Police Officer Trainee - Pre-Service (C-59)

Police Officer Trainee

The Police Officer Trainee is the entry-level (non-sworn) class in the police officer series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Incumbents generally occupy this class while attending or waiting to attend the academy. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is distinguished from the Police Officer classification by closer supervision and performance of less complex assignments.

Supervision Received / Exercised : Receives immediate supervision from a Field Training Officer or higher-ranking position. Incumbents in this class are not expected to provide supervision.

Essential Functions : (include but are not limited to the following)

• Learns to patrol assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle, bicycle, or horse; learns to perform crime suppression and prevention activities; learns to answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; learns to answer complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; learns to perform surveillance activities; learns procedures for conducting chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; learns to investigate suspicious circumstances.
• Learns to enforce traffic laws; learns methods for conducting complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; may learn and assist in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.
• Learns procedures to obtain and process evidence; takes written statements; prepares and / or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; may testify in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.
• Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; assists the public and answers questions; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State / local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions : Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires both near and far vision, the ability to distinguish colors and acute hearing. Additionally, incumbents may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The position entails working in hazardous situations, and may involve abusive persons, potential physical violence and the potential risk of exposure to chemical and biological hazards in the performance of law enforcement duties. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. The need to lift 25 pounds or more is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Qualifications : (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and / or Experience : Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Police Officer Trainee. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a high school diploma or equivalent, and be 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment. Except under special circumstances, the City will terminate a Police Officer Trainee's employment if she / he fails to successfully complete the City approved police academy. License / Certificate : Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship. Knowledge / Abilities / Skills : (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.) Knowledge of : Basic operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; basic principles of crime prevention and suppression; basic modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of training and motivation may be necessary; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to : Learn to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations; learn to enforce laws, regulations, policies, rules, and procedures; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; make clear and concise radio transmissions; observe and recall names, faces, and details of incidents; write clear, concise, and accurate reports; understand and follow verbal and written directions; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze issues and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skill to : Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms, and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Supplemental Information : Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U. S. Citizen and the ability to successfully pass a thorough Police background investigation including a polygraph and a psychological profile, the cost of which will be paid by the City. Candidates who have used marijuana in the last 3 years or dangerous drugs illegally may be disqualified. Tattoo Policy : Applicants should be aware the Whittier Police Department maintains a tattoo policy which requires the tattoos to be covered while on-duty. For further information, you may contact the recruitment officer. Medical : Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City. Selection / Exam Process : Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam. Due to the anticipated larger than usual volume of applicants for this position and our limited resources, we will only be able to invite the top scoring candidates in the testing process to participate in the panel oral interview. Exam Information : The testing process consists of the following : Written examination : Online Physical agility and panel interview : TBD A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.