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Position Description
FILING DEADLINE: Continuous/Open until Filled (City of Fresno will accept applications until a sufficient number of applications have been received, or selection has been made; therefore, the recruitment may close at any time.)
The Fresno Police Department is looking for individuals who have the energy level and commitment to be part of a vigorous law enforcement agency that is continuously striving to take the department to the next level. The selected candidate will be expected to encompass a high level of commitment to public service. The Fresno Police Officer Recruit is the entry level class in the Police series assigned full arrest and citation powers. Under supervision, individuals assist with or may perform law enforcement duties in the protection of life and property. Incumbents receive general and special instructions from supervisors and work under the direct supervision of a training officer during the formal field training program.
The Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination:
Graduation from a California Law Enforcement Basic Academy approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within three years of appointment date; OR, a lapse of not more than three (3) years since last employment as a peace officer where the minimum qualifications required graduation from a Basic Academy. Individuals currently attending or accepted to attend California Law Enforcement Basic Academy approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training may participate in the examination process but may not be appointed to Police Officer Recruit until graduation from the Basic Academy. A letter showing proof of current/future attendance must be provided at time of application by the applicant from the accepting Academy and must be issued within thirty (30) days of the P.O.S.T approved Basic Academy start date.
Individuals currently attending a P.O.S.T. approved Basic Academy may participate in the examination process but may not be appointed until graduation from the academy. Applicants MUST attach to their online application a copy of their P.O.S.T certificate of completion, or MUST attach to their online application verification of proof of current/future attendance at an approved police academy (see instructions below on how to attach). Applicants will not be admitted into the examination without the above documentation.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License at time of application. License must be maintained during the entire term of employment in this job class. Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.
Per California POST requirements, applicants must be a U. S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship:
https://post.ca.gov/Peace-Officer-Citizenship-Requirements-FAQs
Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
As part of the qualifying process for Police Officer Recruit with the City of Fresno, eligible candidates will be required to complete a detailed pre-employment personal history form, followed by a thorough background investigation which will include a polygraph examination or computer voice stress analyzer test. If candidate receives a conditional employment offer, you will be required to successfully complete a medical examination which will include testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol. Any falsification of information provided or any failure to meet the requirements will result in disqualification from further consideration in the selection process for Police Officer Recruit.
Some of the potential reasons for disqualification from the selection process:
- Use of illegal drugs either recently or extensively.
- Failure to disclose prior drug use.
- Falsification of any required application or pre-employment materials.
- Involvement in a crime, the nature of which would impair the credibility of the
individual or cause embarrassment to the City of Fresno.
Selection Process
The examination process may consist of the following:
PANEL INTERVIEW - 100%: A panel interview will be administered by a panel of officers. The panel of subject matter experts will evaluate a candidate's ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship, ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public, ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies or other topics related to a candidate's training, experience and qualifications for the position of Police Officer Recruit. Candidates must achieve a passing score on the panel interview to qualify for the eligible list.
Since this recruitment is open on a continuous basis, the examination process may be repeated periodically depending on the number of applicants. As these processes are completed, new candidates will be merged with the current eligible list. Although your score will remain the same through this process, your placement on the eligible list may change.
Eligibles certified to the Police Department for consideration must successfully complete a polygraph test or computer voice stress analyzer test, extensive background investigation, and police department interview before receiving a conditional offer of employment. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a psychological exam and medical exam before receiving a final offer of employment.
Please note: any person who fails any part of the process, including but not limited to, oral examination/panel interview, polygraph test or computer voice stress analyzer test, psychological examination, medical examination, or background investigation, may not reapply for Police Officer Recruit for a minimum of 180 days from date of notification of failed component.
How To Apply
For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email
[email protected]. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.
Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.
For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.
For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage . If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.
Veteran’s Preference
If an examination is conducted for a position within the classified service, qualified veterans who pass the examination will have five (5) points added to their final score. Candidates must submit a copy of their DD214 Member 4 form or electronic copy indicating honorable discharge with each application prior to the filing deadline.
Unit 4
Non-Supervisory Police
Fresno Police Officers Association (FPOA)
BENEFITS
DESCRIPTION
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
IRS 125 plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.
SICK LEAVE
Accrue eight (8) hours per month.
VACATION LEAVE
Accrue (10-18.667) hours per month.
HOLIDAYS
Eight -2/3 hours per month.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
$1300 Per Year
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT: Eligible retirees can use remaining Sick Leave balance at 80% of hourly rate and other leave balances, if applicable, to reimburse medical insurance and qualified medical expenses, tax free.
RETIREMENT: City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other CA public agencies. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/Unit-04-FPOA-Basic-6.11.21-1.pdf
Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.
Closing Date/Time: 4/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
