Police Recruit

City of South Gate•South Gate, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment process will close on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. DESCRIPTION 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. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS While distinctively uniformed as a non-sworn non-peace officer in training, develops minimum qualifications required for a career in police service SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the direct supervision of Police Sergeant or higher-ranking position and/or Police Academy staff. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Does not supervise. Examples of Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Attends Academy classroom instruction on police policies, procedures, weaponless defense, criminal and civil law, physical fitness techniques, use of firearms, arrest procedures, community relations, operation of emergency vehicles and other mandated courses and related subjects; participates in field exercises and physical training routines; keeps and writes notebooks, reports, and other printed material and records; is available and open to the learning process with the goal of Police Academy graduation and eventual meaningful service to the Police Department.

Requirements

Graduation from high school
Possess a California Class C driver’s license and proof of insurance
Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law
Be 21 years of age at the time of application
Normal color vision
Visual acuity of 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/30 in each eye
Ability to pass a physical endurance and agility examination
Ability to read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations and police literature
Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, calm, effective and reasonable course of action in situations involving emotional or physical pressures
Ability to write clear and accurate reports
Ability to remember names, faces and details or incidents
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others
Ability to interact tactfully, effectively and sensitively with City Officials, Officials of other organizations, members of other agencies, community organizations, community leaders, the media and especially the public
Ability to understand and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of ethnic and cultural groups in the City
Ability to evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and/or resolve problems
Skill in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computer
Ability to type 25 words per minute net
Enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice System
Must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles if assigned one
Frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear
May stand for extended periods of time
Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms
Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Ability to adjust focus
Complete a fully completed online employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience)
State all pertinent information in the application; stating 'See Resume' is not an acceptable substitute
Obtain a qualifying T-Score of 42 or higher on the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B)
Pass an oral interview
Pass a physical agility test
Successfully pass a thorough and extensive background investigation, which will include a polygraph examination
Receive a complete medical examination, including a stress EKG and drug/alcohol screen
Pass a psychological evaluation, prior to appointment
Successfully pass a hiring interview by the Chief of Police
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
Make a request for reasonable accommodation during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office if needed

Nice To Haves

English/Spanish bilingual skills highly desirable

Responsibilities

Attend Academy classroom instruction on police policies, procedures, weaponless defense, criminal and civil law, physical fitness techniques, use of firearms, arrest procedures, community relations, operation of emergency vehicles and other mandated courses and related subjects
Participate in field exercises and physical training routines
Keep and write notebooks, reports, and other printed material and records
Be available and open to the learning process with the goal of Police Academy graduation and eventual meaningful service to the Police Department