Police Officer Trainee
April 2026
POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE
JOB FAMILY: Police Uniform Division
EEO CATEGORY: Protective Service Worker NonSworn
FLSA: Non-Exempt
PAY PLAN: Full-Time Pay Plan
UNION STATUS: Represented
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Police Officer Trainee must be able to attend and complete a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Police Officer Training Academy designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, police practices, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS (For use in a job series only) The Police Officer Trainee is distinguished from Police Officer in that the trainee attends an approved law enforcement academy. Upon successful completion of academy, trainee will be sworn in as a Police Officer with all duties empowered with a sworn police officer.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:
The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or departmentspecific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• This is the training classification for law enforcement in the City of Barstow. This is an entrylevel non-sworn classification and upon successful completion of POST approved academy, a Police Officer Trainee may be appointed to the Police Officer classification. • At least 20 years of age at the time of application and 21 years of age at time of graduation from POST approved academy.
• Upon successful completion of the POST approved academy, the selected applicant must successfully complete a probationary period upon promotion into the Police Officer position.
OTHER DUTIES:
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
(At time of application)
Job Classification Description
Equal Employment Opportunity
Police Officer Trainee
April 2026
Knowledge of:
• Effective verbal and written communication, including active listening and clear articulation • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software Skills and Abilities to:
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness to handle the physical demands of the job • Notice details and accurately recalling information
• Make ethical and effective decisions under pressure
• Adjust to new and changing environments and situations • Follow rules, regulations, and procedures
• Work effectively as part of a team and supporting colleagues • Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds JOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:
• Valid state-issued Driver’s License and a good driving record.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:
• Completion of the Law Enforcement Supplemental Application • Police Officer entry-level written exam
• Physical agility test
• Oral interviews, including interview with the Chief of Police • Background investigation which includes a Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) or polygraph test
• Psychological test
• Medical exam
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) • This position works primarily in an outdoor environment.
Police Officer Trainee
April 2026
• Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Very Heavy Work: exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.