Police Trainee

OPPORTUNITY

Applicants for Police Trainee have not yet been to a Basic California Law Enforcement Academy. Successful candidates may be sponsored by the Arroyo Grande Police Department to attend the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy as a Sponsored Recruit.

Recruitment process includes Physical Agility and PELLET B testing, followed by an oral interview.

Interested applicants may contact Sergeant Jeremy Burns at 805-473-5127 or email jburns@arroyogrande.org with questions about the role.

Job Description

To attend, participate in and successfully pass all required classes in a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) certified academy, which requires basic law enforcement training in academics, leadership, tactical skills, general performance and physical ability. Upon successful completion of the academy, incumbents will be promoted to the position of Police Officer.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a trainee level, non-sworn position in which incumbents will be learning the duties of a Police Officer. In this position, incumbents do not have Peace Officer status. Failure to graduate from the P.O.S.T. Academy training program within the prescribed Academy schedule will be grounds for termination.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level law enforcement staff.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

• Attend a P.O.S.T certified police academy and participates in all required classes and training exercises.
• Successfully complete and pass all required classes.
• Maintain, operate and safely store all specialized police equipment necessary for the Academy.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by the Police Chief, Police Commander and/or Police Sergeant to meet the needs of the Police Department.
• Responsible for self-compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
• Accept responsibility and exercise reasonably appropriate discretion in matters not specifically defined or described in the Police Department regulations, policies, procedures, and job description.
• Consistently demonstrate exemplary courtesy, initiative, diligence, truthfulness, attention to duty, and observance of proper personal discipline in accordance with Police Department standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Basic verbal and written English language, grammar and spelling to be able to reasonably communicate information with the public and/or complete relevant written documentation required by job activities.
• Basic math and calculations.
• Operational characteristics and use of modern equipment including office equipment, computers and supporting word processing applications.
• Upon completion of the Academy, ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic laws, procedures and techniques related to policing.
• Principles and practices of exceptional customer service.
  
  

Ability To

• Complete and pass the P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy.
• Prepare and write clear and concise reports.
• Interpret, explain and apply federal, state and local laws and Lexipol policies, procedures and regulations by graduation of the Academy.
• Effectively and proficiently use and care for a firearm by graduation of the Academy.
• Participate in all required classes.
• Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently in the absence of direct and immediate supervision.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing applications.
• Operate a vehicle safely, under normal and emergency conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
  
  

Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Training

No experience is required.

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, e.g. a high school diploma or a GED.

License Or Certificate

Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California driver's license throughout employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid CPR and First aid certificates.

Other

Minimum 21 years of age upon successful graduation from the Academy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to indoor and outdoor classroom and field training conditions; outdoor weather conditions; loud noises; working with explosives; moving objects/persons/vehicles.

Physical Conditions

Job duties and responsibilities may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, running, standing, sitting or walking for prolonged periods of time; carrying up to one hundred pounds; the ability to discharge a firearm; and operate vehicles in a reasonably safe manner.

ACADEMY MANDATES FOR ALL RECRUITS

You may not enter or start the academy unless you are on a FULL DUTY status.

• You cannot start the academy on a "light duty" status.
• You cannot start the academy if you have any physical limitations.
  
  

On the first day of the academy, arrive in PT gear. At 8 am, a physical fitness assessment test will be administered, which will consist of:

• Pull-ups (recruits are expected to do at least one pull-up)
• Sit-ups (2-minute time limit, recruits must do at least 35 sit-ups)
• Push-ups (no time limit, recruits must do at least 25 push-ups)
• 1.5-mile run (recruits must complete the run in 15 minutes or less)
• Beep test (recruits must reach stage 3)
• Failure to meet the above standards b-e, may determine the recruit's ability to continue in the academy