Police Recruit

Police Academy Recruit

This recruitment process will close on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Under general supervision, to attend the prescribed Basic Police Academy; to maintain acceptable grade levels and to achieve graduation; to participate in any and all field exercises as directed and to do related work as required.

While distinctively uniformed as a non-sworn non-peace officer in training, develops minimum qualifications required for a career in police service.

Works under the direct supervision of Police Sergeant or higher-ranking position and/or Police Academy staff.

Does not supervise.

The incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear and may stand for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include normal color vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, traffic, dust, gas, fumes and chemicals.

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Selection Process: All application materials received along with the submitted online application will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. The testing of Police Officer-Recruit will include the following:

• Written Test: Qualifying - The City of South Gate administers the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B). Candidates must obtain a qualifying T-Score of 42 or higher on this test in order to proceed to the oral interview.
• Oral Interview: 100%
• Physical Agility: Qualifying - The agility test is to evaluate the candidate's endurance, strength, agility, and speed.
• Background: Prospective employees are also subject to and must successfully pass a thorough and extensive background investigation, which will include a polygraph examination. Prospective employees will receive a complete medical examination, including a stress EKG and drug/alcohol screen; and psychological evaluation, prior to appointment.
• Hiring Interview: Prospective employees will be interviewed by the Chief of Police and must successfully pass this interview to proceed in the process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Hiring Policy.

The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such a request during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office.

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.