Police Officer - Trainee/Entry-Level

City of Vacaville • Vacaville, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Vacaville is seeking motivated, community-minded individuals to begin a career in law enforcement as Police Officer Trainees with the Vacaville Police Department. This role serves as an entry point into public safety and community engagement, offering the chance to make a significant impact. This recruitment is specifically for entry-level Police Officer Trainee candidates. Those who have already completed a California POST Academy or are currently employed by a California law enforcement agency but have not completed probation should apply for the 'Police Officer - Academy Graduate' position. The Vacaville Police Department is dedicated to providing excellent law enforcement services to its diverse and growing community. With over 175 employees, including 116 sworn positions, opportunities exist in various specialized units such as Patrol, K-9, Investigations, Narcotics, Crime Suppression, Tactical Operations, Traffic Enforcement, and Family Services. The department operates under principles of integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and strong community relationships. Upon successful completion of a six-month POST-certified Police Academy, trainees will be sworn in as Police Officers and begin their service to the Vacaville community.

Requirements

• Equivalent to high school graduation plus completion of fifteen (15) semester units from an accredited college or university.
• Some public contact work experience.
• Possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Achieve a T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) within 12 months prior to application submittal (possession of AA/AS degree or equivalent waives PELLETB requirement).
• Must be able to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and meet the 15 job dimensions as recommended by POST.
• Attach proof of a T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) dated within 12 months of application submittal OR proof of AA/AS Degree or equivalent (or higher) as a copy of the degree or unofficial transcripts showing completed units.

Nice To Haves

• An AA/AS degree with major coursework in police science or related field is desirable.
• Community organization or law enforcement experience is desirable.
• Spanish bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Attend a six-month POST-certified Police Academy.
• Upon successful completion of the academy, be sworn in and promoted to Police Officer - Academy Graduate.
• Undergo approximately 10 weeks of Field Training Officer (FTO) training after graduating from the academy.
• Patrol assigned areas.
• Respond to calls for service.
• Conduct investigations.
• Enforce traffic laws.
• Take proactive steps to ensure community safety.
• Compile accurate police reports.
• Testify in court proceedings.
• Perform a wide range of law enforcement duties with integrity and professionalism.

Benefits

• Salary Steps as a Vacaville Police Officer: Police Officer Trainee (attending the Police Academy): $71,916/year
• Police Officer (Academy Graduate): $99,903/year
• Police Officer (upon successful completion of FTO program): $114,287 - $138,835/year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree