Police Officer. A Police Trainee is placed on a probationary period of no longer than six months during which the incumbent will attend a POST-certified intensive Regular Basic Course (training academy) that has been approved by the department.

A Police Officer must have successfully completed the Regular Basic Course at a POST-certified police academy; carries a firearm; patrols the college campus; apprehends and arrests suspects; investigates unsafe and hazardous conditions; provides first aid; responds to requests for assistance and reports of crime; investigates incidents and prepares appropriate reports. A Police Officer is placed on a twelve-month probationary period during which he/she must complete the POST-Approved Field Training Program.

Upon successful completion of a POST certified Regular Basic Course and the probationary period, the Police Trainee will be appointed to the class of Police Officer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from POST certified academy training staff while attending the police academy. The Police Trainee is also under the supervision of the Chief of Police.

No supervision is exercised over other positions.

WORK SCHEDULE 40 hours/week, 12 months/year *Position may require non-standard hours (nights and weekends). Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends, holidays and special events.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Receives instruction at a police academy including, but not limited to, the following areas as required by the POST Regular Basic Course Training Specifications:

• Leadership, professionalism, and ethics.
• Federal and State criminal law and procedures.
• Response, enforcement, and patrol techniques and procedures.
• Investigation of crimes and accidents.
• Presentation of evidence and investigative report writing.
• Crisis intervention.
• Emergency management.
• First aid.
• Hazardous materials.
• Investigative report writing.
• Arrest and control procedures and techniques.
• Firearms, chemical agents, and other weapons.
• Cultural diversity.
• Vehicle operations.
• Lifetime fitness.
• Participates in learning activities, a physical conditioning program, and demonstrations as required by the academy.
• Successfully completes written and practical tests to demonstrate mastery of law enforcement-related knowledge, skills, and abilities as prescribed by the training academy.
• May complete a brief, pre-academy orientation with the GCC Police Department
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to :

Learn law enforcement procedures pertaining to arrest, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.

Learn District and campus rules and regulations regarding safety and conduct.

Interpret and follow oral and written instructions.

Learn to write clear and concise reports.

Learn to interrogate suspects and interview complainants and witnesses.

Learn to safely use firearms and other weapons.

Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, analyze and determine an effective course of action.

Perform duties under various working conditions depending on shift rotation including weekends.

Establish and maintain effective working interaction in a diverse multi-cultural and multi-ethnic educational environment.

Remain calm and maintain order in emergency and threatening situations.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Safely and legally operate a motorized vehicle.

Achieve and maintain a level of physical fitness consistent with POST certification standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education :

Must meet one of the following:

Be a high school graduate of a US public school, an accredited US Department of Defense high school, or an accredited or approved public or nonpublic high school.

OR

Pass the General Education Development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level.

OR

Pass the California High School Proficiency Examination

OR

Have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

Additional Requirements : Must be at least 18 years of age. Must possess a valid California driver's license by date of hire and have a safe driving record. Must be free of any felony convictions. Must pass a thorough pre-placement background investigation indicating good moral character. Must pass pre-placement medical and psychological evaluations ensuring freedom from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. May be required to pass a physical agility test for entrance into the selected police academy.