Police Officer Trainee

About the role

The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time, benefited position within the Novato Police Department. The employee in this position is preparing for, or currently participating in, a full-time California Basic Police Academy authorized and certified under the guidelines of the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). This is an entry-level classification designed to allow for the assessment, hiring, and training of suitable candidates for the position of Police Officer.

Responsibilities

• Attends a basic POST certified academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system, including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical fitness.
• Undergoes training to develop an awareness of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers and how they relate to field operations.
• Academy includes classroom and outdoor instruction, demonstration, testing, and practical exercises in activities such as:
• Instruction and testing on California Penal Code sections.
• Criminal investigations.
• Crime scene preservation and gathering; preserving, documenting and cataloging evidence.
• Physical fitness training and arrest and control tactics instruction.
• Wellness and healthy lifestyle training.
• Training on interacting with people experiencing crisis.
• Narcotics, criminal street gangs, organized crime enforcement.
• Education on community policing and hate crimes.
• Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms with range qualification.
• Instruction and testing on traffic enforcement, driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement, and the California Vehicle Code.
• Instruction on the use of police radios and radio codes.
• Overview of the court system, including court preparation and testimony.
• Handling calls for service and dispensing public information.
• Basic police report writing and editing, which may also include instruction in grammar, spelling, police and legal terminology.
• Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention and protection of citizens and property.
• Review of standard public safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Training and evaluation on emergency vehicle operation, including defensive driving, maneuvering, low speed driving, high speed driving, pursuit driving and other law enforcement driving skills.
• May be tasked to perform police support assignments such as answering telephone calls, providing advice, and assisting community members at the police department.
• As a police department employee and city emergency worker, trainees may be utilized as needed during emergency situations which may include wildfires, floods, earthquakes, civil unrest, or other unforeseen emergencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Modern police methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques, standard radio broadcasting, compiling information and authoring police reports.
• Criminal law, including apprehension, laws of arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies.
• Rule of evidence pertaining to the search, seizure, and preservation of evidence in traffic related and criminal cases.
• Ability: Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations accurately.
• Communicate with, organize and work cooperatively with diverse communities.
• Handle conflicting priorities.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports.
• Become proficient in self-defense techniques, and in the care and use of firearms.
• Successfully complete Police Academy requirements including the POST-developed Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), or an equivalent physical abilities test approved by POST.
• Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, several curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted.

Required Experience and Training

• Minimum age is 21 years of age at time of appointment as a Police Officer.
• Must have successfully completed all requirements, testing, and selection processes for appointment as a probationary police officer.
• Experience: Although no law enforcement or public safety experience is necessary for this entry-level position, the candidate must demonstrate the life-experience and problem-solving skills necessary to achieve a satisfactory score from assessors on the initial interview panel.
• Training: Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade. Though not required, completion of some college is desirable. Proof of education is a copy of one of the following: a high school diploma, a college degree, a high school transcript, a college transcript or, if applicable, a GED certificate.
• Licenses or Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Additional Information

• To be considered for this recruitment, you must have already taken the POST Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) and received a T-score of 42 or higher within the last twelve (12) months. If you do not already possess a valid T-score, please visit the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) website at https://post.ca.gov/LE-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs for upcoming test dates and locations for the POST Pellet B: POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery.
• IMPORTANT: You must attach your T-Score letter with a score of 42.0 or higher, dated within the last 12 months, to your application at the time of submittal.