Police Officer Trainee

Position Overview NO prior law enforcement experience or POST certified police academy training is needed . If you are a POST certified academy graduate or currently participating in a POST certified Academy, please apply to Police Officer (Academy Graduate or Participant). Please review the Selection Procedures below before applying for this job opportunity. Application Deadline: Must apply no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Next Exam Date (Tentatively Scheduled) : Saturday, August 8, 2026. Place: Alameda County Sheriff's Department, 6289 Madigan Road, Dublin, CA 94568. Candidates may not retake the PELLETB within 30 days of previously taking the examination. Waivers : We accept waivers from many outside agencies as well as the National Testing Network. City of Hayward requires a T‑Score of 46 or higher. Waivers can be emailed to View email address on click.appcast.io. Position Description The role is a trainee‑level classification that transitions into the Police Officer position. A Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position before and during enrollment in a POST‑certified police academy lasting approximately six months. Upon successful completion of the academy and availability of a Police Officer position, Police Officer Trainees are sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. Upon appointment to Police Officer, duties may include patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication, operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court, and providing information to the public. Candidate Profile Are intent on providing excellent service to the Hayward Community. Have a desire to improve Hayward's Quality of Life. Value integrity and accountability. Seek continuous improvement. Are professional and respect all who live and work in our community. For more information regarding Hayward Police Recruiting, please visit Core Competencies Successfully complete academy requirements. Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and locations. Think and act quickly in emergencies, and assess situations and people accurately. Understand and interpret laws and regulations. Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports. Become proficient in self‑defense techniques. Become proficient in the care and use of firearms. Follow oral and written instructions. Deal courteously and effectively with the public. Experience and Education Experience: None. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License. Special Qualifications Free of any felony convictions. Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law. Age not less than 21 years at time of appointment. Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30. Must pass a background investigation and polygraph exam. Must meet all Department medical, physical, and psychological standards. Bi‑lingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Benefits and Rewards 3-day work week Vacation – 80 hours minimum 15.5 paid holidays Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental, and Vision coverage CalPERS defined‑benefit retirement plan (various contributions by age and membership type; no Social Security participation) Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave Flexible Spending Accounts Tuition Reimbursement Health and Wellness Reimbursement Professional Development Reimbursement 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid) Selection Procedure Candidates must successfully pass each step to advance to the next step in the recruitment process. Apply – submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Application Review – Minimum qualifications and supplemental questionnaire completion. Pre‑Background Questionnaire Survey – complete the survey truthfully and thoroughly. Job‑Related Testing (examination) – one‑day testing. Next exam date (tentatively) : Saturday, August 8 2026. Check‑in and exam schedule: 8:30 AM check‑in, 9:00–11:00 AM PAT and 1.5 mile run, 11:30 AM PELLETB check‑in, 11:45 AM–2:45 PM PELLETB written exam. Eligible List – ranked list of candidates for hiring consideration. Background – employment history, references, criminal history, credit history, polygraph, medical examination, drug urinalysis, written and oral psychological examination. Exam Information POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) : Multiple‑choice and fill‑in‑the‑blank written assessment of reading and writing ability. One hour and forty‑five minutes. City of Hayward requires T‑Score of 46 or higher. Candidates may not retake within 30 days. On the day of testing, candidates may submit a passing PAT or Work Sample Test Battery score dated within the last 12 months in lieu of the on‑the‑date PAT. National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Examination : Applicants complete the PSSA component. The test may be taken virtually or in person at testing sites. Payable fee by the applicant. Scores are submitted directly to the City of Hayward. Physical Agility Test (PAT) : Measures knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete exercises resembling the job. Activities include obstacle course, body drag, chain link fence, solid fence climb, 500‑yard run, and a 1‑½ mile run (under 14 minutes). Application Process Applicants are encouraged to apply online at hayward.ca.gov under Current Vacancies or GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Online application assistance is available from NeoGov Help Desk at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If unsuccessful, reapply at a later date or consider other vacancies. EEO Statements The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A Certified Age Friendly Employer. Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute. #J-18808-Ljbffr