Police Officer Recruit

Applications are reviewed on a periodic basis.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Comprehensive Fringe Benefits (View Full Details in the Benefits Tab^)Click HEREto view the 2025-2028 POA MOUEmployees working the graveyard shift receive a 3% differential added to their base pay.Employees assigned to special details receive an additional 5% added to their base pay.
The City of South Pasadena Police Department is currently recruiting to establish an eligibility list for the position of Police Recruit. This is an entry-level position in which the candidate will be placed in a 6-month POST certified Police Academy paid for by the City.

The Police Officer Recruit position is under the general supervision of supervisory police staff. While filling this classification, a Police Officer Recruit shall be a participant of a POST Basic Police Academy and therefore subject to academic and physical requirements of the academy.

This is an entry-level, non-sworn, probationary position. This is an entry-level class within a series that, upon successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy, shall lead to the classification of sworn Police Officer. Appointment to this position is limited to successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy.Police Recruit:
While enrolled in the academy, incumbents participate in and complete a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level Police Officers, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival, and physical fitness.

During this period, academic progress and physical achievement are closely monitored. Upon successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy, Police Officer Recruits shall be appointed to the position of probationary Police Officer and proceed through the POST Field Training Officer program.

Job duties following successful completion of the POST Basic Police Academy and appointment to the position of sworn Police Officer:
Under general supervision, protects life and property, prevents crime, arrests criminals, and generally enforces laws and ordinances. Responsible for designated beat areas. Works assigned shifts. May be assigned to patrol by driving or walking. May be assigned to the Detective Bureau or traffic enforcement. Reports to a Corporal, Sergeant, or higher-level supervisor.

Patrols a designated area of the city in a vehicle or on foot, as needed; enforces motor vehicle operation and parking regulations, the penal code and city ordinances; prevents commission of crimes and inspects, reports, and corrects conditions which may lead to crime or delinquency; conducts complete traffic accident, criminal, complaint and other investigations; writes reports on investigations; collects and preserves evidence; interviews witnesses; testifies in court; apprehends crime suspects and/or makes arrests; performs jail booking procedures, including fingerprinting and photographing of prisoners; receives complaints and reports, and provides the public with information and directions; gives first aid in medical emergencies; mediates and arbitrates disputes; may be assigned to traffic enforcement, bicycle regulation and safety education, or the general traffic safety program; may perform background investigations of applicants; may act as dispatcher in his/her absence; may lock or unlock park gates and other city property, depending on shift; performs other related duties as required.Education/Experience
Police Officer Recruits must attend a POST Basic Police Academy and must satisfactorily pass all of the requirements that lead to possession of the POST Basic Police Academy completion certificate.

High school diploma or GED Certificate required. Must be 21 years of age upon appointment. College level course work in Administration of Justice desirable. Possession of a valid California Driver's License Class "C" or higher. Candidates shall be either a United States citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.

Knowledge of
Basic reading, writing and spelling; laws of arrest and seizure; California Vehicle and Penal codes.

Ability to
Follow and understand oral and written instructions; utilize oral and written communications skills; gain cooperation of others; analyze situations; learn the use and care of automobiles, firearms, and other job-related equipment; meet standards of physical and health conditions, endurance, and ability.

Physical Demands
Drive a vehicle safely under various conditions (including emergencies). Lift, carry, drag, pull, and push objects of varying weight and size. Stand, walk, and run for extended times over various distances and conditions such as pursuing a running suspect through yards and over fences and walls. Observe and recognize people, activities, vehicles, street signs, and environmental conditions from a reasonable distance during the day and night. Objectively use only that force necessary to control situations and persons, including combative or fleeing suspects. Use a variety of lethal and less-than-lethal weapons safely and proficiently. Administer First Aid, CPR, and AED. Vision must be 20/70 uncorrected (20/20 corrected); must possess normal color perception and normal hearing.

Special Requirements
Successful completion/graduation from a POST Basic Academy and possession of a POST Certificate of Completion required for appointment to the position of sworn Police Officer.

Working Conditions
As a Police Officer Recruit in the POST Basic Police Academy, the environment is mainly indoor classroom and outdoors as related to necessary education and training.

As a sworn Police Officer, must be able to work in an outdoor environment, subject to heat and cold, noise, toxic agents, smoke and violence; and be able to work assigned shifts, including overnight hours, on weekends, holidays, and for extended hours when needed. On occasion, assigned shift work will be in an indoor office environment.

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Selection Process
1. PELLETB Exam
2. Oral Board Interview
3. Pre-Background Investigation
4. Physical Agility Exam
5.Polygraph Examination
6. Background Investigation
7. Police Chief's Interview
8. Psychological and Medical Examinations

Applicant must be of good moral character with no felony convictions. Candidates successfully completing all components of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list from which hires may be made. The eligible list is valid for one year.

This recruitment may close, or be extended, at any time, without prior notice. Cover letter, resume and other attachments must be in PDF format.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience and, level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate will be required to go through a background check, a physical examination, and psychological profile before appointment. Only complete applications or applications that meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

To Apply:
Employment Applications are available online only. Please submit your completed application and attach copies of ALL certificates and licenses in PDF format.

www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spasadenaca

For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7239 or email HR@southpasadenaca.gov.

The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.

FAIR CHANCE ACT
The City of South Pasadena is committed to providing fair opportunities to all applicants, including those with a criminal history. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visithttps://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

ABOUT THE CITY

The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.

Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena’s unique character makes it one of California’s most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood’s favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.

South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City’s picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area.

Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.

NOTE: The provisions in this job flyer do not constitute an expressed or implied contract; and any provisions contained in this flyer may be modified or revoked without notice.