Police Officer Trainee

The Position

City of Riverside Police Department recruiting highly motivated individuals for the position of Police Officer Trainee. This is a continuous recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and those who best meet the needs of the department will be invited to the next step in the selection process.

Candidates who pass the first review will be required to pass an Online Multiple‑Choice Exam, and those who pass the online exam will be invited to a Physical Agility Test (PAT), a review of the Personal History Statement (PHS), and an Interview. Candidates successful in the selection process will complete a POST‑approved basic academy. Upon graduation the applicant will be promoted to Police Officer.

* Annual salary upon promotion to Police Officer: $

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive training at a POST‑approved Basic Police Academy in criminal and traffic investigation, laws of arrest, search and seizure, collection and preservation of evidence, report writing, first aid, arrest techniques, and use of firearms.
• Participate in the taking of comprehensive subject matter examinations, physical conditioning activities, and other law‑enforcement related training.

• Learn, understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
• Use and care of firearms.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work overtime as needed.

Education and Experience:

Education:

Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade.

Experience:

None.

POST Certification:

Must possess or be eligible to obtain a Proof of Eligibility (POE) from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) within ten (10) days of employment. Must enroll in and complete a POST Basic Peace Officer Academy within 12 months of hire and maintain a Basic POST Certificate within 18–24 months of employment as a Police Officer.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Minimum age of 21 at time of graduation from academy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Physical Agility Test Requirements:

• Run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes.
• Run 5 yards to a 6‑foot‑high solid wall, climb over, and sprint 25 yards.
• Run 5 yards to a 6‑foot‑high chain‑link fence, climb over and sprint 25 yards.
• Run a 99‑yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, curb height obstacles and a 34‑inch‑high barricade.
• Lift and drag a 165‑pound dummy for 32 feet.

Grooming Standards:

All applicants will present themselves in a professional manner throughout testing. This means no facial hair, ear plugs or hoop earrings. Males must have a well‑groomed haircut with the back no longer than the neckline; females must have hair pulled back into a ponytail or bun if long enough. Applicants must dress in a suit or formal business attire. No T‑shirts, tank tops, jeans, shorts, sandals, or temporary tattoo cover‑ups will be accepted.

The selection process will begin with employment application screening. Qualified candidates will be invited to an online multiple choice exam with a passing score leading to an oral interview, and then to a Physical Agility Test. Additional phases include a background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical evaluation, and drug testing. Successful completion places the candidate on the eligibility list for the classification.

The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with legal and professional standards.

Visual defect must be corrected to 20/20 in both eyes or to 20/20 with contact lenses worn for 3 months. Must pass color blindness and depth perception tests and the POST Hearing in Noise Test (HINT). Weight must be proportionate to height as determined by a physician.