Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service)

ABOUT ARCADIA
Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and the2017 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County. With the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.

ABOUT US

At the Arcadia Police Department, making a positive difference is the guiding principle that shapes our decisions. The belief that every member of our team has the ability to positively impact the community is entrenched at the core of our organization. We are forward-thinking problem solvers that are rooted in tradition. Our diverse team values professionalism, integrity, work ethic, positive attitude, and camaraderie. If you are interested in expanding your career as a member of Law Enforcement, we welcome and encourage your application. Explore the wide array of special assignments and career opportunities that our premier organization has to offer.

Come join and experience what it is like to serve a community that supports and appreciates its Police Department.

• CalPERS retirement plan
• City-paid vision plan
• City-paid life insurance policy
• Monthly benefit allowance of:
  • $620 Employee only
  • $700 Employee + 1
  • $900 Family Plan

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
This is a continuous recruitment and periodic testing will be conducted.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Apply Online – Submit a detailed, thorough application.

Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) – Candidates must obtain a passing score of 70% or above in order to successfully be assigned to an eligibility list.

SELECTION PROCESS

Chief’s Interview – The Chief of Police and Arcadia Command Staff will meet and interview candidates to determine their readiness to join the Arcadia Police Department.

Background Check – An extensive background check will be conducted to ensure that candidates meet the high standards set forth to join the Arcadia Police Department.

Psychological Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the background process are required to go through a psychological exam to be evaluated on their ability to handle stresses that accompany a career in law enforcement.

Medical Examination – Candidates who successfully pass the psychological examination undergo a medical evaluation to assess their ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

Differences in the classifications of Law Enforcement Recruit, Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service), and Police Officer (Lateral) within the City of Arcadia

Law Enforcement Recruit

Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service)

Police Officer (Lateral)

Applicants for the Law Enforcement Recruit position are not required to be enrolled in a P.O.S.T. certified police academy.

Applicants for the Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) are required to either be currently enrolled in a P.O.S.T. certified police academy or have successfully completed a P.O.S.T. certified police academy within the last 12 months.

Applicants for the Police Officer (Lateral) are required to possess one year of experience with the public and current employment as a California peace officer or current employment as a peace officer in another State combined with a California P.O.S.T Waiver of Attendance Certificate.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, the Law Enforcement Recruit and Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) is a non-sworn trainee classification, designed specifically for the purpose of employing Police Officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial enrollment of a P.O.S.T certified police academy. An individual will remain in the Law Enforcement Recruit classification during pre-academy training, and during the actual academy training.

Upon successful completion of the P.O.S.T certified police academy, background investigation and all P.O.S.T requirements, the Law Enforcement Recruit or Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) will be eligible for advancement to Police Officer. Recruits who are not successful in completion of any of the foregoing requirements will be terminated from employment as a Law Enforcement Recruit or Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) position is a non-sworn, part-time classification designed to be used for an individual who is currently attending a P.O.S.T. certified basic police academy or has completed a P.O.S.T certified basic police academy within the last 12 months. On occasion, this position may be assigned to non-sworn police work. Upon successful completion of the police academy, background investigation, and all P.O.S.T. requirements, with approval of the Police Chief, a Law Enforcement Recruit (Pre-Service) will be eligible to be sworn in as a full-time probationary Police Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises no supervision.

Attends a basic P.O.S.T certified academy designed to provide an entire overview of the criminal justice system which includes training in laws, police procedures, law enforcement technique, first aid and physical fitness. On occasion, may be assigned to non-sworn police work while in an academy class or while the background investigation is being completed.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Learn to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.

Operate a motor vehicle safely.

Ability to:

Successfully complete a P.O.S.T. certified police academy.

Learn functions and objectives of Federal, State, and other local law enforcement agencies.

Learn basic principles of criminal law.

Learn principles and practices of community policing.

Learn modern police methods and procedures related to patrol, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, traffic control, and investigation and identification techniques.

Learn modern investigative methods including interviewing and interrogation techniques.

Learn law enforcement theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.

Learn local geography, City streets, public buildings, and businesses.

Learn recent court decisions and how they affect department and division operations.

Learn self defense tactics.

Learn, properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regu­la­tions particu­larly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, evidence and records mainte­nance, and traffic control.

Learn to gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate and use facts and evidence.

Learn, interpret and explain City and Department policies and procedures.

Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine proper course of action.

Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.

Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

One year of experience working with the public

Education:

Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional education is desirable.

Minimum Age:

Must be 20 years of age at time of submitting application. Candidates must have reached 21st birthday upon graduation from the academy or upon hire as a sworn Police Officer.

Medical Standards:

Applicants must be in good physical condition as determined by a P.O.S.T medical examination, with weight in proportion to height, and consistent with P.O.S.T. and City guidelines for hearing and vision. There is a requirement that new hires maintain their physical condition as a condition of continued employment. Candidates must also pass an extensive Background Investigation, including a Polygraph and Psychological Examination.

Other:

Pursuant to Government Code 1031, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Applicants must be of good moral character and have no convictions of a felony offense or any offense reflecting lack of character, judgment or morals. Conviction of a felony or serious misdemeanor is disqualifying. If hired, candidates must sign an agreement to refrain from smoking, chewing or otherwise using tobacco, chewing tobacco or snuff.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Current enrollment in a P.O.S.T certified police academy or successful completion of a P.O.S.T certified police academy within the last 12 months.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.;
exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by.

Application:

A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.

The Selection Process:

Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.

Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process. Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.