1 POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE
Bargaining Unit: Unrepresented
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Class Code: 60150
Created: 2/1/2020
Updated: 4/2/2026
DEFINITION:
Attend a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)- approved Basic Police Academy and successfully complete all required academic, physical, and skills-based training in preparation for appointment to the classification of Police Officer.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This is an entry-level, non-sworn trainee classification designed to prepare incumbents for a career in law enforcement. Police Officer Trainees are hired in a civilian capacity and are assigned to attend a POST-certified police academy.
Upon successful completion of the academy and subject to departmental needs and performance standards, Trainees may be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer Recruit II.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):
• Attends and successfully complete a POST-certified Basic Police Academy designed to provide academic and physical training covering: Criminal justice system including knowledge of laws and police procedures, Law enforcement techniques, Community policing principles, First aid and emergency response, and Physical fitness and defense tactics.
• Develop an understanding of Police Department operations and organizational structure.
• Receive instruction in report writing, radio communication, and evidence handling.
• Participate in practical scenarios designed to simulate field operations. • Demonstrate progressive proficiency in law enforcement skills and responsibilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
2 • Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment
• Equivalent to graduation from high school
• An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college is desirable ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must successfully complete all academy physical conditioning requirements • Must be free of any felony convictions
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation
• Must meet all medical, physical, and psychological standards • Vision requirements:
o 20/30 corrected visual acuity (both eyes), or
o 20/80 uncorrected visual acuity (both eyes) for those requiring corrective lenses
o Must be legally authorized to work in the United States in accordance with California Government Code Sections 1031 and 1031.5
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record Required at time of application:
• Must possess one of the following:
o POST “T-Score” of 48 points or higher, or
o National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline National scores:
- Reading: 70% or higher
- Writing: 70% or higher
- Video: 65% or higher
• Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB):
o Physical Agility Test Score of at least 320 points
o 1.5 mile run completed in 14 minutes or less
All test scores must be dated within one (1) year of application.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge Of:
• Basic principles of law enforcement and public safety (desirable but not required)
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Ability To:
• Successfully complete all academy requirements
3 • Observe and accurately recall names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places • Make rapid, sound independent judgement and make decisions under pressure within legal guidelines
• Remain calm and maintain emotional control in stressful situations • Prepare clear, concise, and accurate written reports
• Understand, follow oral and written direction, interpret and apply laws, regulations, procedures, and policies
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Develop proficiency in:
o Defensive tactics
o Firearms handling and safety
o Law enforcement terminology and concepts
• Interact professionally and respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Learn law enforcement practices, procedures, and equipment used in crime prevention and investigation
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to provide reasonable accommodations.
Work may be performed in both office and field environments under varying weather conditions. Positions in this classification typically require the ability to:
• Sit, stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, twist, turn, reach, push, pull, perform repetitive motions, and use fine and gross motor skills, including fingering and grasping
• Safely lift and carry materials weighing up to 45 pounds • Operating standard office equipment, computer systems, and software • Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and in writing • Read and interpret complex legal and technical materials • Interact effectively and professionally with the public and City staff • Safely operate a motor vehicle to travel to various locations throughout the City and County in the performance of assigned duties
Travel: Positions in this classification may require local and statewide travel, as necessary.