Police Recruit

Salary : $87,672.00 - $117,748.80 Annually

Location : Ontario, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 021325 Police Recruit

Department : Police - Non-Sworn

Opening Date : 02 / 18 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 4 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

FLSA : Exempt

Bargaining Unit : POA

The Position

Police Recruit

7,306.00 - $8,883.34 Monthly

Police Officer

8,070.40 - $9,812.40 Monthly (Upon successful completion of the academy)

Special Pays,

The City of Ontario Police Department provides numerous special pay opportunities as an added benefit to officers. Listed below are pay incentives that eligible officers receive in addition to their base pay :

• BILINGUAL PAY , EQUAL TO 6% OF BASE PAY
• EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY , UP TO 7.5% OF BASE PAY (UP TO 8% OF BASE PAY EFFECTIVE 7 / 13 / 25)
• SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PAY , UP TO 3% OF BASE PAY
• SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS :

MOTORCYCLE PAY, EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAY

If you have a passion for public service and are looking to begin a career in law enforcement, the City of Ontario has a position for you! The Ontario Police Department has an exciting opportunity available for those who are looking to get their start as a Police Officer- Recruit. As a Police Officer - Recruit you will unlock your potential and launch your future career while making a positive impact on the community! Police Recruits attend a 24-week POST-certified Police Officer Training Academy. You will be trained in criminal law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning. Upon successful completion of the academy, you will be promoted to the position of Police Officer. Police Recruits are sworn in as Police Officers at a base salary of $8,070.40 - $9,812.40 per month; this does not include incentive pay which you may be eligible to earn, such as bilingual pay, education pay, shift differential, etc. All new Police Officers complete a comprehensive Field Training Officer program, which provides close training and assistance in the field.

Why Ontario? Public Service is our way to make a positive impact on the community. Joining the Ontario team allows you to make a difference by playing a part in our approach to Public Service- Be Committed to the Community, Achieve Excellence through Teamwork and Do the Right Thing the Right Way. You will also have access to competitive pay and benefits, because we understand that in order for you to excel at work, you need to have a sense of security for yourself and your family. Being a part of the Ontario Police Department is the perfect stepping stone for you to be able to reach any level or division of law enforcement you are looking for. The OPD team is committed to helping their members grow and reach their career goals. Do not miss out on your opportunity to be a part of a !

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to participate in a written examination. Dates and times will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

PELLETB Waiver Request :

Applicants who have taken the PELLETB within 365 days of the application and achieved a T-score of 45 or higher may request a waiver from the PELLETB. Applicants requesting to waive the PELLETB are required to submit proof of their qualifying T-score on agency letterhead from the agency that administered the PELLETB.

Background Investigation

All appointments to this position are subject to a satisfactory background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department. The background investigation will include the following; passing of a polygraph test, the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including drug screen), and a 12 month probationary period. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have : an excessive number of traffic citations and / or collisions; arrests and / or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call Police Department Background Unit at (909) 408-1820. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the background investigation :

The Ontario Police Department

The mission of the Ontario Police Department is to protect life and property, build and maintain authentic relationships, and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Ontario is an economic leader in the Inland Empire, making it an excellent choice for a law enforcement career. We offer the opportunities and resources of a large department with the teamwork of a small one. Police Officers protect life and property through the enforcement of laws / ordinances and the provision of non-criminal services. Police Officers patrol an assigned beat to identify circumstances that indicate a threat to life or property and to take action to mitigate such threats.

The City of Ontario

The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario is proud to have the reputation of being a progressive City, providing solid leadership to its citizens and business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Financial Services, Human Resources / Risk Management, Public Works, and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City's team is staffed with approximately 1,500 FTE diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.

The City's vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the year(s) to come. We invite you to learn more about the City of Ontario by reviewing the City's website. A few useful links are listed below, including a link to the City's 2024 State of the City video.

2024 State of the City (Video link)

The Ontario Plan (The City's Comprehensive Business Plan for Development)

Smart Ontario (Information about recent City projects)

Downtown Ontario (What to do in Downtown Ontario)

Examples of Essential Functions

Help make a difference to the community by becoming a contributing member of Ontario's progressive Police Department. By choosing a career with the Ontario Police Department, you will be rewarded with a dynamic and supportive environment in which to pursue your professional and personal achievements.

Ontario's Police Department is at the forefront of law enforcement, including : an aggressive, proactive approach to law enforcement; community-based policing; SWAT unit; helicopter support; canine program; traffic / motorcycle program; forensics unit; and gang suppression unit. The Ontario Police Department also provides public safety for the Ontario International Airport (ONT).

Qualification Guidelines

Education / Age

Equivalent to a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Minimum age of 20.5 years at time of application.

Peace Officer Background Investigation

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a Peace Officer Background Investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department.

Other Requirements

Candidates must possess a valid CA Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment. Uncorrected vision of at least 20 / 80 each eye, corrected to 20 / 20 with glasses or contact lenses, and normal color vision. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law

Desirable

Some college level coursework in criminal justice administration or a related field. Some knowledge of modern police practices and methods; current laws and ordinances, particularly those of arrest, search, and seizure, and the geography of the City. Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS

Online Application / Supplemental Questions

Applicants must complete a City of Ontario employment application online. Applications and supplemental questions received in response to this job opportunity will be screened to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position.

Written Exam

If your application is accepted, you will be scheduled to attend a written exam Dates and times will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The exam is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) is designed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). PLEASE REVIEW THE APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE / SAMPLE EXAM PRIOR TO TAKING THE WRITTEN EXAM.

The PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB, which contains five sections :

The passing PELLETB T-Score for the City of Ontario is 45.0. Each agency is permitted to set their own passing PELLETB T-Score.

Interview

Only those candidates with an overall T-Score of 45 or higher will advance to an interview. An interview conducted by a panel from the Police Department will evaluate your experience and training, problem solving ability, inter-personal skills, communication skills, and interest in the position. Additionally, your employment, educational, criminal, and driving history will be evaluated.

Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)

This test, which is scored on a pass / fail basis, evaluates candidates on various physical maneuvers. You should be in good physical condition to attempt the physical agility test. It is recommended that you begin a physical training program in order to prepare for the P.A.T. and the demands of police work; however, it is a good idea to check with your physician before starting such a program. You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and athletic shoes for this test. Candidates who pass the P.A.T. are eligible to continue the selection process. The following events comprise the test :

Background Investigation and Administrative Interviews

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory background investigation which will include the following; passing of a polygraph test, the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including drug screen), and a 12-month probationary period. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have : an excessive number of traffic citations and / or collisions; arrests and / or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call the Police Department Background Unit at (909) 408-1820. You begin the background investigation by completing the Personal History Questionnaire. On this form, you must provide the Department with a detailed summary of your educational, employment, financial, legal, and related histories. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the investigation :

IMPORTANT : The background investigation is very thorough and time-consuming for both the applicant and the Department. If you have any concerns or questions about events in your past, the Ontario Police Department suggests that you consult with a Department background investigator at (909) 408-1820. The information provided in your Personal History Questionnaire is verified in a polygraph (lie detector) test. Your fingerprints are also taken by the Department at this time. During the background investigation process, you will participate in Administrative Interviews with Department personnel including the Chief of Police.

Conditional Job Offer

Following the successful completion of all prior steps, candidates may be made a conditional job offer. Job offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a medical evaluation and psychological examination.

Medical Evaluation and Psychological Examination

Prior to your actual appointment with the Department, you must pass a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation. The medical exam verifies that you do not have conditions that would physically prevent you from performing all your duties as an Officer or that would be susceptible to the stress of the job. Such problems may be a cardiac problem or any ailment that restricts your physical movement. Because police work requires mental stability and strong moral character, you must pass a series of written psychological tests and an interview before you can be hired. A psychological exam is conducted by a City-contracted psychologist and involves series of tests, which profiles your personality type and evaluates your suitability for a career in law enforcement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q : How will my responses to the Pre-Employment Background Questionnaire be used?

A : Your responses will be reviewed by Ontario Police Department personnel to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Q : Does the City accept T-scores from another agency?

A : Yes, the City will accept a POST PELLETB T-Score of 45 or greater issued in the last 12 months. In addition, per POST and City of Ontario guidelines, the score must be typed on agency letterhead. The City will provide detailed instructions at a later date for those candidates with T-Scores from another Agency. You may not take more than one PELLETB in any 30 day period.

Q : I received a letter from another agency with a test score, how can I tell if it is a PELLETB T-score?

A : The letter will specifically state that the score is a "PELLETB T-Score." If in doubt, call the agency that conducted the examination. Do not call POST or the City of Ontario.

Q : Can I schedule a ride-along?

A : Ride-alongs are reserved for the candidates that successfully pass the oral interview and are in the background investigation stage.

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com you will be prompted to create a new user account, otherwise log in with your user name and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following :

A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.

NOTE : Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Supplemental Questions

To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.

Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.

Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

Email Notices

Email is the primary way that the Human Resources or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the city of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our page.

The City of Ontario values the health and wellness of our employees and their families. We understand benefits are an important part of your total compensation and we take pride in offering a comprehensive benefit package. Please check out our excellent benefit packages here

Employees in this classification are represented by the Ontario Police Officers Association (OPOA). For a list of benefits for OPOA employees please click here

Pre-Employment Background QuestionnaireAs an applicant for this position with the City of Ontario, you are required to complete this background questionnaire. This questionnaire supplements your application, which will be treated in the same manner. The information you provide below will not be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Designated employees in the Ontario Police Department Personnel and Training Unit will review this information following your successful completion of the PELLETB exam requirement.Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are not required nor are you expected to furnish any information in this questionnaire that is of a medical nature. For example, do not report any work absences for illness or workers compensation claims. Do not discuss or report any disabilities you might have. This information is strictly medical in nature, and as this questionnaire is part of the pre-job offer background investigation, is not subject to disclosure during this portion of the background investigation.For the purpose of this questionnaire, illegal drug possession shall be defined as each time the illegal drug was in your personal possession either on / or within the body or in the hands, clothing, vehicle, home, residence, or any other area that you controlled.Please read and answer all of the questions. You are admonished to answer all questions completely and truthfully. If you are dishonest in your answers, fail to fully answer any question, or misstate any material facts, you will be disqualified from further consideration for this position. Remember that your response may be subject to verification by a polygraph examination. I have read and understand the information above.

The purpose of a pre-employment background investigation, for all intents and purposes, is to verify that the application you have submitted and any statements you have made to the City of Ontario concerning your qualifications are true.The California Courts have held that an employer has a legal duty to know the persons whom it employs. In some cases, California law may mandate a background investigation before employment, while in other cases it is merely a case of public policy or prudence before placing someone in a position of public trust.Both State and Federal Courts have also held that there is an absolute necessity for public employees to be truthful. You must understand that a lack of truthfulness or deception of any type on your part will automatically and irrevocably result in your application being rejected from further consideration.For some people, there may be one or more incidents or occurrences in their background which they regret or over which they may feel some embarrassment. A prospective employer will not make inquiries into areas of a person's background which have no legitimate bearing on their qualifications for the job. However, you should understand that the mere presence of so-called "negative" information in your background is not automatically disqualifying. For example, an applicant may have engaged in petty thievery as a child, have used illegal drugs, may have been fired from a job, or even have been convicted of a crime as an adult. While these things, in and of themselves, may not automatically remove that person from consideration for a job, lying about them will. I have read and understand the information above.

A pre-employment background investigation is not intended to be an intimidating experience or an unwarranted invasion into your privacy. Your background investigator will contact persons who know you, including present and / or former employers, and will examine official documents and records concerning you to assure that you have been honest in your application in order to fulfill the legal mandates imposed by the Courts and the Legislature. The more forthright you have been, the greater the likelihood that your background investigation can be completed in a timely and successful manner.ADVISEMENT TO APPLICANTI understand that any false statements and / or deliberate misrepresentations, whether by omission or commission, will result in my application being automatically and irrevocably rejected from further consideration. I certify that I have read the above statement, understand its contents, and may print a copy for my records. My typed name below indicates my understanding of the above advisement.

This position requires that you be a minimum age of 20.5 years at the time of application. Do you meet the minimum age requirement for this position?

Do you have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent?

Which of the following best describes your highest related level of education?

INSTRUCTIONSCarefully read and answer each question.If you answer "YES" to any question, you MUST write a complete and thorough explanation as a response to question #27. Reference your answer to the corresponding question number.All written responses must be answered completely, accurately, truthfully, and thoroughly. Provide date, locations, amounts, etc.Vague, ambiguous, misleading, or unanswered responses may be cause for disqualification from further consideration.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), do not list any medical related information or history about yourself on this questionnaire or any attached pages.Those employed with the Ontario Police Department must be able to read, interpret, comprehend, and complete police reports, forms, and other documents accurately and in a timely manner. For this reason, in addition to evaluating your moral character and suitability, we will evaluate your ability to complete this questionnaire accurately. Your ability to write clear statements, which accurately describe an occurrence, will be evaluated.If you have any additional questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 395-2442. I have read and understand the information above.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime, been arrested, detained, or questioned by any law enforcement agency?

In the past 10 years, have you committed any felony crime that was undetected?

Have you ever committed identity theft, fraud, forgery, or counterfeiting whether or not it was detected?

Have you ever had a restraining order issued against you?

Have you ever committed (detected or undetected), been accused of, or questioned about child abuse, child neglect, child molestation, or illegal sex acts?

Have you ever viewed, purchased, sold, or subscribed to child pornography? (books, magazines, internet, etc.)

Have you ever stolen anything where if you would have been caught you could have been arrested or faced criminal prosecution?

Have you ever stolen any money, goods, or services from a place where you worked?

Have you ever belonged to or associated with a subversive or militant group, criminal street gang, alliance, or organization that advocates racism or hatred toward others because of their way of life, background, culture, or customs?

Have you ever touched, held, or possessed any illegal drug or substance? Includes prescription medication that is not prescribed to you. (If so, provide type of substance, dates you possessed, and number of time for each illegal substance. Please do not included marijuana use.)

Were you discharged from any military branch in any way other than honorable?

Have you ever been fired or resigned in lieu of being terminated from any employment in the past 10 years?

In your past 10 years of employment, have you received any disciplinary actions? (Includes suspensions, written reprimands, verbal reprimands, counseling)

Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment?

In the past 5 years, have you been issued a traffic citation? (If so, give date, location, type of violation, issuing agency, and the disposition for each citation.)

In the past 5 years, as a driver, have you been involved in a motor vehicle collision? (If so, give date, location, type of injuries involved, whether or not law enforcement responded, whether or not a report was taken for each collision.)

Have you ever driven off or fled the scene of a traffic collision whether or not it was detected? (hit and run)

Have you ever driven off or fled the scene of a traffic collision whether or not it was detected? (hit and run)

Has your driver's license ever been suspended or revoked?

Have you ever been disqualified from employment by any law enforcement agency? (regular or volunteer)

Have you ever been rejected or disqualified by any law enforcement agency for any reason during a hiring process?

Please use the space below to provide a complete and thorough explanation for any questions to which you answered "yes."

Required Question

Salary : $87,672 - $117,749