Police Officer Trainee

THE POSITION

The Police Officer Trainee is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local municipal codes, violations, and traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special crime prevention and enforcement programs; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department.

This is the entry level class in the sworn Police Officer series. The classification is designed for candidates currently attending a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course academy or for those who will have successfully completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course academy (Intensive, Extended, or Modular formats) by time of appointment. This classification is distinguished from the Police Officer by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series since this class is typically used as work experience.

Hiring Incentives

$5,000 Hiring Incentive

• For this position.

$5,000 Military Hiring Incentive

• Is an additional hiring incentive for anyone who has served in any branch of the United States Military and received an Honorable or General Discharge as denoted on the DD214.

Sick/Vacation Front Loading

• 20 hours of sick and 20 hours of vacation will be front loaded on date of hire.

A full list of hiring incentives can be found HERE.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the position will be placed on an eligible list and invited to a selection interview with the Modesto Police Department.

For more information about becoming a Police Officer with the Modesto Police Department, click here.

Human Resources reserves the right to revise the selection process to best meet the needs of the City.

City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Patrol assigned areas and interact with the community; work collaboratively with community residents to address problems and concerns with a focus on identifying solutions.

Receive calls through dispatch and respond to requests for police services; respond to medical aide requests and administer first aide as needed.

Perform problem-oriented policing functions and duties.

Carry out all aspects of police work in accordance with department training and policy including but not limited to:

• Interviewing/questioning individuals as required.

• Conducting lawful stops, pursuits, searches of persons or property, detentions, citations and arrests of persons.

• Securing crime and accident scenes.

• Collecting and preserving evidence.

• Responding to traffic accidents for investigation of cause, traffic control, hazard removal and conduct traffic accident analysis and general traffic surveys.

• Completing accurate, complete and timely reports and booking of evidence.

• Testifying and presenting evidence in court proceedings.

Based on assignment, it may be required to investigate crimes, perform administrative duties, conduct crime prevention, or conduct training for other personnel.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: City, state and federal laws, statutes, ordinances and court decisions; departmental policies; criminal investigations principles and practices; law enforcement crime prevention community and problem-oriented policing principles; interviewing and interrogation techniques; collection of evidence; and technology including various computer hardware, software applications and electronic applications.

Ability to: Work in a community-based oriented policing environment, communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing; exercise tact, self-restraint and good judgement; demonstrate collaborative problem solving abilities, de-escalate tense and volatile situations; safely and appropriately use firearms and other weapons; enforce laws within established departmental guidelines, standards, policy, and law; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

None required.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Must be currently enrolled or attending a POST-certified Regular Basic Course (basic academy) or have successfully completed/graduated from a POST-certified Regular Basic Course. (Intensive, Extended or Modular formats).

Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) certificate which is a certification that confirms an individual is eligible to be a peace officer in the State of California or a Basic certificate from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under Senate Bill 2 (SB2).

Certificate of completion of a POST-certified Regular Basic Course is required by the time of appointment. Certificate must be dated within three (3) years unless candidate has qualifying service, such as a Basic Course Waiver, as defined in the POST Administrative Manual, Regulation 1008(b), within the past three (3) years.

A minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.

License or Certificate:

Must be in possession of a valid California driver's license by date of appointment.

Additional Requirements:

Must be a minimum of 20 years of age at date of application.

Must meet the physical requirements of the job established by the department.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility: pulling and pushing objects, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, and climbing. Lifting: Ability to perform tasks requiring strength and stamina, such as medium heavy lifting and moving equipment and objects weighing 75 pounds and continuously wearing a duty belt weight and other police equipment. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading of work papers, reports and special projects; color and depth vision; ability to identify suspects and interpret and apply the law to field situations; observation skills while conducting surveillance. Dexterity: perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation to use a computer and operate a motor vehicle. Hearing/Talking: verbal communication including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment, hearing and distinguishing various sounds; explain the law to the public. Emotional/Psychological: frequent concentration and decision making, frequent public and coworker contact, ability to maintain high level cognitive, observation and memory skills. Environmental: Must be willing to work in office and field environment, including life threatening emergencies

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both an office and field environment and requires travel from site to site. Overtime and shift work is required.