Police Officer - Academy Graduate

City of Gilroy, CA

$112K — $151K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or G.E.D., plus P.O.S.T. approved academy graduation.
  • Minimum age of 21 at time of application.
  • Successful completion of physical agility test required.
  • Meet P.O.S.T. medical standards; clear physical health.
  • Pass extensive background checks and psychological evaluation.
  • Valid California driver's license required; proficiency in police weaponry.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

  • Patrol assigned area to prevent crime and enforce laws.
  • Investigate incidents and prepare detailed reports.
  • Make arrests and execute appropriate law enforcement actions.
  • Respond promptly to emergency dispatch calls.
  • Control traffic at accident scenes and report hazards.
  • Conduct follow-up investigations and community outreach.
  • Work varied shifts and participate in training programs.

Benefits

  • Health allowance with flexible benefits plan for medical and dental coverage.
  • Bilingual pay available for Spanish-speaking officers.
  • Education incentive pay up to 7.5% for higher education degrees.
  • Annual uniform allowance of $1,400 for sworn officers.
  • 8 hours of sick leave accrued per month and vacation based on years of service.
  • Employees earn personal leave and fitness time off each year.
  • Retirement benefits in accordance with CalPERS guidelines.
Full Job Description
Salary : $112,899.00 - $151,301.04 Annually
Location : 7301 Hanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 -00002
Department: Police Dept
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/01/2026

Police Officer - Academy Graduate
$136,326 - $182,220* Potential Compensation

Holiday Pay - 7.01%
Bilingual pay - 5%
Education pay (up to) - 7.5%
Annual Uniform pay $1400
(Base Annual Salary $112,899 - $151,301*)

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
Applications will be continuously reviewed.

Oral board interviews may be scheduled at any time.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the position of Police Officer - Academy Graduate. The Gilroy Police Department is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) provides 24 hours patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy.

Under general direction of a police supervisor, patrol an assigned beat in the enforcement of law and order; protects life and property; maintain a calm and safe community.

Examples of Essential Duties:

  1. Perform mobile patrol or fixed post in an assigned area for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
  2. Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, offenses and damage to property
  3. Make arrests and take law enforcement action as appropriate.
  4. Respond to pages, radio, and telephone dispatches.
  5. Note and report traffic hazards, assist in controlling traffic at scenes of emergencies.
  6. Give verbal warning, issue citations and serve warrants.
  7. Work with juveniles.
  8. Intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public.
  9. Appear in court.
  10. Investigate complaints.
  11. Request medical attention for victims, citizens and suspects when necessary.
  12. Interview persons whose actions are suspicious.
  13. May transport prisoners.
  14. May ride motorcycle.
  15. Provide first aid.
  16. Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
  17. Work an assigned shift with varied days and/or hours.
  18. Conduct follow-up investigations.
  19. Report vice conditions.
  20. Perform in specialized functions when assigned.
  21. Participate in related training programs.
  22. May be required to speak in front of community groups.
  23. May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
  24. May be required to train other department members.
  25. May be subject to recall/call-out.
  26. Perform related work as required.


  1. Academy Graduate: Any combination of education, training or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate, and completion of a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy.
  2. Be at least 21 years of age.
  3. Pass a physical agility test.
  4. Be able to meet the current Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical standards for a peace officer and be free from any physical condition which might adversely affect the exercise of power as a peace officer.
  5. Pass P.O.S.T. background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and a firearms clearance.
  6. Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
  7. Possess and maintain a valid California river license necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
  8. Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry
  9. Pass all required department and P.O.S.T. training.
  10. Must C.P.R. and First Aid within six (6) months of hire
  11. Establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station within 18 months from date of hire.
  12. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired, but not required.
  13. Prefer non-tobacco user.


APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please attach and submit the following required items with your electronic NEOGOV application:

  • A copy of the required certificate of completion from a P.O.S.T approved Basic Police Academy (required)
  • Cover letter that explains your specific interest in this position with the City of Gilroy Police Department (preferred/optional item)
  • Detailed resume focusing on relevant law enforcement work experience and education (preferred/optional item)
City Application Form - Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

This is a continuous recruitment with periodic review of application packets. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass a background check, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, and drug screen, given at the City's expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department right away at 408-846-0228.

Attention: Communication regarding your status in this recruitment process will be conducted via e-mail. Be sure to include an e-mail address on the employment application. Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis will receive the following benefits:

Police Officers Association (GPOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The current MOU ends on June 30, 2025.

Retention Steps:
  • Effective 1/1/24, a new Step F (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step F = one year at Step E, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.
  • Effective 1/1/25, a new Step G (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step G = one year at Step F, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.

Health Allowance and Flexible Benefits Plan
Depending upon the number of dependents the health allowance ranges from $1,063.74 to $2,673.97 per month for core health benefits. Subject to specific rules, a cash back program is also available with proof of other medical coverage. City employees participate in the PERS Health Program, and may choose their medical coverage from a variety of providers. The City's flexible benefits plan includes medical and dental coverage as core benefits. A range of optional benefits including vision care and medical and dependent care accounts are also available.

Other Benefits/Compensation
  • Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. The city does not participate in social security.
  • Bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish may qualify to receive 5% bilingual pay following a certification process.
  • Sworn Peace Officeers with a Bachelor's degree or an Advanced P.O.S.T Certificate qualify for up to 7.5% Education Incentive Pay. Sworn Peace Officers with an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or an AA/AS degree can qualify for 5% Education Incentive Pay.
  • Detention Services Officers with 60 college semester units or pssession of an Intermediate POST certificate can receive 5% Education Incentive Pay. Detention Services Officers with 30 college semester units or possession of a Basic POST certificate can receive 3.5% Education Incentive Pay.
  • GPOA members receive 7.01% Holiday Pay in lieu of holidays off.
  • Uniform allowance for Sworn Peace Officers is $116.67 per month or $1400 annually. Uniform allowance for Detention Services Officers is $77.75 per month or $933.00 annually.
  • The City contributes $300 per month to each employee's retiree medical trust (PORAC).

Retirement Benefits
The City of Gilroy shall comply with the Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that went into effect on January 1, 2013.
  • Police Safety Employees Hired On or After January 5, 2011, but Prior to January 1, 2013 and "Classic" CalPERS Members Hired On or After January 1, 2013: The City shall provide the 2% at 50 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Police Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Police Safety position with the City of Gilroy on or after January 5, 2011, but prior to January 1, 2013 OR to employees hired to a full-time position on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "classic" member of CalPERS. Single highest year final compensation is included with this plan. The employee shall pay a nine (9%) employee contribution as a pre-tax payroll deduction pursuant to IRC 414(h)(2).
  • Police Safety Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013 Categorized as "New" CalPERS Members: The City shall provide the 2.7% at 57 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Police Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Police Safety position with the city of Gilroy on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "new" member of CalPERS. Employees in this category shall have a pre-tax payroll deduction for 50% of the total normal cost of the plan as identified annually by CalPERS. This employee payroll deduction amount may change from year to year as required by PEPRA. Three year average final compensation is included with this formula.

Leaves and Work Schedule
  • Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave each month.
  • Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 10 days a year during the first 5 years, 15 days after 5 years, and 20 days after 15 years.
  • Currently, patrol officers and detention services officers work either a 4-10 work schedule, or a 3-12.5 work schedule with a 10 hour training day each month.
  • Employees are provided with 20 hours of personal leave time to use each fiscal year.
  • Employees may earn up to 40 hours of fitness time off each fiscal year.

Medicare/Social Security

Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. City of Gilroy does not participate in Social Security.

Payroll
All City employees are paid monthly, on the first business day of each month via direct deposit.

Representation
Persons appointed to this position are covered by the Police Officers Association (GPOA) Memorandum of Understanding.
01

If you answer "NO" to any of the questions below please review the Police Officer Trainee, Police Officer Current Academy Cadet and Police Officer Lateral job flyer on the City of Gilroy website to see if you meet the requirements. If so, please apply for the correct position via NEOGOV. Have you completed a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy within the last three years (note- a written copy of your certificate of completion will be required with your application)?
  • Yes
  • No

02

What CA POST Police Acad

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at City of Gilroy, CA

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Police Officer - Academy Graduate jobs: