Police Officer Trainee I/II (Ventura Police Department)

Police Officer Trainee I/II

The City of Ventura is seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Police Officer Trainee I/II. This structured training pathway prepares candidates to become sworn police officers, with professional growth and development opportunities. Police Officer Trainees receive high-quality training and mentoring to prepare them for a career in law enforcement with the Ventura Police Department.

Position classifications:

• Police Officer Trainee I (Pre-Academy): An entry-level, non-sworn position designed for individuals preparing to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Trainees at the level I will receive hands-on experience and departmental mentorship to prepare for academy success. Individuals will transition to Police Officer Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.
• Police Officer Trainee II (Academy Ready): An entry-level, non-sworn classification for individuals who have been selected to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and all department and state-mandated requirements, Trainees will transition into a sworn Police Officer role.

Candidates may be hired at either Police Officer Trainee I or II, depending on academy availability and at the discretion of the hiring department. Those hired as a Trainee I will work in a non-sworn capacity with the Ventura Police Department before the start of the academy and progress to Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.

Why join the Ventura Police Department?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a paid workout for patrol
• State-of-the-art training and equipment
• A supportive team environment with strong civic engagement
• Coastal community with endless opportunities for career growth and advancement

Pay:

• Police Officer Trainee I - $43.47 Hourly | $7,534.80 Monthly
• Police Officer Trainee II - $45.64 | $7,910.93 Monthly
• Police Officer (Upon successful completion of the academy and appointment as a sworn Police Officer) – Step A $50.80 – Step E $61.75 per hour

Minimum qualifications – required:

• Education: Graduation from High School, or a GED is required. College coursework in Criminal Justice, behavioral science, or other social sciences is preferred.
• Age: Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment as a Police Officer
• Convictions: Must be of good moral character, with no felony convictions or convictions that preclude firearm possession or employment as a peace officer.
• Citizenship: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Medical: Excellent physical condition. Must meet California POST medical and psychological standards.
• Other: Candidates are required to undergo an extensive background investigation, polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation, and post-offer medical examination, including screening for drugs and alcohol.
• License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment.

How to apply:

Submit a city application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted on a continuous basis. Applications are reviewed weekly, and candidates are encouraged to apply for immediate consideration.

The preferred method to submit your application is online at If you are unable to submit an online application, you may request paper application materials by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io during regular business hours or emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

Paper applications and answers to the supplemental questionnaire can be Faxed to View phone number on click.appcast.io or mailed to City Hall at: 501 Poli Street, Room 210; Ventura, CA 93001. If you FAX, it is highly recommended that you also send the original documents via mail. It is important that your city job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire, may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process. After you apply, all future correspondence from the city will be via E-Mail. Please check your messages regularly and keep your contact information up to date using your on-line application.

The selection process includes:

• Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review:
• Written Examination
• Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) Completion:
• Department Selection Interviews:
• Personal History Statement (PHS) Completion:
• Physical Agility Test:
• Additional Selection and Hiring Components: Polygraph, background investigation, post-offer psychological and medical examinations. Police Academy: Candidates selected for hire will enter a 24-week Police Academy.

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of each position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City's Career Page at or by viewing here: Police Officer Trainee I and Police Officer Trainee II.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team at:

View email address on click.appcast.io

View phone number on click.appcast.io

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!