Police Officer Trainee (Recruit)

Join Oakley Police Department

**The city is currently seeking candidates to attend the Police Academy **

Full Time $38.00 hourly

***City of Oakley is offering a hiring bonus of up to $2,500. If hired by OPD, half of the bonus will be considered when you clear field training and the other half will be considered when you clear probation.***

Police Officer - Trainees are assigned to attend a P.O.S.T. certified police academy. During the academy program, Police Officer-Trainees receive the academic and physical training required for appointment to the position of Police Officer. Police Officer-Trainees are at will, limited term position.

After successful completion of the academy, police officers receive step increases on an annual basis. Benefits will begin on the first of the month following the hire date and include city-paid health and dental insurance for employees and dependants, retirement, vacation and sick accruals, holiday pay and deferred compensation.

Qualifications/Education/Experience

Minimum: Must be 20 1/2 years of age at the time of application submittal; must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate; must have a valid California driver's license with a good driving record; in addition to passing a P.O.S.T certified police academy applicant must pass a polygraph examinations, medical examination, psychological exam and background investigation.

Candidates may be screened out at any point in the process based on the position requirements. The Oakley Police Department reserves the right to waive selection components of individuals based on prior experience or certification.

Please read the Peace Officer Candidate Selection Standards to ensure you meet the requirements to become a Police Officer.

Application and Selection Procedures

Step 1: Submit Application – Online Application Only

Step 2: Attend In-Person - Pellet B Exam or Submit an Active Pellet B score of 45 or better

The Pellet B Examination is scheduled to be administered on Monday, November 9, 2026, City Hall 3231 Main St., Oakley, CA 94561

Step 3: Oral Exam

The Oral Exam Dates are tentatively scheduled for November 30. 2026 through December 4, 2026. Please be sure you are available.
Applicant must have a completed Personal History Statement (PHS) available by this day. Please have this available to be sent via email, if it is requested of you. DO NOT INCLUDE THIS IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET. Click Here for PHS Form

Candidates who pass the Oral Exam will be placed on an eligibility list for further consideration. Placement on the eligibility list neither guarantees nor implies that a candidate will be offered employment. The order of placement on the eligibility list does not determine the order in which candidates will be considered. Police Officer Trainee is an at will limited term position.

Step 4: Background Investigation and Medical Testing Process
Eligible candidates selected to continue in the process will be required to do a background investigation. POST medical exam, polygraph examination and psychological exam.

**Important**

Applicant must meet all schedule deadlines.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Attend a certified academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical fitness.
• Undergoes training to develop an awareness of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers and how they relate to field operations.
• Academy and field training includes activities such as:
• Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms.
• Review of radio codes and applicable Penal Code sections.
• Overview of the court system
• Public contact skills including, but not limited to: Answering telephone calls and dispensing public information.
• Writing and editing police reports.
• Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention, and protection of citizens and property.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of

Basic functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.

Activities and programs of a municipal Police Department.

Basic principles of record keeping.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.

Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to

• Learn basic functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies.
• Learn police terminology and law enforcement codes.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish