Police Officer - Trainee

Salary: $92,447.78 Annually Location : Livermore, CA Job Type: Full time Job Number: 26-3120-01 Department: Police Opening Date: 01/02/2026 Description WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, INCLUDING THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS, IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.Click Here for the job announcement. Trainees are initially hired in a non-sworn civilian classification and earning $44.44 per hour with benefits while attending the Police Academy. Upon graduation and at swearing in, the Trainee becomes a Police Officer. Annual salary for a Police Officers start at $126,894.64 with excellent benefits. For more detailed benefits, please refer to the "Benefits" tab of this job posting. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: As part of the application process, Police Officer Trainee applicants are required to complete the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB - written test) and the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB - physical agility test). Select police academies will administer these specific written and physical agility tests. Contact Human Resources at with further inquiries regarding this requirement or test location recommendations. The following two scores must be submitted for your application to be complete: A passing score of 50 or higher on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written test dated within the last six months from the date of application submission. A passing score of 320 or higher on the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) Physical Agility Test dated within the last six months from the date of application submission You may attach copies of your scores when submitting your online application. If you do not attach the documents at the time you submit your application, you must email them to or fax to (925) 960-4105 in order for your application to be complete. (Note: After submitting your application, you are not able to edit your application after you have submitted it and therefore you must email or fax the required documents.) You must submit a complete application package in order to be considered and invited to an interview. The below description is for the classification of Police Officer.DEFINITION Under direction, a Police Officer patrols an assigned area to protect life and property, prevent crime, maintain order, and enforce laws, ordinances and constitutional mandates; performs investigative work in detection of crime; performs public service tasks; and other duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the sworn law enforcement series. Persons in this classification work within the framework of established law enforcement procedures and are expected to exercise independent judgment in dealing tactfully with the public in emotional situations and to react effectively in emergency situations. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Direction is provided by a Police Sergeant or a higher sworn management position. SUPERVISION EXERCISED May provide direction to Police Cadets, Community Service Specialists, Reserve Police Officers, volunteers, temporary employees and other employees, as assigned. Examples of Important and Essential Functions Field Functions Patrols an assigned area of the City by vehicle, foot, or as designated by the supervisor; maintains law and order; responds to emergencies as directed over the radio and telephone; conducts investigations of complaints and crime reports to determine if a crime has been committed; investigates traffic accidents; administers first aid and gives assistance to the injured; makes arrests; serves subpoenas and warrants; guards prisoners; questions suspects; notes and reports unsafe conditions; prepares evidence and appears in court; searches for stolen property and lost persons; provides directions and information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, and available public services and resources; issues citations of traffic violators; analyzes facts, clues, and evidence and makes investigations to determine the identity of law violators and to locate their whereabouts; maintains effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, employees, and the public; operates radio and other communication equipment; protects life, property, public order, and the constitutional rights of all citizens; and takes notes from verbal communication. Administrative Functions Writes and prepares reports and completes forms at a rapid rate of speed; collects and gathers data and information using electronic and other resources; and uses computers to perform various functions. Job Related and Essential Qualifications Demonstrated Knowledge of: Basic English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and report writing techniques; basic mathematics; effective communication and public speaking techniques; problem solving techniques; effective interpersonal relations; computer operating systems and software applications. Demonstrated Skills to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; read, understand, explain, implement, and enforce technical material consisting of laws, policies, regulations, guidelines and orders concerning the protection of life, property, and the maintenance of law, order, and the peace; observe and accurately recall names, faces, numbers, incidents and places; think and act quickly in emergencies; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; use good judgment in making decisions, often under pressure; understand and carry out written and oral directions; speak clearly and concisely; write at a fast rate of speed to prepare accurate and factual written reports; perform basic math computations; safely operate motor vehicles; establish cooperative relationships with co-workers, supervisors, public officials, employees of other agencies; be mentally alert to make observations; relate effectively to the general public; utilize computers and computer software, as required; adhere to the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Code of Ethics. Ability to: Work as a member of a team or autonomously with minimal supervision; learn and apply City and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and orders; and work effectively with the public, co-workers, non-sworn personnel, supervisors, and other local, state and federal government and law enforcement agencies. Experience, Education and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: Experience: Experience working in a police program or police department is desirable. Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school. College courses related to law enforcement are desirable. Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification. License: Possession of a valid California Driver's license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Age: Minimum 21 years old. Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work any shift; work holidays, weekends, scheduled and emergency overtime; be available on call, as required; work under potentially hazardous conditions taking all necessary safety precautions; learn and retain a great deal of factual material; attend training classes during work and non-work hours, as required; wear a uniform; comply with department's grooming standards; maintain high moral character and integrity; and demonstrate a high desire for self-improvement. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: lift, drag, and transport objects/individuals weighing up to 150 pounds; see well enough to drive vehicles, read small print, detect subtle shades of color with no color deficiencies and vision no less than 20/100 uncorrected in either eye and 20/30 corrected in either eye; hear well enough to detect unusual sounds, distinguish voices over background noise; speak and hear well enough to communicate over the telephone, radio, and in person at distances of up to 50 feet; voice volume and speech clarity to command during an emergency; use of hands and fingers to write, operate equipment, drive a vehicle, discharge various weapons, operate a personal computer keyboard; sit and/or stand for long periods of time; other physical requirements as in the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening Manual CITY OF LIVERMORE BENEFITS SUMMARY Livermore Police Officers Association FLSA Non-Exempt Positions The information contained here is a summary of benefits for Police Officers and Police Sergeants. Click HERE for the current Livermore Police Officers Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). For more a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here. Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated: 1/2026 MOU TERM 5/1/2025 - 4/30/2029 SCHEDULED INCREASES 5/5/25 5% increase + 5% market based equity adjustment increase = 10% 5/4/26 3% increase + 2% market based equity adjustment increase = 5% 5/3/27 3% increase + 2% market based equity adjustment increase = 5% 5/1/28 3% increase + 2% market based equity adjustment increase = 5% CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL, DENTAL, & VISION INSURANCES) ER max =$1,950/month towards medical, dental & vision; unused balance paid in cash. Effective 7/1/25, ER pays premiums for dental and visions plans selected by employee. BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D) $80,000 EE coverage, ER paid $1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD) 66 2/3% of base monthly earnings to $7,000/month max. Cost per month: $29.70; ER pays $29.70 (Amount added to base pay and EE pays deduction) 30 day waiting period (60 if WC) CalPERS New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 3% at 55 formula or 2.7% at 57 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340. Classic CalPERS Safety Member- 3% at 55 Member Rate = 9% EE paid Employer Rate = 23.06% ER paid 36 consecutive months Final Comp Sick Leave Credit 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben. Military Service Credit New CalPERS Safety Member- 2.7% at 57 Member Rate = 13.75% EE paid Employee Rate = 13.99% ER paid 36 consecutive months Final Comp Sick Leave Credit 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben. Military Service Credit MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86) EE paid 1.45% ER paid 1.45% RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) ER contribution of 5% of base pay into RHS account, with a mandatory EE pre-tax contribution of 1% of EE base pay. VACATION ACCRUAL Years of ServiceTotal Accrual Per Year1-4102.96 hours5-11137.28 hours 12-14171.60 hours15-16188.50 hours17+205.66 hours Maximum accrual: 315 hours HOLIDAY-IN-LIEU PAY 7.5% of base hourly pay (paid per pay period) SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL 96.2 hrs/year SICK LEAVE USAGE FAMILY SICK LEAVE - Immediate Family Illness: ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual. PARENTAL LEAVE - Non-birthing parent becomes a parent by adoption or birth of a child - 44 hrs BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 work shifts max to be used for Aunt or Uncle. BEREAVEMENT LEAVE 3 work shifts max for immediate family PERSONAL LEAVE 16 hrs per year Newly hired EE's will need to complete six consecutive months of satisfactory service before being entitled to use personal leave. PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules and Regulations. Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, CA Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b) 2026 Maximum: Normal = $24,500 Age 50+ = $8,000 Catchup Limits = $49,000 Voluntary EE Participation/ No ER contribution SECTION 125 PLAN No ER contribution 2026 Maximum Dependent Care: Up to $5,000/year;See IRS Pub #503 Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year Pre-tax Health Care Premiums FSA's for Dependent Care Unreimbursed Medical Expenses Other options offered by plan administrator UNIFORM ALLOWANCE $1,250 per year (equivalent to $48.08 per pay period) (New officers will receive a lump sum payment of $1,250 at time of hire for Uniform Allowance and will not receive the per pay period benefit for the first year.) STANDBY PAY Employees assigned to CID get 2.75 hrs/day assigned and will be provided a take home vehicle for assignment. Specific positions assigned: CIB (2 CIB members), Traffic (2 Traffic members), and Crime Scene (1 Officer). Unused leave paid out at end of calendar year CALL BACK PAY 3 hr min @ OT rate CANINE PAY $800 per month for canine assignment to handle, train, board, and provide care relating to the canine. Officer provided a take home vehicle as part of canine duties. MOUNTED POLICE UNIT PAY $800 per month to offset the cost for the care, grooming, boarding, and feeding of the horses. Assigned members will be required to use their own, privately owned horses for all events, call outs, and trainings. COURT PAY/COURT CANCELLATION PAY Court Pay: 3 hr min @ OT rate 4 hr min @ OT rate for graveyard shift or normal day off 2 hr min @ OT rate for remote appearance (telephonic, video, other remote testimony, or standby by the DA's Office) Court Cancellation Pay: If court appearance is cancelled within 24 hrs prior to event, 2 hrs @ OT rate. FIELD TRAINING OFFICER (FTO) PAY 4% of based salary, while assigned as FTO BILINGUAL PAY $100/per pay period Must be certified as competent at the conversational level in Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Farsi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Cambodian, Sign Language, and other languages as determined by the Police Chief TELEPHONE PAY $0.25 hr pay @ OT rate CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE (If authorized) - See Administrative Regulation #36 for details Standard = $40/month LONGEVITY PAY 5-9 yrs. service: 3% of employee's monthly base pay 10+ yrs. service: 6% of employee's monthly base pay Effective May 5, 2025, Police Officers and Police Sergeants eligible to receive up to 5 years of service credit toward longevity for previous sworn California law enforcement experience. POST CERTIFICATION PAY Police Officers: POST Intermediate: $400/month (increase to $440 on 5/4/26, to $480 on 5/3/27, to $525 on 5/1/28) POST Advanced: $600/month (increase to $750 on 5/4/26, to $900 on 5/3/27, to $1,050 on 5/1/28) Police Sergeants: POST Supervisory (must obtain Intermediate and Advanced Certificates as well): $765/month (increase to $925 on 5/4/26, to $1,090 on 5/3/27, to $1,250 on 5/1/28 OT COMP & COMP TIME OFF Pursuant to FLSA Section 7K, the City utilizes a 28-day work period. Accrued Comp Time in excess of 200 hours is paid out. TUITION REIMBURSEMENT 75% reimbursement for tuition & books For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations. FLSA WORK PERIOD 28 consecutive calendar day period. Beginning Monday at 6:00 a.m., ending 28 days later on Monday at 5:59 am. PAY PERIODS 26 pay periods per year The benefits listed are for full-time employees. Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits. ER = Employer EE = Employee FT = Full-time PT = Part-time 01 All applicants for the position of Police Officer Trainee must be at least 20 1/2 years of age at the time of application. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 02 Candidates hired as Police Trainees will be sent to a police academy by the Livermore Police Department. To be eligible for this trainee opportunity, you cannot be currently enrolled in a police academy nor a graduate from a police academy.Please select the option that best matches your background. I am not currently attending a police academy nor have I graduated from a police academy. I am currently enrolled in a police academy I have attended and graduated from a police academy. 03 Have you ever left a job without providing at least two weeks notice? Please respond with YES or NO. If YES, please explain. 04 Describe a specific scenario when you had to make a quick decision which demonstrates your ability to make quick and sound decisions. Also, include in your response what you learned from this particular situation. (Provide your response in paragraph format.) 05 If hired as a police officer, what measures would you take to establish and maintain effective working relationships with your co-workers and with members of the community? (Provide your response in paragraph format.) 06 Describe the type of reports, memos, letters, and research findings that you have written in school or at work. (Provide your response in paragraph format.) 07 How would you rate your ability to write reports and/or related documents? Needs Improvement Average Above Average Excellent 08 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIREDEach applicant must submit their scores from these two tests as part of the application process. Select police academies will administer these specific written and physical agility tests. Contact Human Resources at with further inquiries regarding this requirement or test location recommendations. The following two scores must be submitted for your application to be complete: A passing score of 50 or higher on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written test dated within the last six months from the date of application submission A passing score of 320 or higher on the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) Physical Agility Test written test dated within the last six months from the date of application submission These documents shall be attached upon submitting your online application. If you do not attach the documents at the time you submit your application, you must email them to or fax to (925) 960-4105. (Please note that you are not able to edit your application after you have submitted it and therefore you must email or fax the required documents.)I understand that I must submit the above two documents in order for my application packet to be complete. Yes No 09 Candidates who are considered for this position will be subject to the following as part of the selection process for the Livermore Police Department: 1) Polygraph test2) Background investigation (minimally includes verification of education, employment, military, criminal history, civil litigation, credit history, DMV records, and personal history)3) Post-offer drug screen4) Post-offer medical examination5) Post-offer psychological examination.I understand and agree that I will be subject to these tests. Yes No 10 Livermore Police Officers work varying shifts such as 4/10 or 4/11, depending on the assignment and will work on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, standby, call back, and overtime.Are you willing and able to accept these conditions of employment as a Police Officer? Yes No 11 The City of Livermore Police Department requires its employees to be free from illegal drug use. Candidates for this position must be free from the use of illegal drugs for three years prior to application. Have you remained free from illegal drugs for the last three years? (In responding to this question DO NOT include any information about cannabis) Yes No 12 I hereby certify that my answers to the above questions are complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I agree and understand that any misstatement of the material facts contained in the application or supplemental questionnaire will cause me to forfeit all rights to employment with the City of Livermore. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04