Police Cadet

Salary : $44,844.00 - $54,504.00 Annually
Location : Police Department 425 N. Irwin Street, Hanford, CA 93230, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27-08
Department: Police
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


DESCRIPTION


Begin your law enforcement career with the City of Hanford Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals who have been accepted into or are currently attending a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Police Cadets are hired as City employees while attending the academy and receive valuable experience within the Police Department as they prepare for a career in law enforcement. Upon successful completion of the academy and departmental training, cadets may be considered for appointment as full-time Police Officers as positions become available. Selection as a Police Cadet does not guarantee appointment as a Police Officer.

*Applicants MUST upload a copy of their Police Academy Acceptance Letter with their application. Applications submitted without this document will be considered incomplete.*

This position is a non-sworn classification structured for candidates hired to become sworn police officers.

Successful applicants who complete the P.O.S.T. Academy and other department training will be eligible to be considered for full-time employment as police officers as positions become available. However, being selected as a police cadet does not guarantee full-time police officer employment.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES


As a police officer cadet includes attending classroom activities, participating in both the learning process and in interactions with students and faculty resulting in achieving a passing grade on all classroom requirements. Also includes completing classroom assignments and projects as required. In addition, participating in physical activities resulting in achieving a passing grade on the P.O.S.T. physical agility exam; and, participating in the firearms course resulting in achieving a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832 and perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience : None required.

Training : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate : Possession of an appropriate California Operator's License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles, with a good driving record.

Additional Requirements: Minimum of 20 years of age at time of application submittal.
Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. A copy of the Police Academy Acceptance Letter must be uploaded with the online application. Applications submitted without this document will be considered incomplete.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final. Those candidates who are determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Public Employees' Retirement System: The City provides the PERS retirement program, 3% @ 55 for Classic Members and 2.7% @ 57 for New Members.
• Alternative Work Schedule: 3/12 plus an 8-hour plan for most patrol positions.
• Holiday Pay: 56 hours per year with an additional 56 hours added to a holiday-in-lieu bank.
• Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year and up to 160 hours per year based on time of service.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, Classic Members may apply unused sick leave toward retirement benefits.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Three medical plans to choose from to meet your family or financial needs. The City pays 60% of the total premium cost of all regular and probationary employees and their dependents.
• Hanford Employee Care Connection (City-sponsored clinic) is free and available to all insured full-time employees and covered dependents. Medical care offering same-day appointments, little to no co-pays, and comprehensive health care.
• City paid life insurance policy of $50,000.
• Tuition Reimbursement: A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related studies up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
• Bilingual Pay: 5% for eligible employees.
• Uniform Allowance: $1,200.00 a year
• Longevity Pay is provided to employees upon completion of ten, fifteen, and twenty years of California Peace Officer Standard and Training (POST) qualified sworn peace officer full-time employment.
  Years of Service
  Percentage of Base Rate of Pay
  After the completion of 10 years
  5%
  After the completion of 15 years
  An additional 2.5% for a total of 7.5%
  After the completion of 20 years
  An additional 2.5% for a total of 10%
• POST Certificate Incentive Pay: 5% for Intermediate and 2.5% for Advanced POST Certificate.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: Matched employer contributions up to $75.00 per pay period.
• Take-home vehicle for sworn employees residing within 25 miles of the Hanford Police Department.

01


Do you meet the minimum age requirement of 20 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02


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

• Yes
• No

Required Question