Police Trainee

Police Trainee

Salary

$66,144.00 Annually

Location

300 L Street; Antioch, CA

Job Type

Full-time, Regular

Job Number

83200-26/6

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a successful law enforcement officer in California? It all starts with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)! Take a deep dive into exploring POSTs vital role in shaping law enforcement across the state, including how POST establishes professional standards, provides training resources, and supports officers and dispatchers through every step of their careers.

P.O.S.T. How Do I Become a Peace Officer

P.O.S.T. Required Medical Screening Process

P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement Video

P.O.S.T. Law Enforcement FAQs

P.O.S.T. Regular Basic Course

A Police Trainee is a temporary, non-sworn position. Under close supervision, a Trainee participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved Police Academy for a period of approximately 5 months. Start your career in law enforcement with the City of Antioch! TRAINEE SALARY (While Attending the Academy) is $31.80/hour plus medical, vision, and dental benefits.

After successful completion of the Police Academy, and you transition to a sworn Police Officer, and APOA Bargaining Unit Member, the salary increases to an ANNUAL SALARY OF $115,608 - $140,532 plus additional benefits.

This is a continuous position and job posting may close at any tune, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who properly complete the application and clearly demonstrate on the City application and supplemental questionnaire that they possess the minimum qualifications which include:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the General Educational Development (G.E.D.) exam; AND
• Age: 20 years and 6 months at time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" drivers license.
• Must meet the medical standards recommended by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
• Must undergo a complete background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, and fingerprint clearance.
• Must submit either a passing PELLETB T-Score or online passing NTN score (see details below).

Commission on P.O.S.T PELLETB INFORMATION:

The PELLETB is the police written test used by most agencies in California. PELLETB stands for "POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery" and is the entry-level Written Exam recommended by the CA POST Commission. For more information regarding the PELLETB test please visit the Commission on POST website. There you will be able to learn more about the exam process along with how to prepare for the test by downloading the Applicant Preparation Guide. If you have already competed the PELLETB test and have a passing score of 45 or higher, you may attach the transferable T-Score on the agency issuing letterhead (we have the right to refuse non-letterhead scores).

NOW ACCEPTING NTN SCORES:

National Testing Network directly contracts with public safety departments across the country to test candidates for jobs. Once a candidate completes this simple process, information and test scores will be sent directly to each department. Applicants may submit their NTN scores directly to the City of Antioch via the NTN website LAW ENFORCEMENT Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision participates in a comprehensive training program at a POST approved police academy. This temporary class provides an opportunity for persons to achieve the academic and physical training required for appointment to the position of Police Officer. Appointment in this position is generally limited to the duration of the Police Academy. Academic progress and physical achievement are closely monitored during this training period. Upon successful completion and graduation from the Police Academy, trainees may be appointed to the position of probationary Police Officer. However, successful completion of the Police Academy and this training program does not provide for automatic appointment. Extension beyond the academy period may only be made upon express authorization of the Chief of Police

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Police Trainees are temporary employees assigned to the Police Department. Temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis and are not entitled to any of the fringe benefits applicable to regular employment. Temporary employment is subject to termination without appeal for any of the following reasons:

• Failure to show acceptable progress while attending the Police Academy.
• Failure to follow departmental rules, regulations or safety procedures.
• Are found to be unacceptable for further employment.
• Are no vacant positions of Police Officer.

City will furnish tuition costs, uniforms, safety equipment and materials required at the Police Academy.

There is no seniority provision within this classification and, therefore, seniority with the City and Police Department does not begin until the Trainee is appointed to probationary Police Officer status.

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Principles and techniques of traffic control.
• Basic interviewing methods and principles.
• Principles, practices, and safe work methods used in collecting, processing, logging, storing, and safeguarding evidence, property, and materials including hazardous materials.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and department rules, policies, and procedures.
• Self-defense principles and practices.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work including officer safety standards and safe driving principles and practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Automated law enforcement information systems and procedures.
• Public and agency desk procedures and methods for providing services and information including those related to collecting, maintaining, and releasing information, files, and documents.
• Law enforcement record keeping and records management principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Research and report writing techniques.
• Methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Geographic features and locations within the area served.
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.

ABILITY TO:

• Learn required knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful as a Police Officer.
• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies.
• Judge situations and people accurately.
• Learn standard operating procedures of a police radio and keyboard terminals.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.
• Achieve proficiency in self-defense techniques and the use and care of firearms.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the general public.
• Show initiative, alertness, integrity and reliability.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

A valid California Motor Vehicle Operators License and a satisfactory driving record are a condition of hire and of continued employment. A satisfactory driving record is one absent of misdemeanor convictions or multiple infraction convictions. Loss of a drivers license and/or an unsatisfactory driving record may result in employee discipline, up to and including termination.

CRIMINAL RECORD:

Trainees shall not have been convicted of any felony. A misdemeanor conviction may result in applicant disqualification and employee disciplinary action, up to and including termination. A complete background investigation will be conducted.

AGE: 20 years and 6 months at time of appointment.

CITIZENSHIP:

Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for, and who has applied for, citizenship at least one year prior to application for employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a classroom and field setting; may have extensive periods of sitting in class; extensive physical training; exposure to inclement weather conditions; some exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals; some exposure to moving mechanical parts; extensive public contact; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be very loud due to sirens, etc.

Physical and Mental Condition:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field setting; Normal hearing acuity; proportional weight to height; sound physical, mental and emotional health; normal color vision and visual functions, including no abnormalities or diseases which adversely affect the performance of duty, and visual acuity of not less than 20/40 vision in each eye without correction and corrected to not less than 20/20 in each eye; absence of a history of psychosis or psychoneurosis or other disabling defects. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. The Trainee must complete physical, psychological and medical examinations.

Supplemental Information

Resumes will be accepted but MUST NOT replace the required information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only the MOST qualified applicants will be selected to participate in the testing process, which may include, but is not limited to, application appraisal, written exam, oral interview, physical and psychological examinations, drug test, background investigation and polygraph test.

No applicant shall be permitted to compete a second time for this position within one (1) year of the date of the last previous examination.

You will not be required to take the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) Exam with the City of Antioch IF you:

• Submitted a passing NTN score OR
• Received a T-Score of 45 or higher from a POST approved agency AND
• Exam was taken within the last twelve (12) months AND provide the Human Resources Department with a copy of your T-Score letter.
• You MUST submit the T-Score letter with your application.

In accordance with applicable federal, state and local law, the City of Antioch provides equal opportunities for applicants and employees, regardless of race, gender expression, age, pregnancy, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental handicap, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, sex or any other protected class or status. The City of Antioch does not show partiality or grant any special status to any applicant, employee or group of employees unless otherwise required by law. The City of Antioch will recruit and hire only those individuals who demonstrate a commitment to service and who possess the traits and characteristics that reflect personal integrity and high ethical standards.

EEO/ADA: The City of Antioch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, please contact Human Resources at 925-779-7020 or HR@antiochca.gov prior to the final filing date.

• The City pays full Medical, Dental & Vision benefits while you are attending the academy

PLEASE NOTE: After successful completion of the academy, if appointed as a probationary Police Officer, employees will be subject to pay for the out of pocket any expenses for their benefits above their cafeteria allowance.

As a Police Officer you will be covered under the generous benefits provided by the Antioch Police Officers Association.

(Police Trainees who are hired as probationary Police Officers, will be hired at Step A and will be eligible for Step B after six months from appointment.)

BENEFITS:

• HEALTH AND WELFARE - Cafeteria Plan is provided with a City contribution for the purchase of health, dental, vision, life insurance, and the employee assistance program. A cash payment option in lieu of benefits is available.
• LIFE INSURANCE
• RETIREMENT - California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS): 3% @ 50 formula for classic members or 2.7% @ 57 formula for PEPRA members
• SOCIAL SECURITY - The City participates in the Medicare portion only
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN AVAILABLE
• HOLIDAYS - 16 per year (includes 3 floating holidays)
• VACATION - 11 to 25 per year depending upon length of service
• SICK LEAVE - 12 days per year
• MEDICAL-AFTER-RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (MARA)
• EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLAN

$800 per year reimbursement for books, tuition and mileage

$120 per month for Intermediate Post Certificate/AA Degree

$210 per month for Advanced Post Certificate/BA or MA Degree

• UNIFORM ALLOWANCE - $960 per year (Increases $20/year for duration of agreement)
• BILINGUAL PAY - $100/month
• SENIOR OFFICER PAY - Percentage based on months of service as a Sworn Peace Officer in State of California.

2.5% of base monthly pay beginning the 108-167 month

5.0% of base monthly pay beginning the 168-227 month

7.0% of base monthly pay beginning the 228 month

• SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL - 2-1/2% for Swing and 5% for Graveyard

01

Applicant Acknowledgment: I understand the following: I MUST complete each section of the job application in full (i.e., reason for leaving). Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. I must enter work history for the PAST TEN (10) years and include any other pertinent experience, education, and training I possess. A resume will be accepted; however, it will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you currently enrolled in and/or attending a P.O.S.T. Academy in the State of California? If yes, you will not be considered a Police Trainee and will need to apply as an Academy Student.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Certificate of Completion from a P.O.S.T. Academy within the last three years? If yes, you will not be considered a Police Trainee and will need to apply as an Academy Student.

• Yes
• No

04

Applicant Acknowledgement: I have completed the NTN or P.O.S.T. PELLETB Exam and have attached a copy of the results which indicate a passing T-Score of 45% or higher on agency letterhead to my application. I understand that if I answer no to this answer, or do not attach a copy of the passing results, I will be required to take the exam on the scheduled Police Examination Day.

• Yes
• No

05

In the space below, please write 1 - 2 full paragraphs explaining why you are interested in becoming a Police Officer with the City of Antioch and what actions you have taken to further your career in this direction. Please Note: This is a required written prompt. Failure to respond will result in disqualification.

06

Applicant Acknowledgement: I fully recognize that under California law, individuals must clearly demonstrate their personal, medical, and psychological fitness to serve in the position of a peace officer. Must undergo a complete background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, and fingerprint clearance.

• Yes
• No

07

Applicant Acknowledgement: California State Minimum Selection Standards: The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be: 1. Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029) 2. Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law 3. At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4) 4. Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record 5. Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation 6. A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution 7. Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Additionally, I acknowledge that I may review additional information regarding requirements and standards directly on the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training webpage https://post.ca.gov/peace-officer-candidate-selection-standards.

• Yes
• No

08

Applicant Acknowledgment: I understand the City of Antioch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. The City of Antioch prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the City of Antioch are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, age, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state and federal law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and [insert state civil rights law], it is the policy of the City of Antioch to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for COA. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at 925-779-7020, or via email at HR@AntiochCA.gov.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Antioch

Address P. O. Box 5007

Antioch, California, 94531

Phone (925) 779-7020

Website http://www.antiochca.gov/human-resources/