Police Trainee

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a successful law enforcement officer in California? It all starts with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)! Take a deep dive into exploring POST's vital role in shaping law enforcement across the state, including how POST establishes professional standards, provides training resources, and supports officers and dispatchers through every step of their careers.

P.O.S.T. How Do I Become a Peace Officer

P.O.S.T. Required Medical Screening Process

P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Video

P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement FAQs

P.O.S.T. Regular Basic Course

A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position. Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a period of approximately 5 months.

Start your career in law enforcement with the City of Antioch! TRAINEE SALARY (

After successful completion of the Police Academy, and you transition to a sworn Police Officer, and APOA Bargaining Unit Member, the salary increases to an ANNUAL SALARY OF $115,608 - $140,532 plus additional benefits.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the General Educational Development (G.E.D.) exam; AND
• Age: 20 years and 6 months at time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license.
• Must meet the medical standards recommended by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
• Must undergo a complete background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, and fingerprint clearance.
• Must submit either a passing PELLETB T-Score or online passing NTN score (see details below).

The PELLETB is the police written test used by most agencies in California. PELLETB stands for "POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery" and is the entry-level Written Exam recommended by the CA POST Commission. For more information regarding the PELLETB test please visit the Commission on POST website. There you will be able to learn more about the exam process along with how to prepare for the test by downloading the Applicant Preparation Guide.

If you have already competed the PELLETB test and have a passing score of 45 or higher, you may attach the transferable T-Score on the agency issuing letterhead (we have the right to refuse non-letterhead scores).

National Testing Network directly contracts with public safety departments across the country to test candidates for jobs. Once a candidate completes this simple process, information and test scores will be sent directly to each department. Applicants may submit their NTN scores directly to the City of Antioch via the NTN website.

Under close supervision participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved police academy. This temporary class provides an opportunity for persons to achieve the academic and physical training required for appointment to the position of Police Officer. Appointment in this position is generally limited to the duration of the Police Academy. Academic progress and physical achievement are closely monitored during this training period.

Upon successful completion and graduation from the Police Academy, trainees may be appointed to the position of probationary Police Officer. However, successful completion of the Police Academy and this training program does not provide for automatic appointment. Extension beyond the academy period may only be made upon express authorization of the Chief of Police.

Police Trainees are temporary employees assigned to the Police Department. Temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis and are not entitled to any of the fringe benefits applicable to regular employment. Temporary employment is subject to termination without appeal for any of the following reasons:

City will…