Public Safety Officer In Training

Public Safety Officer-In Training

The position of Public Safety Officer-In Training (PSO-IT) is a non-sworn, training classification while incumbents are attending the police and fire academies. Upon successful completion of the police academy, incumbents will be promoted to the sworn, training position of Public Safety Officer I. Upon successful completion of all required training, incumbents will be promoted to the sworn position of Public Safety Officer II.

A Public Safety Officer II performs the full duties of both a police officer and a firefighter, which include preserving the peace; preventing and detecting crimes; protecting life and property; responding to fire, medical and other emergencies; enforcing laws and public ordinances; and maintaining a public service approach towards the Sunnyvale community.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides a fully integrated police, fire and emergency response to the City of Sunnyvale community and residents. Because of the dual responsibilities, DPS offers a varied and exciting career. For more information about becoming a Public Safety Officer please call or text SDPSJOBS to  and visit:
Join the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety

The City of Sunnyvale is recognized as the "Heart of Silicon Valley," with a population of approximately 161,884. It is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the second largest in Santa Clara County. For more information regarding the City of Sunnyvale, please visit the City's website at

Under immediate supervision of a Public Safety Lieutenant or Captain, attends police academy and learns to perform a wide range of public safety work involving the protection of life and property including law enforcement, crime prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and basic life support activities; and performs related work as required. The position of Public Safety Officer-In-Training is the training level for general police and fire work.

Incumbents are not sworn personnel and are generally in this classification until successful completion of the police academy. Assignment to this classification is temporary. If incumbents do not successfully complete a police academy, they will be terminated.

Public Safety Officer-In-Training is distinguished from the higher-level Public Safety Officer I in that the latter is a sworn position where incumbents continue training for both police and fire duties. Incumbents must successfully complete the police academy prior to being promoted to the classification of Public Safety Officer I.

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service.

The need to lift, drag and push equipment and bodies weighing up to 165 pounds, the ability to run continuously for 500 yards and climb 6 foot high fences is also required. When in the field, positions are required to walk and stand during emergency situations, including on uneven and slippery surfaces; wear police officer and firefighter clothing and carry equipment;

climb ladders and work from elevated positions and enter confined spaces wearing appropriate breathing apparatus. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

An Associate's degree or have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university. Knowledge of:
Basic principles of electricity. Principles of physics, chemistry of fire, and mechanics. Weights, measures and capacities. Office methods, procedures, software and equipment. Principles and practices of good customer service. Principles and practices of effective interpersonal communication. Ability to:
Learn to apply principles and practices of law enforcement and fire protection. Learn to interpret and apply department policies and procedures and related State and Federal laws. Learn to perform firefighting, emergency response, and rescue and medical aid duties in response to calls for service. Write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly and with correct English grammatical construction and spelling. Learn to safely use firearms and other modern police equipment and communication and information systems related to law enforcement.

Make basic mathematical calculations as they relate to the essential functions of this position. Plan and present material orally to diverse groups. Read and interpret complex documents in English. Sketch such things as crime scenes and accident scenes. Observe, assimilate, remember and recall pertinent facts and details. Read maps and mapped information. Apply selected…