Police Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

The Town of Los Gatos is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Trainee. The hourly rate is $60.4683 in July 2025, increasing to $62.8870 in July 2026. Plus retirement and medical health benefits through CalPERS.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early as this recruitment may close at any time without notice. Are you interested in a law enforcement career? The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. If selected, the Town will compensate you at an hourly rate while you attend the Police Academy as a Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department-sponsored trainee. Read the "Attending a P.O.S.T. Police Academy" section in this job announcement for more information on what to expect. Already enrolled in a Police Academy? You are welcome to apply to this job posting.

Selected candidates must :

• Submit Pellet-B and WSTB scores dated within one year with a minimum passing score of 42.
• Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including, but not limited to criminal history; Department of Justice fingerprinting; medical exam, including drug screening; polygraph; and psychological exam.
• Attend and successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. The Academy is about 26 weeks long and covers all aspects of police work.
• Participate in rigorous physical, academic, and tactical training to prepare for the demands of a Police Officer role.
• Learn and understand state and local laws, ordinances, and departmental policies.
• Develop skills in de-escalation, community interaction, investigation techniques, and report writing.
• Perform related duties as required and directed by academy instructors and department leadership.

Benefits : Police Officer Trainees are temporary Town employees eligible to enroll in medical health benefits. They receive retirement benefits through CalPERS, Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and paid sick leave (5 days). After the Academy, you will be eligible to join the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department family as a sworn Police Officer and take part in an 18-month probationary period and field training program (FTO) before assuming the responsibility of a solo patrol officer. You will also receive benefits at the Public Safety formula as outlined in the POA Benefit Summary. The Department has a culture of promoting from within and offers different opportunities to broaden and gain specialized experience. The Police Officer classification series offers career growth opportunities for both new professionals and those with more work experience.

Hourly Salary Range : Plus excellent benefits as outlined in the POA Benefit Summary and salary increases scheduled for July 2025 and July 2026. Effective July 2025 : Police Officer Trainee : $60.4683 Police Officer : $63.6508 to $77.3680. Police Corporal : $66.8155 to $81.2147. Police Sergeant : $80.5364 to $93.2310. Effective July 2026 : Police Officer Trainee : $62.8870 Police Officer : $66.1968 to $80.4626. Police Corporal : $69.4881 to $84.4632. Police Sergeant : $83.7579 to $96.9603. Specialized Assignments : (receive additional 5% incentive pay) Canine Officer, School Resource Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), Investigations.

About the Department : The Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno have a combined population of about 34,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life with low crime rates. The LGMS Police Department is budgeted for 39 sworn and 21 civilian personnel and has over 50 community volunteers. The members of the LGMS Police Department work hard to provide a full range of services. They are committed to providing our residents, businesses, and visitors with the highest quality service. We are proud of the relationship with our community and are constantly solidifying that relationship through partnerships, collaboration, and individual contacts.

The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is committed to ensuring public safety with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Providing exceptional law enforcement services, building community partnerships, and engaging the community in problem solving.

Learn more about the LGMS Police Department. The Town of Los Gatos is a general law city operating under the Council / Manager form of government. The Town Manager and Town Attorney are appointed and directly report to the Town Council. The Town's 200 full- and part-time employees are organized into the following departments : Parks & Public Works, Community Development, Police, Library; and Administrative Services. The Town's fiscal year 2023 / 24 General Fund budget is $56.1 million. Learn more about the Town of Los Gatos.

Attending a P.O.S.T. Police Academy is a rigorous, transformative experience designed to equip recruits with the physical, mental, and practical skills needed for a career in law enforcement. The Academy will help you build the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge to be a responsible law enforcement officer. Recruits should expect physical and mental challenges but leave equipped for the role's demands. Below is a summary of what to expect :

Minimum Qualifications : Education, Training, and Experience :

Education : Graduate from high school or equivalent and at least one of the following criteria :

License : Possession of a valid California Driver's License at time of appointment.

Special Requirements : Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment as a sworn Police Officer; be a citizen of the United States or a permanent alien who is eligible and applied for citizenship; and be able to meet hiring requirements established by Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T). Training : No experience is required; however, candidates with prior internship or experience in a government / municipal public safety department are highly desirable. Candidates must complete a Pellet-B examination within one year of application and complete a WSTB examination dated within one year.

Desired Qualifications : A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Ability to fluently speak and understand a foreign language.

Application and Selection Process : To be considered for this career opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" at the top of this announcement. If this is your first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account; otherwise log in with your username and password. Your application, and responses to the supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. A resume may be attached