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Police Officer Trainee
Overview
Under immediate supervision, attends a basic academy course of study necessary to gain Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved peace officer status; performs other related duties as required.
Primary Responsibilities
The Police Officer Trainee is a trainee class responsible for attending a basic police academy. This position is not intended as a permanent appointment, and those not appointed to the class of Police Officer after successful completion of the law enforcement academy, or appointment as a Community Services Officer, are rejected during probation This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Officer in that the latter has successfully completed a law enforcement academy and achieved peace officer status in accordance with City and Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Those persons who meet the necessary criteria will be called for an oral inter-view, which is weighted at 100%. Candidates who earn at least 70% on the interview will be recommended to the Civil Service Commission for inclusion on the employment eligibility list.
Persons selected for further consideration will be required to successfully pass a polygraph examination, background investigation and chief’s interview before being offered a conditional appointment. The offer is conditioned on successful completion of a thorough psychological assessment and medical evaluation (including a drug screen). Applicants must pass all elements to be considered for hire. The City Manager will make the final selection and appointment based on recommendation for hire by the Police Chief.
Applicants who require special examination accommodations due to a disability should contact the Human Resources Department five (5) business days prior to any scheduled examination at (559) 661-5404.
Applicants may be eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points (5 points) and must attach a DD214 to their employment application for consideration of this preference.
LONGEVITY
Employees are eligible for Longevity Pay, up to 7.5%, based on continuous full-time City service.
Years of Service
Longevity Pay
10
2.5%
15
5.0%
20
7.5%
RETENTION BONUS
Employees will receive a $1,500 lump sum Retention Bonus in January 2026 and January 2027.
EDUCATION INCENTIVES
Up to $2400/fiscal year for college coursework with prior approval from your Department Head.
Deferred Compensation
The City offers a paid/vested contribution of 4.2% of base pay to one of two 457 plans offered to the employee. In addition, the employee may also contribute, though not required.
PAID LEAVE
The City of Madera offers paid vacation, paid sick leave, and non-chargeable bereavement leave for the immediate family.
HOLIDAYS
Employees accrue paid holiday time equivalent to the same number of holidays the City is closed for non-safety services. Accrual is 4 hours per pay period/104 hours per year. Up to 80 hours may be banked, with any additional accruals paid to the employee each 2-week pay period if bank is at maximum accrual balance.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City contributes a monthly amount for the employee to use to purchase health, dental and vision coverage. For medical coverage, the City contracts with Anthem and Kaiser. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental and vision coverage is through Superior. The City’s contribution covers 100% of the health, dental, and vision premium for the employee and family on both the Anthem and Kaiser Core Plans.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
English/Spanish for qualifying individuals and positions after passing annual bilingual test.
RETIREMENT
The City participates in the CalPERS defined benefit retirement system. Retirement formulas and contributions are as follows. The terms “Classic Member” and “New Member” are as defined by CalPERS.
Classic Members employed with the City prior to 10/20/2012
Uniform allowance of $64.50 per pay period/$1,677.04 year.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TRANSITION PAY
Employees working when Daylight Savings shifts in the fall will be paid at time and one half for the extra hour worked on night shift. Employees working when Daylight Savings shifts in the spring will be paid for their normally scheduled work hours, regardless of the loss of 1 hour of time due to the shift.
Police Officer Trainee Academy And Uniform Benefits
When an individual is hired as a Police Officer Trainee, the City sponsors said employee at the Police Academy. and will pay all fees associated with attendance, as well as required uniforms and equipment at the Academy. In addition, Trainees are eligible for the Sworn Uniform Allowance of $77.57 per 2-week pay period in recognition of the fact that trainees must have their Sworn uniforms in-hand upon graduation.
DISPATCHER PREMIUM PAY
The City of Madera offers an employee assistance program or employees and dependents that provides counseling and other services for dealing with life’s challenges at no cost to the employee.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides a $25,000 life and accidental death and dismemberment policy along with $5,000 dependent life. The employee may purchase additional supplemental life insurance for him/herself, spouse and/or dependents.
MEDICARE
The City contributes an amount equal to 1.45% of the employee’s salary; the employee also contributes 1.45%.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
This city paid benefit provides up to 2/3-income protection.
01
The information provided in your application must support your answers in the supplemental questions. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license, or comparable driver's license from another government entity?
Do you have a High School diploma or GED? It is a requirement to attach your diploma or transcripts upon application submission.
Are you currently attending a POST Academy?
Why do you want to work in law enforcement?
06
Have you completed a ride along with any law enforcement agency and if so, which agency?
Under immediate supervision, attends a basic academy course of study necessary to gain Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved peace officer status; performs other related duties as required.
Primary Responsibilities
The Police Officer Trainee is a trainee class responsible for attending a basic police academy. This position is not intended as a permanent appointment, and those not appointed to the class of Police Officer after successful completion of the law enforcement academy, or appointment as a Community Services Officer, are rejected during probation This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Officer in that the latter has successfully completed a law enforcement academy and achieved peace officer status in accordance with City and Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Minimum Qualifications
- A High School Diploma or equivalent; and
- Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license.
-
Successful completion of some college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field is desirable.
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Those persons who meet the necessary criteria will be called for an oral inter-view, which is weighted at 100%. Candidates who earn at least 70% on the interview will be recommended to the Civil Service Commission for inclusion on the employment eligibility list.
Persons selected for further consideration will be required to successfully pass a polygraph examination, background investigation and chief’s interview before being offered a conditional appointment. The offer is conditioned on successful completion of a thorough psychological assessment and medical evaluation (including a drug screen). Applicants must pass all elements to be considered for hire. The City Manager will make the final selection and appointment based on recommendation for hire by the Police Chief.
Applicants who require special examination accommodations due to a disability should contact the Human Resources Department five (5) business days prior to any scheduled examination at (559) 661-5404.
Applicants may be eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points (5 points) and must attach a DD214 to their employment application for consideration of this preference.
LONGEVITY
Employees are eligible for Longevity Pay, up to 7.5%, based on continuous full-time City service.
Years of Service
Longevity Pay
10
2.5%
15
5.0%
20
7.5%
RETENTION BONUS
Employees will receive a $1,500 lump sum Retention Bonus in January 2026 and January 2027.
EDUCATION INCENTIVES
- 2.5% 60 college units a grade C or better
- 2.5% Intermediate POST Certificate
- 2.5 % Advanced POST Certificate
-
5.0% BA or BS Degree
Up to $2400/fiscal year for college coursework with prior approval from your Department Head.
Deferred Compensation
The City offers a paid/vested contribution of 4.2% of base pay to one of two 457 plans offered to the employee. In addition, the employee may also contribute, though not required.
PAID LEAVE
The City of Madera offers paid vacation, paid sick leave, and non-chargeable bereavement leave for the immediate family.
HOLIDAYS
Employees accrue paid holiday time equivalent to the same number of holidays the City is closed for non-safety services. Accrual is 4 hours per pay period/104 hours per year. Up to 80 hours may be banked, with any additional accruals paid to the employee each 2-week pay period if bank is at maximum accrual balance.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City contributes a monthly amount for the employee to use to purchase health, dental and vision coverage. For medical coverage, the City contracts with Anthem and Kaiser. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental and vision coverage is through Superior. The City’s contribution covers 100% of the health, dental, and vision premium for the employee and family on both the Anthem and Kaiser Core Plans.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE
English/Spanish for qualifying individuals and positions after passing annual bilingual test.
RETIREMENT
The City participates in the CalPERS defined benefit retirement system. Retirement formulas and contributions are as follows. The terms “Classic Member” and “New Member” are as defined by CalPERS.
Classic Members employed with the City prior to 10/20/2012
- 2.5% at 55 formula, single highest year final compensation
-
Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 3.375%
- 2% at 60 formula, average three year final compensation
-
Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 2.375%
- 2% at 62 formula, average three year final compensation
-
Employee Contribution paid by the employee pre-tax: 7.75%
Uniform allowance of $64.50 per pay period/$1,677.04 year.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TRANSITION PAY
Employees working when Daylight Savings shifts in the fall will be paid at time and one half for the extra hour worked on night shift. Employees working when Daylight Savings shifts in the spring will be paid for their normally scheduled work hours, regardless of the loss of 1 hour of time due to the shift.
Police Officer Trainee Academy And Uniform Benefits
When an individual is hired as a Police Officer Trainee, the City sponsors said employee at the Police Academy. and will pay all fees associated with attendance, as well as required uniforms and equipment at the Academy. In addition, Trainees are eligible for the Sworn Uniform Allowance of $77.57 per 2-week pay period in recognition of the fact that trainees must have their Sworn uniforms in-hand upon graduation.
DISPATCHER PREMIUM PAY
-
Public Safety Dispatchers work 12-hour shifts, working 84 hours each 2-week pay period. This time is paid as 76 hours at straight time and 8 hours at time and one-half. Dispatcher Premium Pay is reportable compensation for CalPERS purposes.
The City of Madera offers an employee assistance program or employees and dependents that provides counseling and other services for dealing with life’s challenges at no cost to the employee.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides a $25,000 life and accidental death and dismemberment policy along with $5,000 dependent life. The employee may purchase additional supplemental life insurance for him/herself, spouse and/or dependents.
MEDICARE
The City contributes an amount equal to 1.45% of the employee’s salary; the employee also contributes 1.45%.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
This city paid benefit provides up to 2/3-income protection.
01
The information provided in your application must support your answers in the supplemental questions. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
- Yes, I understand and agree
-
No, I do not agree
Do you possess or have the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver's license, or comparable driver's license from another government entity?
- Yes
-
No
Do you have a High School diploma or GED? It is a requirement to attach your diploma or transcripts upon application submission.
- Yes
-
No
Are you currently attending a POST Academy?
- Yes
-
No
Why do you want to work in law enforcement?
06
Have you completed a ride along with any law enforcement agency and if so, which agency?
- Required Question
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