Police Recruit (Academy Enrolled)

City of Claremont

Located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles on the lower slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, Claremont is best known for its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, world renowned colleges, and award-winning school system.

Claremont provides the atmosphere of a New England town within comfortable driving distances of major Southern California attractions, sports stadiums, and the Ontario International Airport. Sunset magazine described Claremont in this manner, "College towns like this one may be commonplace on the East Coast, but Claremont, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, stands out as a singular example in Southern California." Metrolink Rail Authority also named Claremont a Preferred Destination Point.

The City has a population of 36,374 people. Within the 14.1 square miles of the city, Claremont has 23 city-owned parks and sports fields, with 1,900 acres of public park land, of which 1,769 is wilderness. Claremont has over 24,000 City trees and has been a winner of the National Arbor Day Association's TREE CITY USA award for 31 consecutive years.

Claremont's success is not accidental, but the result of a long tradition of creating and encouraging community cooperatives and involvement in civic affairs, which has also worked successfully in the areas of business and economic retention and development. The City of Claremont exemplifies the quality of a model city, and is viewed and respected as a leader in local government.

The City of Claremont Police Department is looking for highly energetic and motivated self-starters, whose work ethic and moral standards are of the highest caliber, to preserve the peace, protect life and property, prevent and detect crimes, and enforce laws and ordinances, while maintaining a positive public service approach toward the community.

The Claremont Police Department consists of 42 sworn personnel and 26 professional staff positions, with a variety of volunteer programs, such as Reserve Police Officers, Community Volunteer Patrol, and Police Explorers. The Department provides multiple opportunities for special assignments, such as motorcycle patrol; bicycle patrol; Field Training Officer; regional SWAT team member; School Resource Officer, Detective Bureau; Drug Recognition Expert; Range Master; and canine handler. Typically, 35% patrol time is free for pro-active patrol. Patrol staff works a 3/12 schedule, and the Detective Bureau works a 4/10 schedule.

The Position

The Police Recruit must be currently enrolled in a police officer training academy, certified by the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and receive training required to become a police officer; and, to perform related work as required.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Attend a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Peace Officer Academy; Learn law enforcement practices, procedures and techniques; Receive training in first aid & CPR; Attend classes on police and law enforcement related subjects; Write and keep notes and reports on training received; Participate in physical conditioning exercises; Participate in departmental training, including field exercises; Assume duties of a disaster worker in the event of a locally declared emergency; Perform related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

Ability To:

Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; Understand rules, instructions, laws, regulations, police literature, and departmental policies; Understand and follow directions; Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action; Exercise initiative and independent judgment; Act swiftly and decisively; Maintain composure under stress; Work tactfully with the public and establish and maintain effective working relationships; Prepare complete and accurate reports; Learn to operate computer, calculator, telephone, portable radio, copying machine, and firearms; Participate in all Police Academy physical training exercises; Prepare reports; Sit for up to two hours at a time; Lift up to 180 pounds; Perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Completion of High School, passing the General Education Development Test or passing the California High School Proficiency Examination.

Meet the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum standards.

Possession of an Associates degree is desired.

Must have completed a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) course. (Academy Graduate)

Age:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Hearing:

Will be good and without defect.

Weight:

In proportion to height.

Vision:

Uncorrected eyesight should be 20/100 or better in one eye and at least 20/40 in the other eye; correctable to 20/20 in both eyes; free of significant color vision anomaly(ies) as measured by the Farnsworth D-15 or substantially similar test.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid California State Class C driver's license.

Probationary period shall be 18-months.

Additional Information

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This position offers a highly competitive salary with an attractive and competitive benefit package as outlined below. The starting salary for will be based on the competitive labor market and the successful candidate's qualifications, and experience. The City of Claremont offers an attractive and competitive benefit package, including:

• 3% Negotiated Salary Increase 7/1/2026
• 3% at 55 PERS retirement (Classic Members) and 2.7% at 55 PERS retirement (New Member)
• $1,500 a month for medical allowance
• 96 hours - 160 hours vacation based on years of service
• 120 holiday hours and 40 floating holiday hours
• Longevity Pay
• Educational Incentive Pay
• Bilingual Pay
• 96 sick hours per year (may bring up to 200 hours of sick leave from current employer)
• $75,000 life insurance on employee and $10,000 on dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  

SELECTION PROCESS:

All application materials will be thoroughly reviewed, and those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the needs of the Police Department will be invited to an oral interview. Those candidates scoring 70% and above on the oral exam will be placed on an eligibility list. Upon establishment of the eligibility list, those invited to begin the background process must immediately turn in the PHS statement. You can find the PHS at: POST PHS

An extensive background investigation covering prior employment, personal references, financial history, driving record, criminal history, controlled substance use/abuse, and personal character will be conducted. Successful completion of a medical examination, drug screen test, and psychological evaluation conducted by City designated doctors, and polygraph exam will be required prior to appointment.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The City of Claremont is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process or in the performance of their duties must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.

This summary highlights select benefits. Comprehensive benefits, pays, and working conditions are outlined in the applicable Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The full MOU is available on the City’s website.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Claremont

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