Police Officer Cadet

Job Summary

Under the close supervision of the Patrol Sergeant, the primary responsibility of the Cadet is to attend the prescribed training sessions to learn the principles, practices and theory of criminal and civil law enforcement and codified and case law.  The Cadet also receives training in report writing, physical fitness techniques, firearms use and maintenance, and arrest and control techniques.  Under close supervision, the Cadet may assist other police officers in the performance of their duties.

Department Summary

The mission of the Cal Poly University Police Department is to promote a safe and secure learning environment by working cooperatively with the campus community to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, maintain order and provide exceptional professional services to our guest and our community.  The Police Officer Cadet position is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn police officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T. training within the required timeframe and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet may be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of existing criminal code and laws; and general knowledge of crime prevention and first aid.
• Ability to acquire a working knowledge of public safety, including law enforcement methods, traffic control, arrest and safety procedures applicable to a campus environment.
• Ability to render assistance in accordance with University Police policy and procedures manual.
• Ability to assess law enforcement or other hazardous situations and determine an appropriate course of action.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.

Education and Experience

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent and eligibility to attend a certified Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) basic training academy.
• Qualify for and satisfactory meet the ongoing standards of the basic P.O.S.T. academy training.
• Possess mental capacity, physical agility, and learning potential to perform all aspects of P.O.S.T. training and police work.
• A minimum of 21 years of age. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, CREDENTIALS:

• Possession of a valid California drivers license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Applicants must pass a written test measuring reading and writing abilities, a physical agility exam, a panel interview, a comprehensive physical examination (a drug test will be administered as part of the required medical examination), a psychological evaluation, a polygraph examination, and a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $47,208 to $55,000 annually

Classification Range: $47,208 - $77,016 per year

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.