Police Officer Trainee

Overview

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in law enforcement? The City of Pinole is seeking motivated, dedicated individuals to join our Police Department as Police Officer Trainee. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community while receiving comprehensive training and support to become a Police Officer.

Tentative Written Exam:
March 5 or March 12

Tentative Interviews:
April 2 or April 12

Anticipated Police Academy start date:
June 2026

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to a written exam. You may visit POST and download a study guide to prepare for the exam.

You may waive the written exam if you possess a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) taken within the last 12 months (March 2025-March 2026). Per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training FAQs, you may retake the exam but you must wait for a period of 30 calendar days before taking the exam again.

The Police Officer Trainee applicant is someone who is interested in becoming an Officer but has not yet completed the Police Academy. An applicant who is hired as Police Officer Trainee is sponsored by the Police Department to attend the Police Academy. While attending the Academy, the employee is considered a temporary employee who may be released at any time. At present, the Academy runs approximately six (6) months in duration.

When the employee completes the Academy, they are sworn in as a Police Officer for the City and begin their Field Training.

Per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, California State Minimum Selection Standards:
The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code. Every California peace officer must be:

• Free from any disqualifications for employment
  , including felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law
  .
• At least 21 years of age
  .
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Of good moral character
  , as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• A high school graduate
  , pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition
  , including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

In addition to the Academy, the trainee will be provided health, dental, vision, and PERS miscellaneous benefits for his/her family during this temporary employment period (no coverage for life insurance or short/long-term disability benefits).