Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainee – City of Westminster

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education. Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

Position Purpose / Important Application Information Police Officer Trainee is for non‑certified applicants. Candidates who are hired will be sent to a state certified law enforcement academy. Upon successful completion of this academy, the Trainee will be promoted to entry‑level police officer and must also successfully complete a 16‑week field training officer program. All Trainee employees must sign a work agreement with the City of Westminster at the time of employment.

This position is part of a progression from Trainee to Police Officer/Senior Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee is a safety‑sensitive position that involves complex and specialized activities required to maintain civil order and enforce laws and ordinances.

Starting salary for Trainee in 2026 is $80,745.60 annually. After one year of service (probationary period), salary increases to $86,715.20 annually.

• In‑Person Written Test – Thursday, January 15, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
• Phone Screens – Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – times to be determined.
• Oral Board Interviews – Thursday, January 22, 2026 – times to be determined.

Westminster is offering a $10,000 hiring bonus for all newly hired Police Officers including Trainees. Newly hired officers receive $5,000 upon successful completion of field training and an additional $5,000 upon successful completion of their one‑year probationary period.

• Health and Dental
• Flexible Spending
• Pension / Retirement Plans
• Term Life Insurance
• Long‑term Disability
• Survivor Benefits
• Wellness Program
• Career Development Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on‑the‑job injury

Required

• Must be 21 years of age by the closing date.
• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 12 months of employment.
• Candidate must pass the academy and become conditionally POST certified to be qualified for promotion to Police Officer.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Military training (veteran friendly).
• Minimum of two years of college‑level training in police science, criminal justice or a related field.

Work is physical in nature and requires sufficient stamina and strength for:

• Occasional use of sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility and ability to capture, control and arrest subjects or suspects.
• Constant carrying of thirty (30) pounds around waist for up to ten hours.
• Frequent sitting in a patrol vehicle covering a designated area; occasional sitting at a desk to perform office functions and report writing.
• Frequent standing, walking and running while chasing subjects or suspects on all types of terrain in all weather conditions.
• Occasional awkward movements such as resisted twisting, bending, lifting, kneeling, climbing and balancing on fences and stairs.
• Frequent firm grasping and occasional light grasping of a weapon or evidence.
• Constant near acuity and depth perception to accurately discharge a weapon and view vehicle or personal characteristics for reports or descriptions, as well as the ability to consistently hear and communicate via phone and two‑way radio systems.
• Frequent lifting of up to sixty (60) pounds from ground level to waist and twenty (20) pounds from ground…