Police Officer Trainee
Salary: $5,297 – $6,761 per month
Job description and requirements
Show full description and requirements
Job Information
WHITTIER POLICE DEPARTMENT
13200 EAST PENN STREET
WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA 90602
562-567-9211
https://www.cityofwhittier.org
Updated: March 09, 2024
Position Title: Police Officer Trainee
The Whittier Police Department is currently hiring for the position of Police Officer Trainee. Candidates are required to take the NTN Frontline exam and complete the PSSA 1&2 which can be found on your NTN account homepage after scheduling your exam. Passing scores = Video: 60. Writing: 70. Reading 70.
Salary Information: $5,297.00 - $6,761.00 Monthly.
Benefits Information:
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P.O.S.T. Pay: 4.5% bonus per month for Intermediate Certificate. 9.5% bonus per month for Advanced Certificate. Education Incentive Pay: 2% (AA) , 4% (BA) and 5% (MA) of Police Officer Step 6 monthly salary. Bilingual Pay: $200 per month for Spanish language. Retirement: Employees hired prior to 1/1/13 and Lateral Transfers with recent service from CalPERS Agencies, 3% at 50 Plan, with the Single Highest Year Formula, and may have a future CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. New hires as of 1/1/13 will have the new CalPERS 2.7 @ 57 Plan, with Three Year Average Formula, and will have a mandatory CalPERS contribution as established by Public Employee Retirement Law. There is no deduction for Social Security. Work Schedule: Patrol Division features a 3/12 schedule. Health Insurance: The City pays a substantial portion of the premiums for medical and dental insurance and provides vision and $20,000 term life and $20,000 AD & D insurance. Holidays: 84 hours per year. Vacation leave: 80 hours per year up to a maximum of 192 hours per year after completing 20 years of service. Sick Leave: 96 hours per year. Personal Leave: 24 hours per year may be charged to accrued sick leave. Flexible Benefit Plan: Allows employee payment of insurance premiums, and medical and dependent care expenses with Pre-Tax dollars, increasing take-home pay. Residence Incentive Program: Provides a $50,000 interest-free loan for the purchase of a residence in the City of Whittier. The loan is forgivable after 15 years of City service. Other Benefits Include: Deferred Compensation, Tuition Reimbursement, Computer Loans, Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs; Short Term Disability Plan; and Credit Union membership are available.
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CONTACT:
Whittier Police Department
Address: 13200 Penn Street, Whittier CA, 90602
Department Website: https://www.cityofwhittier.org/government/police
Phone: 562-567-9200
HIRING PROCESS:
Selection/Exam Process: Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam. Due to the anticipated larger-than-usual volume of applicants for this position and our limited resources, we will only be able to invite the top-scoring candidates in the testing process to participate in the panel oral interview.
Exam Information: The testing process consists of the following:
Written examination (POST PELLETB): TBA
Physical agility and panel interview: TBA
A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of: Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation; hazardous materials and proper storage and containment; improvised explosive devices; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record-keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to: Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations; enforce laws, regulations, policies, rules, and procedures; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; make clear and concise radio transmissions; observe and recall names, faces, and details of incidents; write clear, concise, and accurate reports; understand and follow verbal and written directions; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions
observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms, and a police vehicle in emergency situations.
Supplemental Information
Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U. S. Citizen and the ability to successfully pass a thorough Police background investigation, including a polygraph and a psychological profile, the cost of which will be paid by the City. Candidates who have used marijuana in the last 3 years or dangerous drugs illegally may be disqualified.
Tattoo Policy: Applicants should be aware that the Whittier Police Department maintains a tattoo policy that requires the tattoos to be covered while on duty. For further information, you may contact the recruitment officer.
City/County/Area Information: Whittier is a demographically diverse community covering a 14.5 square mile area in Southeast Los Angeles County, California. Whittier is in the metropolitan Los Angeles area.
Population: Approximately 85,000
Job Requirements
Age:
21+
Citizenship Required:
Yes, Prior to hiring. Candidates will be required to submit proof of US Citizenship or employment authorization if not a US Citizen.
High School Grad / GED:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations for Police Officer Trainee include a high school diploma or equivalent and being 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment. A college degree is highly desirable.
Driver's License:
Yes
Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes
About this opportunity
Salary context
The annualized midpoint for this posting is $72,348. That matches the $72,348 median among 9 current California public jobs with the same normalized title.
Application timeline
This is a continuous filing that has been listed for 79 days since CA Public Jobs first observed it.
Similar roles at other employers
These employers are currently listing the same normalized role:
Posting history
This posting appears on National Testing Network. CA Public Jobs first observed it on August 17, 2026. It was last verified open on November 4, 2026.