The City of Simi Valley is seeking motivated and community‑minded individuals to join our team as Police Officer Trainees. This entry‑level opportunity is ideal for those who have not yet attended a POST‑certified academy but are eager to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement.
As a Trainee, you will receive PAID TRAINING while attending a six‑month POST Academy.
Upon successful completion, you will be promoted to Police Officer, with opportunities for advancement, specialty assignments, and additional pay incentives.
Start your law enforcement career with a department committed to safety, service, and strong community partnerships.
- Salary Range: $42.62 hourly + Excellent benefits
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Upon completion of Academy: $48.71 hourly + Excellent benefits
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Work Schedule: 4/10 work schedule (Four 10-hour shifts per week). Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Must be 21 years of age as of the date of hire
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Legally authorized to work in the United States
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Equivalent to graduation from an accredited U.S. high school or a passing score on the General Education Development (GED) test.
- Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Be of good moral character with no felony convictions.
Police Officer Trainee
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and abilities:
Embodies service, integrity, and resilience
Demonstrates compassion and a desire to help others
Communicates clearly and professionally
Remains calm and exercises sound judgment under pressure
Upholds honesty and integrity in all interactions
Handles challenges with professionalism and empathy
Click here to discover more about the Simi Valley Police Department, our mission, and career opportunities by visiting our website today!
1. Submit Online Application
2. Written Examination Requirement
- Complete the National Testing Network (NTN) FrontLine National Written Exam within one year prior to application or after submitting your application.
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Register at: www.nationaltestingnetwork.com
- Alternative Option – POST Exam
- If you have taken the PELLET‑B within the last 12 months and earned a T‑Score of 45.0+, you may bypass the NTN exam. Submit results to: [email protected]
1. Written Examination
- Candidates who pass will receive a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
2. Oral Interview & Eligibility List
- Candidates who submit a complete PHQ will be invited to an oral interview with Background Detectives.
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Successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list.
3. Background Investigation
- Includes:
Medical evaluation
Psychological assessment
Polygraph examination
Drug/alcohol screening
Employment verification
4. Physical Agility Testing
- Candidates must meet the following standards:
1‑Mile Run: 10 minutes
Solid Fence Climb: 13.5 seconds
Chain Link Fence Climb: 10 seconds
Body Drag (165 lbs): 14 seconds
99‑Yard Obstacle Course: 25 seconds
5. Final Interview
- Candidates who pass all prior stages will participate in the Chief’s Final Oral Interview.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package supporting your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. Police Officer Trainees receive excellent benefits, with enhanced benefits upon graduation as a sworn Police Officer.
This information is intended to give an overview of the benefits available to City employees. It is not intended to be a contract (expressed or implied), nor is it intended to otherwise create any legally enforceable obligations on the part of the City, its agents or its employees.
Applications reviewed on a continuous basis
Evaluation based on education, training, and experience
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Testing may include written exam, oral panel interview, and department interview
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Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must submit form DD214 with the application.
- ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE FOLLOWING:
If selected for this position, you agree to undergo the following before your official appointment:
- Polygraph Examination
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Comprehensive Background Investigation
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Psychological Evaluation
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Drug Screening before your official appointment
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Providing copies of degree(s), training certifications/licenses listed on application/resume
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Verification of Employment for entire job history
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing.
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ENCOURAGING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
The following factors are disqualifying:
- False statement or omission of information on the employment application, personal history statement, verbally to the oral panel, or the background investigator is disqualifying and grounds for termination of employment.
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Felony conviction.
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Applicants on criminal probation at time of intended hire.
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Unlawful use of any drug (including marijuana) while employed as a full-time or limited peace officer.
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Involvement in the sales of illegal drugs (including marijuana).
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Lack of a California driver’s license at time of intended hire.
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A sex act perpetrated against the will of the other party.
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Suicide attempts.
The following factors may be disqualifying:
- Prior drug usage will be evaluated for what was used, the extent of the use, and how recent the usage has been (including marijuana).
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Misdemeanor conviction.
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An arrest which could have led to one year in County Jail or State Prison.
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Theft.
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Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon.
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A sex act in which the other party was under eighteen years of age.
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Demonstrated history of irresponsible motor vehicle operation.
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A “Failure to Appear” on your driving record.
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D.U.I. conviction.
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Applicants under psychological/psychiatric care.
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Military discipline or less than honorable discharge.
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Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility.
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Failure to keep appointments or submit documentation in a complete, neat and timely fashion during the hiring process.
