Position Overview

Applications are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Comprehensive Fringe Benefits (View Full Details in the Benefits Tab^)

Click HERE to view the 2025-2028 POA MOU

Employees 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Selection Process

PELLETB Exam
Oral Board Interview
Pre-Background Investigation
Physical Agility Exam
Polygraph Examination
Background Investigation
Police Chief's Interview
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 visit https://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.

Effective January 1, 2026, the City agrees to provide the following monthly contributions to the Police Officer's Association (POA):

Employee Only: $825

Employee + 1: $1,560

Employee + Family: $1,860

The City provides up to $75.00 per month for employee and dependent dental coverage through Ameritas Dental Services.

The City provides up to $20.00 per month for employee and dependent vision care coverage through Ameritas Eye Care.

The City provides a Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy via Mutual Of Omaha Insurance Company in the amount of $100,000 for POA employees at no cost to them. Additional coverage shall be made available from the City at the employee's expense.

The City shall grant eleven (11) federally recognized holidays to all POA employees with compensation based on the number of hours affected on the employee's regular work schedule.

POA employees become eligible for three (3) floating holidays after six (6) months of service. Once accrued, floating holidays must be taken within the same fiscal year in which they are accrued.

POA employees accrue vacation time at regular intervals beginning at eighty-eight (88) hours upon completing their first year of service. Refer to POA 2025-2028 MOU for more information.

Employees shall accrue paid sick leave at the rate of 3.69 hours per pay period.

Employees shall receive three (3) shifts of paid bereavement leave each fiscal year after being employed by the City for six (6) consecutive months.

Employees who can communicate conversationally in Spanish or Chinese on a regular or reoccurring basis shall receive an additional $125 in compensation per month. Employees will be required to pass a bilingual proficiency test prior to receiving such compensation.

The City shall provide new Police Officer hires the needed uniform and equipment. Sworn POA employees shall receive $800 per year thereafter for the purchase of uniforms and equipment. Non-sworn employees shall receive $600 per year for the purchase of uniforms and equipment. Additionally, POA employees shall receive a uniform cleaning allowance of $400 per year.

Employees assigned to work the night shift shall receive a shift differential pay increase of 3% over their base pay during the term of such assignment.

The City shall contribute 1% of an employee's base salary to their deferred compensation plan.

The City will provide employees with a reimbursement of up to $55 per month for a single membership pass to a local YMCA or an equivalent gym/fitness membership for each employee to promote health and wellness.

The City provides up to $80 per month in reimbursement for employees who utilize alternative means of transportation to work other than a personal automobile.

View POA 2025-2028 MOU

Additional 5% of base pay for possession of Intermediate POST Certificate; 10% for Advanced POST Certificate.

Educational incentive of $200 per month for Bachelor's Degree

Educational incentive of $300 per month for Master's Degree

4% COLA effective 07/01/2026

4% COLA effective 07/01/2027

New Salary Step 6 added effective 07/01/2026 for sworn employees. Advancement to Step 6 requires completion of 7 years of experience with the City.

Safety

Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CALPERS' reciprocity or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2.5% at 57 formula.

Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2% @ 50 benefit formula.

All employees are required to pay the full employee contribution to CalPERS.

Non-Safety

Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CALPERS' reciprocity or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2% at 62 formula.

Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

All employees are required to pay the full employee contribution to CalPERS.

01

To receive timely notifications about my application, I understand that I must provide a working email address and phone number on my City application. I understand that all important information regarding my application and the selection process will be sent via email, and it is my responsibility to ensure my email is active, check it regularly, and add info@governmentjobs.com to my contacts to avoid messages being marked as spam. I acknowledge that the City of South Pasadena is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails.

Yes
No

02

Do you have a valid Class "C" California Driver's License?

Yes
No, I do not have a valid California Driver's License

03

What is your highest level of education achieved?

High School or GED
Associates degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher

04

Have you ever had a felony conviction or a misdemeanor conviction that mandated weapons prohibitions?

Yes
No

05

Have you taken the POST PELLETB exam within 365 days of application and achieved a T-score of T-42 or higher?

Yes
No

06

If you answered "Yes" to question #4 please attach your score letter with your application.

I have attached my PELLETB exam score letter
I did not received a T-Score letter of T-42 or higher

07

Applicants MUST be a minimum of 21 years of age upon completion of the Academy Training. Do you understand this requirement?

Yes
No

08

Have you been referred by a current South Pasadena Police Department employee to apply for this position? If yes, please write their name. If no, please write N/A.

Yes
No

09

I understand that any inaccurate information or an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process. I have supplied all the applicable and accurate information on my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification will include, but are not limited to the following: incomplete/incorrect employment dates, stating "see resume" under job duties, not attaching requested copies of certificate(s), testing results etc.

Yes
No
Required Question

City of South Pasadena

About Company

Police Officer Recruit