What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer - Trainee/Entry-Level position at City of Vacaville, CA?
ABOUT OUR JOB
CANDIDATES WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE CA POST ACADEMY OR ARE CURRENTLY WORKING FOR A CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND HAVE NOT PASSED PROBATION SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR THIS RECRUITMENT. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR POLICE OFFICER - ACADEMY GRADUATE.
The Vacaville Police Department is committed to delivering exceptional law enforcement services to our community. Our team comprises 156 full-time employees, with 102 sworn positions and 54 professional support staff. We offer various career opportunities in Patrol, Canine, Crime Suppression, Family Services, Investigations, Narcotics Enforcement, Tactical Operations and Traffic Enforcement. At the Vacaville Police Department, we uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and a genuine concern for the well-being of our community.
As a Police Officer Trainee, you will attend a six (6) month POST certified Police Academy beginning in August 2025 to receive education and training in all aspects of law enforcement. Upon successful completion of the academy, you will have the opportunity to be sworn in and promoted to the position of Police Officer (Academy Graduate).
Salary Steps as a Vacaville Police Officer:
Police Officer Trainee (attending the Police Academy): $70,506/annually
Police Officer (Academy Graduate): $97,944/annually
Police Officer (upon successful completion of FTO program): $112,047 - $136,113/annually
Upon academy graduation, Police Officers undergo approximately 10 weeks of training under the direction of experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs) to prepare for patrol duties. After completion of the FTO program, officers take on crucial roles in patrolling designated City areas, conducting investigations, making arrests, and enforcing traffic regulations. Core responsibilities also include compiling accurate police reports, testifying in court proceedings and performing various law enforcement duties to ensure community safety.
This recruitment will serve to establish an eligibility list that will be used to fill future vacancies over the next 12-month period.
ABOUT YOU
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school plus completion of fifteen (15) semester units from an accredited college or university. Military service and relevant training may also be considered. An AA/AS degree with major coursework in police science or related field is desirable.
Experience: Some public contact work experience is required. Community organization or law enforcement experience is desirable.
License or Certificate: Incumbents must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record as conditions of initial and continued employment.
Incumbents must successfully complete the certified POST Basic Academy course of instruction as a condition of continued employment.
Other: Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) within 12 months prior to application submittal (possession of AA/AS degree or equivalent waives PELLETB requirement). Must be able to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and meet the 15 job dimensions as recommended by POST. Spanish bilingual skills are highly desirable.
ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE
This recruitment is currently open and continuous but may close without further notice at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and submit the necessary documentation as soon as possible. The first review of applicants will take place on March 31, 2025. Qualified applicants will then be invited to the first step in our hiring process (a physical agility test) scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.
A completed City of Vacaville application and supplemental questionnaire must be received by the Human Resources Department at 650 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688 by the closing of this recruitment.
IMPORTANT: Copies (clear and legible) of the following documents must be attached at the time of application:
- Proof of a T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). The PELLETB must be dated within 12 months of application submittal. OR
- Proof of AA/AS Degree or equivalent (or higher). This can be submitted as a copy of the degree obtained or unofficial transcripts showing completed units.
Please note: If you do not attach proper documentation to your application, you will not be invited to move on to the next steps in the hiring process.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.cityofvacaville.gov. Application packets may also be obtained by calling (707) 449-5101. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application packet.
Contact with applicants will primarily occur via email. Please ensure that your application indicates a valid email address which you check regularly.
For ADA information and other Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.
The examination process will consist of a physical agility test, a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, an oral board, and department interviews.
The City of Vacaville is a proud organization of sophisticated, compassionate and hard-working individuals committed to honesty and integrity. Applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo the following, including, but not limited to: a thorough background investigation, a CVSA exam, a complete medical exam, a psychological exam and drug screening.
The City of Vacaville reserves the right to alter the examination process, examination dates and other process details when needed, due to business necessity.
The City of Vacaville values the importance of our first responders and public safety staff. Employees enjoy a collaborative and team oriented working environment, 4/10s alternative work schedules, employee social and wellness activities through our CoV LIFE program, competitive pay and a generous benefits and retirement package. To learn more about our benefits for Full-Time positions, please review our Benefits Summary.
Part-time positions are paid an hourly rate and can work up to a maximum of 129 hours per month. Part-time positions are at-will, are not eligible for health or retirement benefits (including CalPERS membership), and do not accrue leave time with the exception of state mandated sick leave (40 hours per year).
Part-time positions are not covered by Social Security and are not eligible for the City of Vacaville's retirement plan through CalPERS and are therefore required to make 7.5% pre-tax contributions into a qualified plan under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA). For the City of Vacaville, the plan is a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan through Nationwide Retirement Systems, Inc.
Salary : $112,047 - $136,113
