Police Officer - Trainee

Overview

Hemet, CA is embarking on a revitalization and growth journey and is seeking dedicated men and women for a demanding career in law enforcement.

The Hemet Police Department offers great opportunities for career development, professional growth, and exceptional benefits.

The City of Hemet is a great place to be a Police Officer – big enough to provide variety of assignments but small enough for a cohesive team.

Under immediate or general supervision, perform various law enforcement duties to protect life and property and provide service to the public.

Successful candidates are appointed as a Police Officer Trainee and attend a 24‑week P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academy under the sponsorship of the City of Hemet Police Department. Upon graduation and departmental approval, the trainee is promoted to Police Officer and receives the full entry‑level salary. As a sworn Police Officer, the employee must complete the Field Training Program and serve a one‑year probationary period.

• Police Officer Trainee: $5,580 per month (75% of Step A rate until promoted).
• Sworn Police Officer: $7,440 to $9,971 per month.

• Education: High school graduation or GED certificate.
• Certification/License:
  • Age 21 upon appointment.
  • Valid California driver license with satisfactory driving record.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for citizenship.
• Background: Good moral character; no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude; able to pass a comprehensive background investigation including polygraph.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Uncorrected vision 20/100 or better; corrected to 20/20 in one eye, 20/30 in the other.
  • Normal hearing.
  • Excellent physical condition capable of performing all tasks required of a Hemet Police Officer as determined by a physical agility test and medical evaluation.
  • Ability to perform essential job functions: run after suspects, use firearms and batons, drive police vehicle for extended periods, defend against attacks, take physical control of violent suspects, move or drag persons from danger.

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include a written exam, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment.

Timeline (tentative):

• Written Examination:
  Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Physical Agility Test:
  Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Oral Boards:
  To Be Determined

Candidates may waive the written examination by attaching a copy of a bachelor’s degree or unofficial transcripts, or by attaching a T‑Score of 42 or above on the POST Law Enforcement Test Battery taken within the last six months.

All applicants must undergo a background reference check (including fingerprinting), medical examination, and drug screening may be required.

• Retirement:
  • Classic Members: 3% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 12% (no Social Security deduction).
  • PEPRA (New): 2.7% at 57 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on three‑year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 14.75% (no Social Security deduction).
• Medical Coverage: City contributes 100% of premium for employee‑only coverage on Kaiser plans.
• Dental & Vision Coverage: City pays 100% of premium for employees and dependents.
• Life & Long‑Term Disability Insurance:
  • City pays 100% of premium for term‑life insurance of $50,000.
  • City pays 100% of premium for long‑term disability insurance.
• Educational Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 per calendar year.
• Leave Accruals:
  • Vacation: up to 96 hours per year within first three years of service.
  • Sick Leave: 8 hours per month.
  • Paid Holidays: 13 per year.
• Bilingual Pay: $255 per month for eligible assignments based on city need and successful completion of a test.
• Special Compensation:
  • K‑9 Officer Pay: 7 hours of overtime per pay period.
  • Patrol/SRO: 2% base salary increase.
  • Field Training Officers: 10% base salary increase.
  • Mandatory Stand‑by/On‑call: $250 per pay period.
• Uniform Allowance: $1,345 per year.
• Educational Incentive Pay:
  • Post Intermediate Certificate or Bachelor’s degree: 3% above base pay.
  • Post Advanced Certification or Master’s degree: 5% above base pay.
  • Maximum 8% combined incentive.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form but may be attached.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation in the selection process should state their needs in writing when submitting an application package.