Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

$8,467.43 per month (Flat salary while attending the P.O.S.T Basic Police Academy)

Continuous recruitment. Applications will be continuously reviewed. Oral board interviews may be scheduled at any time.

What You Gain As A Member Of Gilroy PD:

• Sponsorship to attend the Basic Academy
• Mentorship and support while attending the Basic Academy

Once hired as a Sworn Officer:

• Competitive Salary
• State of the Art Training and Equipment
• On-site Work Out Facility
• Specialty Assignments:
• Investigations
• Traffic/Motors
• Anti-Crime Team
• County Task Forces
• Field Training Officer
• SWAT/HNT
• K-9 and Mounted Units
• Bike Unit
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Peer Support Team
• Honor Guard
• Unmanned Aerial Systems

If You Have:

• The drive to be a top performer in a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy
• The ability to learn and embrace contemporary modern policing practices
• The desire to train, learn and implement effective police practices in partnership with the community
• The willingness to be a part of police technology advances
• The ability to build relationships with community members from diverse backgrounds
• A strong and compassionate work ethic
• The ability to adapt to a changing environment
• A self-accountable attitude and approach to your studies and work
• A heart for community service
• The desire to be a role model for youth in our community
• The courage to ensure a safe community for Gilroy residents and visitors
• Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Innovation, and Accountability

Then You Are A Good Fit For The Gilroy Police Department! Join Our Team

About The Position:

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the position of Police Officer Trainee. The Gilroy Police Department is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) provides 24 hours patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy.

The Mission of the Gilroy Police Department is: Providing excellent public safety services in partnership with the community.

The Vision of the Gilroy Police Department is: The men and women of the Gilroy Police Department are dedicated to courageously ensuring the safety of our community.

The Core Values are: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Innovation, and Accountability.

General Description:

Under general direction of a police supervisor and/or police academy supervisor, and in a non-sworn capacity, attend and participate in a comprehensive training program at a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified basic police academy; to learn, train and successfully perform all related learning and testing activities relative to the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform in the capacity of a sworn police officer; and to successfully complete the police academy. Perform related duties as required. Police Officer Trainees do not possess peace officer authority while attending the academy. Individuals in this job classification are considered temporary, non-sworn, at-will employees. Appointment to a sworn peace officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the academy followed by a final review by the Police Chief.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To:

1. Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy.
2. Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities.
3. Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
4. Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours.
5. Report criminal activity.
6. Perform in specialized functions when assigned.
7. Participate in related training programs.
8. May be required to speak in front of community groups.
9. May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
10. May be subject to recall/call-out.
11. Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalency. Some college work preferred.
2. Must be at least 20.5 years of age at time of testing and at least 21 years of age at time of appointment to sworn peace officer.
3. Pass a P.O.S.T. physical agility test.
4. Be able to meet the current Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical standards for a peace officer and be free from any physical condition, which might adversely affect the exercise of power as a peace officer.
5. Pass a P.O.S.T. background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and a firearms clearance.
6. Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
7. Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
8. Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry and meet department firearms qualification requirements.
9. Pass all required department and P.O.S.T. training.
10. Possess and maintain CPR and First Aid Certificates within six (6) months of hire.
11. Within 18 months from date of hire as a sworn peace officer, must establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station.
12. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired, but not required.
13. Prefer non-tobacco user.

P.O.S.T. Test Battery Information:

To apply for this excellent job opportunity, candidates must obtain two P.O.S.T. test battery certifications (written battery and agility battery) as described below. The below information references testing locations near Gilroy that provide this testing and certification; however, candidates may obtain the identical certifications at other California P.O.S.T. certified testing locations. Only California P.O.S.T. certifications will be accepted. Certificates must be dated within one year of application date.

Test Dates and Registration for P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery:

To register for this test, please visit for a full listing of dates, times, and locations available in the Gilroy region. Start times vary. Please plan your time and arrive at least 15 minutes early. Testing dates are subject to change by the testing location.

The cost to candidates for this exam will be $15.00 plus a processing fee of $0.76 due at the time of registration. If you have any questions please feel free to contact The Academy at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please submit a copy of your certificate showing the minimum T-Score of 48 at the time of application. Again, P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery certificates with a minimum T-score of 48 will be accepted from California P.O.S.T. locations other than the one listed above provided they are dated within one year of the employment application.

Test Dates and Registration for P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery:

To register for the test to obtain a P.O.S.T. Physical