Hybrid Police Officer Trainee (Academy Student) bei City of Arcata, CA

About the Department

Interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement? Apply to be a Police Officer Trainee sponsored by the City of Arcata for the January 2026 Academy at College of the Redwoods.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply prior to the October 5th closing date as the Department will be reviewing applications on a bi-weekly basis. 

Police Officer Trainee - $22.704 – $25.062/hr. Includes coverage under the medical/dental/vision plans in accordance with full-time employees while attending the Police Academy. All costs directly related to the Academy will be paid by the City for applicants selected for sponsorship by the City.

**EXCELLENT BENEFITS** 

BENEFITS -  Medical - The City currently pays the majority of the premium for employee and family for Medical (Anthem) and pays the entire premium for dental (Ameritas Dental), and vision (VSP) coverage. Free transportation on the Arcata & Mad River Transportation System for employee and immediate family members. Free Employee Assistance Program benefits. 

SPONSORSHIP – Upon approval, City pays costs related to attend the Academy full-time.

Arcata Police Department is a VA certified On-the-Job Training Facility.

Position Duties

Participates full time as a student in a law enforcement training academy approved by P.O.S.T; and performs other related duties as assigned under the supervision of the Police Chief or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must have a valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving history. Must be willing to work overtime and on-call, and work rotating shifts which involve relief shifts, days, nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must meet the minimum peace officer selection standards which are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4:

• Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC1029) 

• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law

• At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC1031.4)

• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record

• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation

• 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

• 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. 

The following experience is desirable:

1.  One (1) year of experience working with the public, or
2.  Two (2) years of college-level coursework, and/or volunteer law enforcement experience and/or work history in similar fields such as corrections, security, fire service, animal control, investigations, emergency response, communications dispatcher, and military service is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perform physical duties of handcuffing, seat belting, subduing an attacker or resisting persons using licks, grips, or control holds; use a baton; pursue fleeing suspects on foot; pull oneself up over obstacles; climb up to elevated surfaces; jump or climb over obstacles; balance on uneven or narrow surfaces; use bodily force to gain entry through barriers; ride a bicycle; ride a horse; operate a motorcycle, ATV, scooter or motor cart; drive or ride in vehicles for long periods of time on a continuous basis; distinguish red, yellow and blue flashing lights; hear alarms and sirens; draw weapon and fire with either hand; fire other weapons as required; wear leather gear and associated equipment weighing 15-25 lbs. for extended periods of time; read, understand and follow departmental rules, procedures, laws and general literature pertaining to law enforcement activities; write clear, legible and comprehensive reports and communicate effectively orally; work under physical and mental pressures in potentially hazardous situations wear self-contained breathing apparatus, including gas mask; use a computer keyboard and/or typewriter; lift and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs. or more.

Other Qualifications

THE SELECTION PROCESS

 Initial testing will include a department interview. Additional testing will include a background investigation, polygraph test, psychological evaluation, and complete physical examination/drug screening.

P.O.S.T. Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB): This is a written examination. Applicants must obtain a minimum passing score of 42 before a conditional offer of employment is made.

EXTENDED TESTING PROCESS

COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, criminal history, finances, bias, work history, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Examples of possibly disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type, demonstrated bias, felony convictions, etc. If you would like to discuss a particular personal issue prior to testing, please contact the Arcata Police Department at (707) 822-2428, and they will provide you with general department parameters.

FIREARM ELLIGIBILITY: Applicants must be deemed eligible by the California Department of Justice to own and possess firearms.

POLYGRAPH TEST: This is the "lie detector" test. By monitoring your physiological response to questions given, the polygraph test determines the truthfulness of your responses.

CHIEF’S INTERVIEW: In this phase of the testing process, you will be interviewed by the Chief of Police.

AFTER A CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS MADE

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: This evaluation is performed by a psychologist. You are required to complete a variety of test components wherein your responses are compared to established parameters. You are then given a numerical score which determines your suitability for the Police Officer position.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/DRUG SCREENING: You will undergo a pre-employment physical examination. Actual employment is contingent upon the results of these examinations. If you are successful in all testing phases, successfully complete the Academy and are accepted for employment, you will receive approximately four (4) months of field training and serve a probationary period of at least eighteen (18) months.

Important Note: Please make sure it is absolutely clear in your application exactly how you meet the minimum and desirable qualifications/requirements listed above. Applications that do not appear to meet the minimum qualifications will not move forward in the recruitment process.

**If successful in completing the Academy, the following benefits (also outlined in the 'BENEFITS' tab) will apply.**

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