Police Trainee

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Hourly Rate
July 2025: $60.4683
July 2026: $62.8870
Plus retirement and medical health benefits through CalPERS.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early as this recruitment may close at any time without notice.

If you are interested in a law enforcement career, the Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. Selected candidates will be compensated at an hourly rate while attending the Los Gatos‑Monte Sereno Police Department‑sponsored trainee academy. Read the “Attending a P.O.S.T. Police Academy” section for more information on what to expect. If you are already enrolled in a police academy, you are welcome to apply to this posting.

• Have a high school degree, GED, AA or 4‑year college degree or higher.
• Have at least 60 college semester units or 90 college quarter units from an accredited college.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Submit Pellet‑B and WSTB scores dated within one year with a minimum passing score of 42.
• Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including criminal history, DOJ fingerprinting, medical exam with drug screening, polygraph, and psychological exam.
• Attend and successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. approved basic academy (≈ 26 weeks/928 hours).
• Participate in rigorous physical, academic, and tactical training to prepare for the demands of a Police Officer role.
• Learn and understand state and local laws, ordinances, and departmental policies.
• Develop skills in de‑escalation, community interaction, investigation techniques, and report writing.
• Perform related duties as required and directed by academy instructors and department leadership.

Police Officer Trainees are temporary Town employees eligible to enroll in medical health benefits. They receive retirement benefits through CalPERS, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and paid sick leave (5 days).

Upon successful completion and graduation from the Academy, you will be eligible to join the Los Gatos‑Monte Sereno Police Department family as a sworn Police Officer and take part in an 18‑month probationary period and field training program (FTO) before assuming the responsibility of a solo patrol officer. You will also receive benefits at the Public Safety formula as outlined in the POA Benefit Summary.

The Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno have a combined population of about 34,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life with low crime rates. The LGMS Police Department is budgeted for 39 sworn and 21 civilian personnel and has over 50 community volunteers. The officers work hard to provide a full range of services and are committed to delivering the highest quality service to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Town of Los Gatos is a general law city operating under a Council‑Manager form of government. The Town Manager and Town Attorney report directly to the Town Council. The Town’s 200 full‑ and part‑time employees are organized into Parks & Public Works, Community Development, Police, Library, and Administrative Services. The Town’s fiscal year 2023/24 General Fund budget is $56.1 million.

Physical Training

Intensity:
Physical fitness is a cornerstone of academy life. Expect early mornings, intense workouts, and regular physical assessments. Activities include running, strength training, obstacle courses, and defensive tactics.

Endurance & Agility:
Recruits build endurance, strength, and agility to meet specific fitness standards.

Academic Curriculum

Classroom Instruction:
Recruits learn about criminal law, constitutional law, civil rights, ethics, and public service.

Tests & Exams:
Rigorous testing ensures understanding of legal principles and procedural regulations.

Real‑World Scenarios:
Simulations of traffic stops, searches, and arrests solidify classroom knowledge.

Skills Training

Firearms Training:
Safe handling, shooting, and maintenance of firearms.

Driving:
High‑speed pursuits and defensive driving techniques.

Communi…