Police Officer Trainee

The Police Officer Trainee is a recruiting and training level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Police Officer I in the Clearlake Police Department. Incumbents of this class undergo a formal, full‑time comprehensive training program at a Party‑Officers‑and‑Security‑Trained (P.O.S.T.) certified academy. They must qualify for promotion to Police Officer I within one year of employment or separate from City service.

Police Officer Trainees are a non‑sworn class with no peace officer powers and are temporary part‑time employees.

Once you complete the police academy, you will be promoted to a police officer. In that role, opportunities for growth include field training officer, traffic officer, K‑9 handler, detective, school resource officer, and corporal positions.

• $33.36 - $42.58 hourly
• $5,615.04 - $7,381.36 monthly (up to $10,223 with incentives)

• Submit a completed POST Personal History Statement (PHS) with your application. The form is available at:
• If you have not completed a California Post Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) within the last six months with a score of over 45, or cannot provide written verification of your score, you must participate in a PELLETB scheduled at Clearlake City Hall on February 28, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A study guide for the test is available at:
• During the academy, you must demonstrate sufficient fitness to participate in routine physical training by completing a Pre‑Law Enforcement Academy Physical Training Test.
• Successful candidates will attend a city‑sponsored police academy from June 2026 to December 2026. They are required to live at the academy dormitory paid for by the city while attending the academy.

• Receive instruction in community service, crime prevention, and appropriate behavior principles.
• Learn enforcement and procedural aspects of criminal law and legal obligations inherent in law‑enforcement duties.
• Master the rules of evidence and effective professional communication via written, oral, and mechanical media.
• Operate emergency vehicles, including skid training, high‑speed pursuit, defensive driving, and emergency driving.
• Undergo firearm training, learning good judgment and competency in the use of deadly force, ancillary police weaponry, and weaponless defense.
• Carry out patrol duties in designated areas to preserve law and order and prevent crime, including dealing with common vehicle violations and conducting safe, professional interactions with violators.
• Learn basic criminal investigation processes and techniques, evidence collection and preservation, courtroom testimony, and witness interrogation.
• Process, confirm, and care for adult and juvenile prisoners, protecting their rights and welfare.
• Participate in physical fitness and defense techniques, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
• Complete additional related courses or programs as required.

• Education:
  
  Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.
• Experience:
  
  None required.
• License:
  Possession of a valid California Driver’s License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Age:
  Must be at least 21 years of age by the time of appointment.
• Citizenship:
  Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship. Such applicants must provide yearly proof of application status and must cooperate with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
• Felony Convictions:
  Must not have been convicted of a felony. Misdemeanors and/or traffic offenses will be assessed for fitness to appointment.
• Medical/Psychological Examination:
  Must submit to medical and psychological examinations upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, including a written psychological assessment and an interview with a City‑appointed psychologist.

• Pass extensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
• Pass the academy entrance examination.
• Acquire knowledge of modern law‑enforcement principles, practices, and procedures, state laws, local ordinances, and…