Salary: $8,467.43 Monthly
Location : 7301 Hanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 -00005
Department: Police Dept
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/01/2026

POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE
$8,467.43 per month
(Flat salary while attending the P.O.S.T Basic Police Academy)

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 - Current Academy Cadet. 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.

The Mission of the Gilroy Police Department is: Providing excellent public safety services in partnership with the community.

The Vision of the Gilroy Police Department is: The men and women of the Gilroy Police Department are dedicated to courageously ensuring the safety of our community.

The Core Values are: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Innovation, and Accountability.

*Additional steps (Step F and Step G) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation. Placement in the Step A - Step E portion of the salary range is based on years of directly related police officer work experience.

While in the Academy:

1. Attend, fully participate in, successfully complete and graduate from a California P.O.S.T. approved basic police academy.
2. Successfully perform all related learning, both academic and physical (defensive tactics, firearms, driving, etc.), and testing activities.
3. Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
4. Attend all academy courses and training in accordance with the academy schedule which may include varied days and/or hours.
5. Report criminal activity.
6. Perform in specialized functions when assigned.
7. Participate in related training programs.
8. May be required to speak in front of community groups.
9. May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
10. May be subject to recall/call-out.
11. Perform related work as required.

After Graduation:

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.

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.

1. Current Academy Cadet: 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. Applications will be accepted from candidates currently enrolled in a Basic Police Academy, however Basic P.O.S.T. academy must be successfully completed before appointment.
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. Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
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 letter from the Academy confirming your current enrollment and completion date from the 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 AND BENEFITS

General Information
Police Officer Trainees are temporary, at-will employees while attending the P.O.S.T Basic Police Academy Training which is typically completed in approximately six months. Limited benefits are applicable as described below. If hired as a Police Officer with the City of Gilroy Police Department upon graduation from the P.O.S.T Basic Police Academy Training, full benefits consistent with the Gilroy Police Officers Association (GPOA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will apply.

Salary Information
Police Officer Trainees will earn a flat monthly salary while attending the P.O.S.T Basic Police Academy Training.

Health Allowance
Medical-only coverage is offered for this position as it is not a seasonal position and it is expected to last more than 90 days. Depending upon the number of dependents, the health allowance ranges from $873.76 to $2,297.42 per month for core health. No other health benefits are offered.

Retirement Benefits
Temporary employees are enrolled in the PARS retirement system with the City making an employer contribution and the employee contribution (6.2%) being deducted from your payroll check. The PARS retirement system is in lieu of participating in social security. You will, however, participate in the Medicare portion of social security as that is a required program.

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.
01

If you answer "NO" to any of the questions below please review the Police Officer Trainee, Police Officer Academy Graduate 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. Are you currently officially enrolled in or attending a California P.O.S.T. Basic Law Enforcement Academy (note- written documentation of your enrollment will be required with your application)?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the name and address of the CA POST Basic Academy that you are currently attending?
03

What date did you start the POST Basic Academy?
04

What is your current class ranking/standing/overall score in the Academy?
05

What date are you scheduled to finish the POST Basic Academy?
06

Why do you want to be a Police Officer for the Gilroy community? Be specific.
Required Question