City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 2 May 26, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.8
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution of the City Council of the City of Union City Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan to Update the Class Specification for the Classification of Police Officer Trainee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents a proposed amendment to the class specification for the position of Police Officer Trainee. The update is intended to reflect current operational needs better, clarify the technical requirements of the trainee classification, and ensure internal consistency within the class series. The proposed changes do not substantially alter the fundamental purpose of the position but provide clearer guidance on the duties, minimum qualifications, and competencies expected of the Trainee to prepare the incumbent for a career in law enforcement.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve an update to the class specification of Police Officer Trainee.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This program supports Goal B. Governance and Organization Effectiveness of the strategic plan in aligning critical city services with current staffing levels.
BACKGROUND
As part of a review of the Police Officer Trainee job duties and the needs of the City's Police Department, relative to aligning position functions with appropriate qualifications and experience expectations, staff recommends minor modifications to the classification specification/job description.
DISCUSSION
The proposed changes to the Police Officer Trainee job description update and clarify the role to match current work and industry practices. The revised version places greater emphasis on the position’s objective of preparing incumbents for a career in law enforcement. This includes the completion of essential learning and development criteria Agenda Item No. 4.8
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2 May 26, 2026
in the POST-certified Basic Police Academy. While the current description mentions the Academy, the revised version clarifies that successful completion is required for an opportunity for advancement. The updated duties more accurately describe the functions and concepts expected of incumbents to be considered for future law enforcement opportunities. These include simulated field operations scenarios, developing an understanding of departmental operations and procedures, and further honing essential soft skills, such as effective communication and sound decision-making.
The minimum qualifications have also been updated to better reflect the experience required for the job. Certification requirements have been simplified to match current industry standards. Overall, these changes make the job description clearer and more accurate. No change to the current salary range is recommended at this time. Police Department staff worked with Human Resources Department staff to ensure the class specification is updated before future recruitments.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from the proposed position specification changes.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution to approve an amendment to the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan to update the class specification/job description of Police Officer Trainee.
Prepared by: Jason Castleberry, Human Resources Director Submitted by: Jason Castleberry, Human Resources Director Attachments
1. Draft Resolution
2. Exhibit A – Police Officer Trainee Job Specification (Redlined)
3. Exhibit B – Police Officer Trainee Job Specification (Clean)