Police Recruit

Upon the successful completion of the Basic Post Academy, salary will increase to the range of $6,100 or $7,415 monthly.

DEFINITION 

To attend and successfully complete a POST approved Basic Police Academy or POST 136-hour Recertification Course. May assist department personnel in a variety of field and office law enforcement activities as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Receives direct supervision from assigned higher level sworn Staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

• Attend all scheduled classes and activities in conjunction with Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved Basic Police Academy or Requalification Course. 
• Prepare reports and complete work assignments required by the Basic Police Academy, Recertification Course, and the Department. 
• May assist department personnel in a variety of law enforcement activities.

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.

• Successfully complete a POST approved Basic Police Academy.
• Successfully complete the Police Department Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
• Understand and follow written and oral instruction.
• Meet the physical requirements of the job.

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 supplemented with some education in police science.
• Some voluntary experience working with a law enforcement agency would be highly desirable.

License: 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects; vision to maintain firearms qualification and to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, climbing and descending structures to access crime scene and to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 

Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Must be willing to work extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations.

EXTENDED TESTING PROCESS

COMPLETE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation of their personal history, including drug and alcohol use, thefts, etc. All applicants must meet background investigation standards. Examples of disqualifying items include use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics within the past 1 to 3 years, depending on substance type. If you would like to discuss a particular personal issue prior to testing, please contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4095, and they will provide you with general department parameters.

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.

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

AFTER AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS MADE:

PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION/PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/DRUG SCREENING: You will undergo these pre-employment procedures. Actual employment is contingent upon the results of these examinations. If you are successful in all testing phases, and are accepted for employment, you will receive approximately four months of training. You will also serve a one-year probationary period, during which you may be terminated without right of appeal.

The background process can be lengthy and may take several months to complete. Out of town candidates who are invited to begin the background process must be prepared to make at least two (2) trips to Eureka, CA for screening procedures and other requirements.

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The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked. The City of Eureka is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap status in the admission, access to, treatment, or employment for its programs, or activities, whether funded by the City or by grants. Women, persons with disabilities, and minorities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Personnel Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If you have special needs, please call (707) 441-4124 prior to the examination date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.