Police Officer - Recruit

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

El Cerrito Police Department is a modern, well-managed department providing police services to a community of 24,000 residents. The department offers many opportunities for professional growth including: Investigations, Field Training, Hostage Negotiation Team, Special Response Team, and K9.
Police Officer Recruits receive closely supervised training in the following areas: laws and penal codes; criminal justice system and procedures; law enforcement and crime prevention techniques; physical fitness and first aid; proper handling and firing of firearms; radio codes and dispatching procedures; public contact skills; interviewing and taking complaints; writing and editing police reports; geography; investigative techniques; procedures regarding the arrest and handling of suspects; and departmental rules and regulations.
Police Officer Recruits are hired into this temporary non-sworn position for the period during which they are enrolled in the Police Academy. They are not covered by the City's classified (Civil Service) system, and serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police. Police Officer Recruit benefits are limited to those required by law. City of El Cerrito Police Officer Recruits are enrolled in CalPERS under the Miscellaneous Formula while attending the academy. Upon successful completion of the curriculum and the battery of physical fitness tests at the training academy, Police Recruits are sworn in and appointed to the classified position of Police Officer, at Step 1 of that salary range with full benefits (including CalPERS at the Safety Formula).
NOTE: Applicants who are currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. approved academy may apply as a Police Officer - Recruit.
This position requires an ability to learn and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures; carry out oral and written directions; analyze situations and make quick decisions requiring sound judgment; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and meet the on-going physical requirements of the position.