Police Officer (Academy Attendee/Graduate/Lateral)

Salary : $98,664.00 - $119,928.00 Annually
Location : 7100 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2223-P363
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/08/2026


Position Details
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and applications are regularly reviewed. You are encouraged to apply immediately.
The City of Bell Gardens Police Department (BGPD) is seeking highly motivated and public service-oriented individuals for Police Officer (Academy Attendee/Graduate/Lateral).
The City of Bell Gardens Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of service to the community, while working with the residents and its members, demonstrating professionalism, integrity and accountability.
The Bell Gardens Police Department has a variety of exciting assignments including:

• Patrol
• K-9
• Bicycle Detail
• Motor Detail
• Special Operations Team
• General Investigations Detective
• Special Investigations Detective
• Field Training Officer

This position is open to those who qualify and meet BGPD standards for Police Officer Lateral OR Police Academy Attendee/Graduate.
The City is only accepting online applications for this recruitment. As such, you must complete and submit an online application and completely answer all supplemental questions to be considered for this position.
POLICE OFFICER - GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, patrols assigned areas in the prevention of crime and enforcement of law and order; carries out special assignments related to departmental operations or law enforcement in general; conducts investigations; and performs related duties as assigned.
POLICE OFFICER LATERAL ENTRY: Must be a current non-probationary Police Officer with a current State of California P.O.S.T. certificate. The monthly salary range for Police Officer is $7,529 - $9,152. The probationary period for Police Officer is 12 months.
POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE / ATTENDEE: Applicants must be current enrollees or graduates of a California POST certified academy. Applicants must submit proof of graduation or enrollment at the time of hiring. Academy attendees may be hired on as Police Officer Trainee and paid $3,617 per month. After meeting all department, state-mandated and academy requirements, including graduation from the Police Academy, the Police Trainee may be sworn in as a Police Officer and assume the full duties, starting salary ($7,529 per month) and benefits of that position.
WORK SCHEDULE

Full time position. Must be willing to work day, swing, graveyard and rotating shifts, as well as holidays and weekends.

Examples of Essential Functions
Police Academy Attendee/Graduate/Trainee - While enrolled in the Police Basic Academy an incumbent must:

• Participate for successful completion in a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officer.
• Maintain standards of mental and physical fitness throughout the training program
• Maintain acceptable class standing and adhere to professional conduct

Sworn Police Officer / Lateral - Essential duties include:

• Patrols in a vehicle or on foot, an assigned area during an assigned shift and looks for indicators of possible criminal activity or threats to life and property; answers calls for police services; enforces City, county and state laws; makes field contacts and completes forms; may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, suspected homicides, and other criminal incidents
• As a Motor Officer, patrols the City on a motorcycle or in a radar-equipped patrol unit; responds to calls related to traffic incidents and any other emergencies; observes; monitors; and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws.
• Makes arrests as necessary; serves warrants and subpoenas; interviews victims, complaints, and witnesses; interrogates suspects; gathers and preserves evidence; receives, searches and books prisoners; fingerprints and transports prisoners; testifies and presents evidence in court.
• Contacts and cooperates with the other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders.
• Writes reports and field notes; participates in staff development; attends briefings and training sessions; performs routine maintenance on assigned patrol vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.
• Makes traffic stops and issues warnings, citations, or makes arrests as necessary; checks vehicles and observes vehicle occupants; investigates scenes of vehicle accidents; provides emergency medical care as necessary, directs traffic and arranges for clearing of roadway, interviews drivers and witnesses and prepares reports; directs traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
• Assists the public and answers questions; administers first aid and responds to calls for medical assistance; establishes and maintains good relationships with the general public.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Patrol and Traffic Safety; 2) Investigations; 3) School Resources; 4) Neighborhood Watch Officer. Other functions may be assigned such as acting as a training officer for new Police Officers, serving as field supervisor on individual calls requiring special attention, and conducting background investigations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Modern practices and techniques of: law enforcement, patrol, investigation, public relations, report writing, vehicle penal codes, laws of arrest, rules of evidence, legal rights of citizens, and court procedures.
Skills to : Prioritize and multi-task; write clear and concise reports; and think critically and perform analyses while in the course of duties.
Ability to : Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents and places; establish and maintain effective relationships with the community; use and care of firearms and small equipment; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; represent the City in a variety of meetings; learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; make clear and concise radio transmissions; understand and follow written directions; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; work independently and demonstrate initiative; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; meet Police Officer requirements contained in the California State Government Code; and prepare lesson plans, teach and counsel juveniles.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School graduation or equivalent.
• Lateral entry candidates must be employed in good standing with a California law enforcement agency.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATES

• Must have valid class "C" California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• No felony convictions.
• Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
• Must 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

English/Spanish bilingual skills highly desirable.
Other Important Information
SELECTION AND EXAMINATION PROCESS

Following a review of all applications, the best qualified candidates will be invited for further assessment. The examination components listed below will be used to evaluate the qualifications of those who are invited. Applicants must achieve a passing score on all examination components in order to be placed on the eligible list. Eligible lists are valid for one (1) year, unless extended by the City Manager for an additional six (6) months.
The examination components will conducted in the following order:

• Application Review: Qualifying
• Oral Appraisal Interview: Pass/Fail
• Polygraph, Background Investigation
• Psychological Screening & Medical Examination : Medical standard exams, with a vision requirement of 20/100 or better without correction and 20/20 or better with correction - each eye

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligibility list from which current and future vacancies can be filled during the life of the eligibility list. The Police Chief will interview and select the final candidate from the eligibility list.

The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a 12-month probationary period before acquiring "regular" status. The City reserves the right to waive any component of the pre-placement examination.
NOTICES

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Bell Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the examination components due to a qualified disability, you must inform the Human Resources Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io at least 5 days in advance of testing date.


Please contact NEOGOV applicant support at View phone number on click.appcast.io for any technical issues when creating an account or submitting an application. Applicant Support Hours: Monday through Friday, 6am - 5pm PST.
Health Insurance -- 100% City-paid medical, dental and vision coverage (HMO plans) for employee and eligible dependents - a small employee contribution may be required when premium plans are selected. Opt-out for cash option available.


Supplemental Insurance - City-paid employee assistance program, STD/LTD plans, and life insurance at 1x annual salary (includes AD&D).
Retirement - Enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Formula dependent upon current PERS membership:
2.0% @50 (Tier II Classic Member)
2.7% @57 (Tier III /New Member/PEPRA)

Education Incentive -- Employees receive a salary differential for higher education or POST certificates: a) 2.5% for Associate's degree (AA/AS) or Intermediate POST certificate; b) 7.5% for Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or Advanced POST certificate; or c) 10% for Master's degree (MA/MS/MBA).

Leaves -- Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave Plans, including floating holidays.


Holiday In-Lieu Pay

Bilingual Pay -- Employees certified as fluent in English/Spanish can receive up to $200 per month.

Tuition Reimbursement -- The City reimburses for job-related courses with prior approval and satisfactory completion up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Deferred Compensation Plan -- Employees may defer their eligible income not to exceed legally allowed limits.

Optional Benefits -- Supplemental Life / Accidental / Short Term Disability / Cancer Insurance plans available.
01


Please indicate your applicant status as it pertains to this recruitment. Note: "Not Applicable" will automatically disqualify you from this recruitment.

• Not Applicable
• Lateral (Sworn Non-Probationary Status)
• Academy Graduate
• Academy Attendee

02


Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• Not Applicable
• High School Diploma/GED
• Bacherlor's Degree
• Master's Degree/Higher

03


Are you currently attending or have you graduated from a California Basic POST certified Academy?

• Yes
• No

04


LATERAL APPLICANTS - Are you currently employed as a Sworn Police Officer and have you successfully completed your probationary period?

• Yes
• No

05


ACADEMY GRADUATES - Please list the name of the academy you attended and your graduation date in the box below. (Please upload a copy of your POST Certificate. Note: Failure to upload a copy may be disqualifying). Type NA if not applicable.
06


ACADEMY ATTENDEES - Please list the name of the academy you are currently attending and expected graduation date in the box below. (Please upload proof of enrollment. Note: Failure to upload a copy may be disqualifying). Type NA if not applicable.
07


Are you bilingual? If so, please indicate language below. Type NA if not applicable.
08


Have you ever applied for any position within the Bell Gardens Police Department? If yes, list the position(s) and date(s) applied. If no, indicate "no".
09


Have you ever been disqualified during the background process for any position within a law enforcement agency? If yes, please explain and include the law enforcement agency, date, and reason provided (if known). If this does not apply to you, please indicate "N/A".
10


If you are successful in completing the testing process, you may be selected to continue in the background process which includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. Recent drug use (in the past 12 months, including marijuana), theft, or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude. I understand this requirement.
Required Question