Police Cadet

About The Police Cadet Program

The Police Cadet position is aimed at individuals considering a career in law enforcement. Participants in the Cadet Program gain exposure to, and an understanding of, police work performed in a municipal police department. Police Cadets serve as non‑sworn police auxiliary personnel and perform various clerical and beginning‑level technical support police work under general supervision as part of an intern/apprentice program.

As the Police Cadet program is designed as a career preparation internship, concurrent enrollment in a minimum of 12 semester units at a community college or university is required (Police Cadets applicants and employees are required to maintain a grade "C" average or higher).

The Police Department is currently recruiting for a part‑time, non‑benefited, at‑will position exempt from the classified service. This position will work an average of 19 hours per week.

This recruitment process is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application, standards of the Police Cadet program, and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process.

Candidates selected following the interviews will move on to the background step of the selection process. All employment offers are conditional and based on the candidate’s successful completion of a criminal records check, polygraph exam, extensive personal background investigation, final interview with the Police Chief or designee, and a city‑paid medical evaluation (includes drug and alcohol screen).

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

• Copies and shreds documents;
• Receives, sorts and distributes incoming and outgoing mail;
• Files and retrieves documents and records;
• Interacts with the public and provides factual information about Department procedures or services;
• Prepares routine reports and forms;
• Orders supplies as directed;
• Directs traffic and provides related assistance at traffic or accident scenes;
• Identifies violations of parking laws and issues citations;
• Tags abandoned vehicles for impound;
• Assists staff in performing day‑to‑day tasks;
• Participates in and provides support to special projects and events;
• Cleans and/or washes police vehicles; and
• Performs minor maintenance at the police station, including changing light bulbs, emptying trash, etc. as directed.

• Basic office practices and related equipment operation.

• Understanding and following oral and written directions;
• Understanding and applying City and Department rules, regulations, policies, procedures and laws;
• Operating various types of office equipment;
• Maintaining records and preparing various forms and reports;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, other city employees and the public.

Must have any combination of education or experience equivalent to a High School Diploma, some college coursework, and a demonstrated interest in a law‑enforcement career. Must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 college semester units. Incumbents must maintain a course load of at least 12 college semester units/quarter‑system equivalent, and maintain a grade "C" average or higher.

Valid California Class C Driver License.

Work may be performed primarily in a field setting under a full range of environmental conditions and/or in a traditional office setting. Cadets may work with and/or in close proximity to chemicals, blood products, and various controlled substances. Irregular work assignments, and work on holidays/evenings may be required. Occasional exposure to weather conditions.