What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer Recruit position at City of Modesto?
Are you pursuing your calling of becoming a Police Officer? The Modesto Police Department is seeking candidates ready to serve. Join our team today!
The Police Officer Recruit is responsible to participate in a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) – certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, resulting in graduation and certification, to enable the individual to become a sworn Police Officer Trainee with the City.
Candidates do not have to take the Pellet B if they possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America). The city uses the following database to verify institutions. https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home. Transcripts with the degree posted or the diploma must be attached to the application.
If an institution is unable to be verified through the database and a equivalency verification form is not attached to the application, the Human Resources Department will require that the Pellet B be taken.
For more information about becoming a Police Officer with the Modesto Police Department, click here.
2026 Testing Dates
Friday, January 9, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Applicants who successfully complete the physical agility examination will be invited to stay for a selection interview with the Modesto Police Department on the same day.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Hiring Incentives
$5,000 Hiring Incentive - For this position.
$5,000 Military Hiring Incentive - Is an additional hiring incentive for anyone who has served in any branch of the United States Military and received an Honorable or General Discharge as denoted on the DD214.
Sick/Vacation Front Loading - 20 hours of sick and 20 hours of vacation will be front loaded on date of hire.
A full list of hiring incentives can be found HERE.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in either a typical temperature-controlled classroom environment subject to typical noise and environment or in the field with exposure to typical street or field noise. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
The Police Officer Recruit is responsible to participate in a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) – certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, resulting in graduation and certification, to enable the individual to become a sworn Police Officer Trainee with the City.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants must submit POST-certified entrance examination test results with their application. Written verification must be on agency or academy letterhead where the test was administered and must list the test date, type of test administered, and the results. The results must show a minimum t-score of 45.0 dated within 12 months from application in order to qualify for the position with the City of Modesto. Failure to attach Pellet B Scores to application will result in disqualification. If you do not possess the required test results, the Modesto Police Department is offering testing dates. Spaces are limited. To obtain more information about the available dates and to enroll, please visit the Modesto Police Department website at http://modestogov.com/1539/Post-Pellet-B-Testing. If those dates do not work for you, you can find a list of POST-certified law enforcement academies on the POST website at https://post.ca.gov/basic-training-academies and you can contact them directly to find out their next available testing session.
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and possess a t-score of 45.0 or higher will be invited to the next phase of testing which will be a physical agility examination. The test battery can be found here.
All applicants must submit POST-certified entrance examination test results with their application. Written verification must be on agency or academy letterhead where the test was administered and must list the test date, type of test administered, and the results. The results must show a minimum t-score of 45.0 dated within 12 months from application in order to qualify for the position with the City of Modesto. Failure to attach Pellet B Scores to application will result in disqualification. If you do not possess the required test results, the Modesto Police Department is offering testing dates. Spaces are limited. To obtain more information about the available dates and to enroll, please visit the Modesto Police Department website at http://modestogov.com/1539/Post-Pellet-B-Testing. If those dates do not work for you, you can find a list of POST-certified law enforcement academies on the POST website at https://post.ca.gov/basic-training-academies and you can contact them directly to find out their next available testing session.
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and possess a t-score of 45.0 or higher will be invited to the next phase of testing which will be a physical agility examination. The test battery can be found here.
If an institution is unable to be verified through the database and a equivalency verification form is not attached to the application, the Human Resources Department will require that the Pellet B be taken.
For more information about becoming a Police Officer with the Modesto Police Department, click here.
City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool.
The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool.
Tentative Testing Schedule
2026 Testing Dates
Friday, January 9, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Applicants who successfully complete the physical agility examination will be invited to stay for a selection interview with the Modesto Police Department on the same day.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Hiring Incentives
$5,000 Hiring Incentive - For this position.
$5,000 Military Hiring Incentive - Is an additional hiring incentive for anyone who has served in any branch of the United States Military and received an Honorable or General Discharge as denoted on the DD214.
Sick/Vacation Front Loading - 20 hours of sick and 20 hours of vacation will be front loaded on date of hire.
A full list of hiring incentives can be found HERE.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions
Attend classroom activities and participate in the learning process and in interactions with students and faculty to achieve a passing grade on all classroom requirements.
Complete classroom assignments and projects, as required.
Participate in physical activities to earn a passing grade on the POST physical agility exam.
Participate in the firearms course to achieve a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Essential Functions
Attend classroom activities and participate in the learning process and in interactions with students and faculty to achieve a passing grade on all classroom requirements.
Complete classroom assignments and projects, as required.
Participate in physical activities to earn a passing grade on the POST physical agility exam.
Participate in the firearms course to achieve a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Learn proper police procedures and methods.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine and take emergency and/or appropriate action.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks including a computer.
Type and perform word-processing at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system including mobile dispatch terminals.
Participate in strenuous physical activities including sufficient strength, endurance, and body flexibility to accomplish classroom requirements.
Lift up to 75 pounds of weight.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Successfully complete of a POST - certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy including classroom instruction, physical agility and use of firearms.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Learn proper police procedures and methods.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine and take emergency and/or appropriate action.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks including a computer.
Type and perform word-processing at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system including mobile dispatch terminals.
Participate in strenuous physical activities including sufficient strength, endurance, and body flexibility to accomplish classroom requirements.
Lift up to 75 pounds of weight.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Successfully complete of a POST - certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy including classroom instruction, physical agility and use of firearms.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
None required.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalency.
Completion of a minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Additional Requirement:
Minimum of 20 years of age at time of application.
Mobility: frequent performance of strenuous physical activities; frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent bending and squatting. Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.None required.
Training:
High School diploma or GED equivalency.
Completion of a minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Additional Requirement:
Minimum of 20 years of age at time of application.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in either a typical temperature-controlled classroom environment subject to typical noise and environment or in the field with exposure to typical street or field noise. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
Salary : $28 - $36