Police Officer - Entry/Cadet (Trainee)

City of Benicia • Benicia, CA

5d

About The Position

The City is accepting applications from candidates seeking City sponsorship to attend a recognized police academy. Police Officer Trainees attend a six-month POST-certified Police Academy starting in March 2027 to receive education and training in law enforcement. Trainees are appointed to probationary status at $6,323.61 per month until they successfully complete a POST Basic Academy. After successful completion, candidates may be sworn in and promoted to Police Officer, then begin a 12-month probationary period working under the direction of Field Training Officers (FTOs). After an approximately 16-week FTO program, officers may patrol designated City areas, investigate crimes, make arrests, enforce traffic regulations, write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.

This open and continuous recruitment will establish an eligibility list for future vacancies over the following 12 months. Interviews for qualified candidates will be scheduled after a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received, and the recruitment may close at any time. Oral Board interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to graduation from high school.
• No law enforcement experience is required at the Entry/Cadet (Trainee) level.
• Possess and maintain a valid and appropriate driver's license issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Successfully complete the certified POST Basic Academy course of instruction as a condition of continued employment.
• Have a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) T-Score of at least 45, earned within 12 months before submitting the application.
• Successfully complete a POST physical ability test.
• Be at least 21 years old by the date of employment.
• Have good moral character, determined through a thorough background investigation conducted under POST guidelines.
• Have no felony criminal convictions or misdemeanor convictions that could affect credibility as a witness in a court of law.
• Be able to sit and/or stand for long periods and meet the stature, endurance, agility, and general physical requirements outlined in the POST Medical Screening Manual.
• Pass a polygraph, psychological screening, background investigation, written examination, oral examination, and physical agility examination.
• Adhere to the POST Police Code of Ethics and display loyalty to the department, City government, and community.
• Submit a completed City of Benicia application and supplemental questionnaire, with clear and legible proof of the required PELLETB T-Score attached.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete a six-month POST-certified Police Academy.
• Complete a 12-month probationary period after promotion to Police Officer.
• Work under the direction of Field Training Officers during an approximately 16-week FTO program.
• Patrol designated areas of the City.
• Investigate crimes against persons or property.
• Make arrests and enforce traffic regulations.
• Write police reports and testify in court.
• Perform other related law enforcement duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED