Police Officer Trainee

The Fullerton Police Department is committed to the safety of our community through problem-solving partnerships, emphasizing a prompt response, a caring attitude, and a visible presence.  Law enforcement is a noble and honorable calling that requires integrity, honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serving our community.  With a complement of approximately 180 employees, 125 sworn and 55 civilian positions, our department is made up of men and women who encompass these qualities.

We pride ourselves on our family environment, where you aren't just another number, but an integral part of our mission.  If being part of an extended family away from home and an exhilarating career making a difference in people's lives sounds like something you want to be a part of, we encourage you to apply with us today!

The Position:

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of non-sworn law enforcement duties, attends a formalized education program in preparation for employment as a Police Officer, and performs related work as required.

Upon successful completion of a POST-certified basic police academy, a Police Officer Trainee shall be appointed to Police Officer I.

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Must have a valid California Driver License and acceptable driving record.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of graduation from the academy.
• Vision no less than 20/100 in each eye (unless soft contact lenses are worn) and correctable to 20/20 with no color impairment.

Please review the full job description for additional requirements and information.


For the POST PELLETB Applicant Preparation Guide, click here.

• Test score submissions must be dated within one year of the application closing date of March 30, 2025.
• For PELLETB test taken prior to January 1, 2025, the passing score for a PELLETB test is a minimum T-score of 46.  The score must be on agency letterhead and attached to your application with the file name "PELLETB T-score".
• POST has revised the PELLETB exam effective January 1, 2025. For test scores taken on or after January 1, 2025, the City has not yet established a minimum passing T-score for the revised PELLETB exam. The passing T-score will be determined based on a statistical analysis of the results of the exam administered by the City of Fullerton tentatively scheduled for April 16, 2025. (For more information on the CLOZE Sub-test removal, click here.) 
• The minimum passing scores for the NTN Frontline National exam are as follows: Video - 65%, Reading - 70%, and Writing - 70%.  NTN will submit scores to Fullerton Human Resources for review.  For assistance with the submission of NTN test scores, candidates must contact NTN.
• If a candidate states they are submitting a passing score but fails to do so by the application closing date, they will be asked to participate in the City administered PELLETB testing or be disqualified from the process.

• Push-ups (minimum of five (5) must be completed within 2:00 minutes or better).
• 1.5-mile run (must be completed within 15:00 minutes or better).
• Obstacle course, including scaling a 6-foot solid wall (must be completed within 1:10 minutes or better).
• Body drag of 32 feet (must be completed within 0:31 seconds or better).
• 440-yard run (must be completed within 2:22 minutes or better).

If you have any questions regarding preparation for the PAT and/or Oral Interview please contact the recruiting officer, Corporal Melendez, at justin.melendez@fullertonpd.org.


All new hires, including non-regular City of Fullerton employees appointed to this position, will serve a one-year probationary period.

California Government Code §3100 – 3109 requires that all public employees are to be declared disaster service workers and shall take and subscribe to the related oath or affirmation as required.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, other non-job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or other functional limitation in employment or the provision of service.

The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities.  If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the employment application and/or participate in the testing process, please contact the Human Resources Office at (714) 738-6361 prior to the filing deadline.  We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

Click here to view job description in its entirety.

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Salary : $85,802 - $94,596