DEFINITION
Under close supervision, attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained to perform law enforcement service; and does other work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an at-will position. This is a non-sworn trainee level classification in the Sheriff's Office and is distinguished from the next higher level of Deputy Sheriff by being a non-sworn position with no peace officer powers. Incumbents in this class attend a police academy for basic training. Failure to graduate or to meet the Sheriff's Office standards is cause for release from this position. Upon successful completion of the basic academy, incumbents are expected to promote to Deputy Sheriff. Upon promotion to Deputy Sheriff, incumbents are sworn in as peace officers and begin the probationary period designated for newly hired officers according to the Memorandum of Understanding and/or County Personnel Policy.
REPORTS TO
Training Sergeant or Lieutenant of Operations
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
None
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical strength, visual acuity, audio capability and manual dexterity to perform the required duties of the position. Must be able to successfully pass the Peace Officer Standards of Training Academy (POST) physical agility test and perform other physical activities in the course of the training at the academy.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Performs a variety of physically strenuous training activities in a scenario setting, such as pursuing and restraining suspects and lifting injured persons as well as other physically demanding exercises in the course of the POST Academy.(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)
Attends Police Officers Standards of Training Police Academy.
May assist in routine law enforcement support duties which do not require a sworn Deputy Sheriff including, but not limited to the following:
Takes information for reports and answers questions
Keeps records and performs clerical tasks
Takes fingerprints and photographs
Delivers community relations programs
Responds to non-emergency calls from citizens to take reports
Collects information and data; transports materials and people
Prepares records and reports
Other duties as assignedEducation: High School Diploma or equivalent, or GED Certificate
Special Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age at the completion of the academy.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship at least one year prior to application for employment in accordance with Section 1031.5 of the Government Code.
Must be willing and available to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Desired Qualifications

15 or more college units in Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, or a related field is desired.

Knowledge of:
Human motivation and behavior
Functions of local law enforcement agency
Ability to:
Successfully complete an approved POST basic police academy
Understand, interpret and apply State and local laws and departmental policies and procedures
React quickly and calmly in emergency situations and adopt an effective course of action
Learn to operate firearms safely
Deal with difficult individuals
Follow oral and written instructions
Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation
Write clear and accurate reports
Operate modern office equipment and work with various software applications
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.