Police Officer or Police Officer Cadet

California State University, Chico

$47K — $113K *
Chico, CA 95926In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training Academy.
  • No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions related to domestic violence.
  • Valid California driver's license required by appointment date.
  • Must pass a comprehensive background investigation including fingerprinting.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • Must demonstrate good moral character as verified through a thorough background check.

Responsibilities

  • Attend training sessions to learn law enforcement principles and practices.
  • Receive education on criminal and civil laws, report writing, and physical fitness.
  • Participate in firearms training and maintenance.
  • Engage effectively with diverse campus communities and build trust.
  • Respond to incidents and handle violations of law or campus regulations.
  • Conduct thorough criminal investigations and testify in court as needed.

Benefits

  • Tuition fee waiver eligibility for employees.
  • Access to sick leave and vacation.
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Full Job Description
Job/Department Summary:

POLICE CADET:

The Cadet is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T., training within the required time frame and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet may be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.

The primary responsibility of the Cadet is to attend the prescribed training sessions to learn the principles, practices, and theory of criminal and civil law enforcement and codified and case law. The Cadet also receives training in report writing, physical fitness techniques, firearms use and maintenance, and arrest and control techniques. This position will communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, faculty and community members with varied backgrounds and lived experiences, and also, create and maintain trust, legitimacy, credibility and collaboration with the campus community.

Appointments to this classification are temporary and typically do not exceed seven (7) months.

POLICE OFFICER:

Under general supervision, Police Officers will look out for the welfare of the entire University, working closely with all University departments, utilizing a strong understanding of all laws including search and seizure, and probable cause; will patrol, respond to and handle incidents involving violations of law or campus regulations; will conduct thorough criminal investigations; testify in court; provide general information and assistance to the public; and apply progressive police principles and best practices. This position will communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, faculty and community members with varied backgrounds and lived experiences. And also, create and maintain trust, legitimacy, credibility and collaboration with the campus community.

Required Education and Experience:

POLICE CADET:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training Academy

MINIMUM STANDARDS for POLICE OFFICER CADET CANDIDATES (California Government Code Section 1031):
  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must have no misdemeanor convictions containing elements of domestic violence.
  • Must successfully complete fingerprint and records check including local, state and federal criminal records.
  • Must satisfy citizenship requirements detailed in Government code 1031 (a) & 1031 .5. Be a U. S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship and obtains citizenship within three years of application date.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • Must have good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O,S,T, Administrative Manual, and must be completed prior to appointment date.
  • Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer cadet.

*A valid California driver's license is required.

POLICE OFFICER:

Current enrollment in, or successful completion of, a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Police Academy is required at the time of application. Possession of a valid Certificate of Completion of the Basic Academy is required at time of appointment.

Must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university.

MINIMUM STANDARDS for POLICE OFFICER CANDIDATES (California Government Code Section 1031):
  • Must have no felony convictions.
  • Must have no misdemeanor convictions containing elements of domestic violence.
  • Must successfully complete fingerprint and records check including local, state and federal criminal records.
  • Must satisfy citizenship requirements detailed in Government code 1031 (a) & 1031.5. Be a U. S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship and obtains citizenship within three years of application date.
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.
  • Must have good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O.S.T. Administrative Manual and must be completed prior to appointment date.
  • Must be free from any physical, emotional, and mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of powers of a police officer.
  • Must be able to read and write at the levels necessary to perform the job of a police officer as determined by the use of the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other job-related tests of reading and writing ability.

*A valid California driver's license is required by time of appointment.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills:

POLICE CADET:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Fluent written and verbal multi-lingual/bilingual skills in addition to English.
  • Proficiency with technology and software programs such as database and records management programs (RMS).
  • Experience interacting and dealing with persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

POLICE OFFICER:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Full-time equivalent of three or more years of active law enforcement experience.
  • Fluent written and verbal multi-lingual/bilingual skills in addition to English.
  • Proficiency with technology and software programs such as database and records management programs (RMS).
  • Experience interacting and dealing with persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule:

POLICE CADET: Tuesday-Saturday 8 hour shifts

POLICE OFFICER : 2 Week Schedule / (3) 12 hr shifts per week & 1 (8) hr shift every other week (0600-1800 or 1800-0600)

CSU Classification Salary Range:

POLICE CADET: $47,208 - $77,016 per year.

POLICE OFFICER: $77,016 (Step 5) - $113,616 (Step 22) per year.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

POLICE CADET & POLICE OFFICER:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive. This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. As a result, current CSU, Chico employees are subject to a thorough background investigation which will be conducted as prescribed in the P.O.S.T. Administrative Manual and must be completed prior to appointment date.

The person holding this position is considered a "General Mandated Reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment,

Throughout employment in this position incumbent must maintain a valid California Driver's License as well as continued completion and compliance of the CSU Defensive Driver's Training course.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act and is required to comply with the requirements of this designation,

Must maintain current licenses, certificates, permits, or other items required for this position; and immediately report to supervisor the loss or expiration of same.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 05/25/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: May 11 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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