Police

SERVE WITH PURPOSE. TRAIN WITH EXCELLENCE. BUILD A CAREER THAT MATTERS.

TO SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

The Police Department is currently looking to hire up to four (4) Police Recruits. Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applications.

• Physical Agility Test (PAT) — Tentatively Scheduled for:
  October 10, 2026
• Oral Interview — Tentatively Scheduled for:
  October 10, 2026

The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate the courage to protect life and property in our community; the duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve the public trust. The department is headed by Chief of Police Craig Heredia and is structured into two primary divisions: the Patrol Division and the Support Services Division.

We are seeking motivated, service-oriented individuals to join our Police Department as Police Recruits. This is a unique opportunity to begin a meaningful law enforcement career rooted in community trust, professionalism, and teamwork. Police Recruits will attend a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy at the City's expense. Upon successful completion of the academy and field training program, recruits will be sworn in as Police Officers with the Fountain Valley Police Department.

If you are looking to serve a close-knit community where your work is valued and your voice matters, we encourage you to apply.

• Community-Focused Policing:
  We believe effective policing starts with relationships, respect, and accountability.
• Small Department, Big Impact:
  You won't be just a number - your contributions matter here.
• Supportive Culture:
  Strong mentorship, teamwork, and leadership committed to your success.
• Career Development:
  Ongoing training, specialty assignments, and opportunities for advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: A department that values wellness, family, and sustainability in policing.
• We offer a Hiring Incentive Bonus for Police Recruits! $5,000 paid in two (2) installments: $2,500 upon graduation from the Police Academy and Sworn in as a Police Officer; and $2,500 after successfully completing the probationary period.

As a Police Recruit, you will:

• Attend and successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Police Recruit Academy
• Learn California laws, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, and ethical policing
• Develop communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Prepare for transition into sworn Police Officer duties, including patrol, investigations, and community engagement
• To access the full class specification for Police Recruit, including the salary and a comprehensive list of all benefits, duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link:
  Police Recruit

Upon appointment as a Police Officer, you will:

• Protect life and property
• Enforce laws with fairness, integrity, and professionalism
• Build positive relationships with residents, businesses, and community partners
• Respond to calls for service and emergencies
• Participate in proactive policing and crime prevention efforts
• To access the full class specification for Police Officer, including the salary and a comprehensive list of all benefits, duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link:
  Police Officer

If you’re looking for more than just a job – if you want a career build on…