Police Officer Trainee

Come Join Our Team! THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING FOR POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

Final date to receive applications:
Continuous Until Filled

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn, full-time, benefited position within the Novato Police Department. The employee in this position is preparing for, or currently participating in, a full-time California Basic Police Academy authorized and certified under the guidelines of the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

This is an entry-level classification designed to allow for the assessment, hiring, and training of suitable candidates for the position of Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee is expected to prepare for, attend, and successfully pass, at all stages, a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Police Academy program selected by the Department. Failure to make satisfactory progress before, during, or after the Basic Police Academy may be cause for release from employment.

Duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, city policy, and related regulating entities. Upon successful completion of the Basic Police Academy program, the incumbent may be appointed to the Police Officer position and will serve an 18-month probationary period.

The Novato Police Department is looking for dependable and diverse problem solvers. Our approach empowers each employee to have a voice in a collaborative, adaptive work environment. We think creatively and strategically together as a team.

• Attends a basic POST certified academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system, including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical fitness.
• Undergoes training to develop an awareness of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers and how they relate to field operations.
• Academy includes classroom and outdoor instruction, demonstration, testing, and practical exercises in activities such as:
  • Instruction and testing on California Penal Code sections.
  • Conducting criminal investigations.
  • Crime scene preservation and gathering; preserving, documenting and cataloging evidence.
  • Physical fitness training and arrest and control tactics instruction.
  • Wellness and healthy lifestyle training.
  • Training on interacting with people experiencing crisis.
  • Narcotics, criminal street gangs, organized crime enforcement.
  • Education on community policing and hate crimes.
  • Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms with range qualification.
  • Instruction and testing on traffic enforcement, driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement, and the California Vehicle Code.
  • Instruction on the use of police radios and radio codes.
  • Overview of the court system, including court preparation and testimony.
  • Handling calls for service and dispensing public information.
  • Basic police report writing and editing, which may also include instruction in grammar, spelling, police and legal terminology.
  • Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention and protection of citizens and property.
  • Review of standard public safety rules, regulations, and procedures
  • Training and evaluation on emergency vehicle operation, including defensive driving, maneuvering, low speed driving, high speed driving, pursuit driving and other law enforcement driving skills.
• May be tasked to perform police support assignments such as answering telephone calls, providing advice, and assisting community members at the police department.
• As a police department employee and city emergency worker, trainees may be utilized as needed during emergency situations which may include wildfires, floods, earthquakes, civil unrest, or other unforeseen emergencies.

• As an entry level position, Police Officer Trainees will have little to no knowledge regarding the actual job tasks and functions of a police officer. During the Police Academy, Police Officer Trainees must learn, retain, and possess:
  • Modern police methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques, standard radio broadcasting, compiling information and authoring police reports.
  • Criminal law, including apprehension, laws of arrest and custody of…