Police Officer Pre-Service

Salary : $92,035.46 - $120,471.41 Annually
Location : Covina, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00003
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/12/2026

DESCRIPTION
This recruitment will be used to establish an Eligibility List, which will be used to fill vacancies as they become available.
The Covina Police Department is currently accepting applications for Pre-Service Police Officer.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Police Officer is the journey level class responsible for the performance of the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities, under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks, and the supervision of assigned activities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(include but are not limited to the following)

• Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle or bicycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; answers complaints including domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.
• Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.
• Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer or in a variety of special program areas including schools liaison, K-9 programs, motorcycle traffic patrol, or other specialized areas of assignment.
• May serve as a detective; coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming and narcotics violations; performs undercover and surveillance activities; conducts registration and tracking of sex offenders; collects, preserves and maintains evidence and property.
• Obtains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies effectively in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.
• Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent and be 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment. Prior experience in law enforcement and successful completion of some college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field is desirable.

Applicants must be a graduate of a CA POST Certified Police Academy or currently enrolled in a CA POST Certified Police Academy in order to qualify. Applicants not meeting these requirements will be rejected. A copy of the POST Certificate must be attached to the employment application.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license, and possession of a Basic Certificate from P.O.S.T. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of:

Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:

Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; enforce traffic laws; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
APPLY IMMEDIATELY! This is a Continuous recruitment, and may close at any time, without notice. For optimal consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a physical agility test and/or oral board interview.

For more information on the hiring process visit the Covina Police Department website
Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a complete application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record and LIVE SCAN) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical (which may include a drug/alcohol screening) and psychological examinations.

The City of Covina utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communications regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communication by any other method.
The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NON SUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.
RETIREMENT - CalPERS
Tier I Retirement Benefits (hired prior to 12/31/2010)

• 3% @ 50
• One year final compensation (§20042)
• 1959 Survivors Benefit (§21574)
  • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
  • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
• Unused Sick Leave Conversion (§20965)
• Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (§21622)
• Employees pay 9% of PERS Employee Cost

Tier II Retirement Benefits (hired 01/01/2011)

• 3% @ 55
• One year final compensation (§20042)
• 1959 Survivors Benefit (§21574)
  • Employee Contributes $2.00 per month
  • Level IV Survivor Benefits.
• Unused Sick Leave Conversion (§20965)
• Retired Employee Death Benefit of $600 (§21622)
• Employees pay 9% of PERS Employee Cost

Tier III Retirement Benefit for as defined under PEPRA as "New" as of 01/01/2013

• 2.7% @57 formula
• 3 Year Final Compensation
• Employees pay 14.25% of PERs Employee Cost

VACATION LEAVE
Years of Service

• Year 1 through Completion of 4 yrs 8.67 hrs/mo 104 hrs/yr
• Beginning 5th yr through 9 yrs 12.67 hrs/mo 152 hrs/yr
• Beginning 10th yr through 14 yrs 14.00 hrs/mo 168 hrs/yr
• Beginning 15th yr through 20 yrs 16.67 hrs/mo 200 hrs/yr
• Beginning 21st yr and above 17.33 hrs/mo 208 hrs/yr

HOLIDAYS (FIXED)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Lincoln's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenours Peoples' Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday following Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

FLOATING HOLIDAYS

• Non - shift employees working a 4/10 schedule receive three (3) floating holidays per year (30 hours).
• Shift employees receive 13 hours of holiday time pay per month in lieu of fixed and floating holiday leave time.

SICK LEAVE

• Ten (10) hours of sick leave accrued per month. Maximum accumulation limit is 1,200 hours. Unless as otherwise provided for in Memorandum of Understanding.

MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE

• The City participates in the CalPERS Medical Plan.
• City provides a flex benefit dollar amount of $1,500 per month to use towards purchase of health benefits.
• Employer contribution under PEHMCA for CalPERS Medical Plan is $157/mo. This is in addition to the flex benefit above.
• Unused flex dollars may be received as taxable cash and administered according to terms of Memorandum of Understanding.
• Dental Insurance provider is Delta Dental Plan. PPO and HMO plans available.
• Vision Insurance provider is EyeMed.

LIFE INSURANCE

• City paid term Life Insurance policy of $100,000. Additional coverage available for purchase at group rates through carrier. Life Insurance provider is VOYA.

LONG TERM DISABILITY

• City paid long term disability insurance plan. LTD provider is CLEA.

BILINGUAL PAY

• $175 per month available upon completion of 6 months of service and certification.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE

• $1,500 annually available upon completion of 12 months of service.

EDUCATION AND VOCATION INCENTIVE PAY

• Available based on criteria outlined in Memorandum of Understanding. Maximum of 10% of base salary for possession of Bachelor's Degree and POST Advanced Certificate.

HEALTH & DEPENDENT CARE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (AFLAC)

• Annual maximum of $3,300 for Unreimbursed Medical and $5,000 for Dependent Care for 2025. Reimbursements are administered through Wageworks.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

• Comprehensive services provided by The Counseling Team International for employee and eligible dependents.

01

Recruitment Communication: Please be advised that the City of Covina"s primary means of communication regarding recruitment status is via email. Have you provided a valid email address that you can access regularly? PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you check your JUNK folder for email messages that may be incorrectly flagged as SPAM.

• I understand

02
Instructions: Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process. Please indicate "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this information.

• Yes
• No

03
Driver's License: Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04

U.S. Citizenship: Are you a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship?

• Yes
• No

05

CA POST Academy Status: Select below the option which best describes your CA POST Academy Status:

• CA POST Academy Graduate (Within the last three (3) years.
• Currently attending a CA POST Certified Academy.
• None of the above.

06

I understand that I must attach the POST Certificate to this application.

• I have attached my POST Certificate
• I do not have a POST Certificate

07

Please tell us dates and Police Academy that you attended. If none, type N/A
08
Background: The following questions are designed to assess your suitability for employment with the City of Covina Police Department based on your personal background. These questions relate to common disqualifiers that would prohibit a candidate from becoming an employee with the Covina Police Department. These background questions are not all inclusive, and other information or facts revealed in the detailed background investigation may also be sufficient to disqualify an applicant.Please answer each question truthfully, and to the best of your knowledge. This information will be used to determine whether or not you will be invited to participate in the examination process for Police Officer.NOTE: The information you provide in this section will only be used in conjunction with your application for Police Officer, and will not be shared with any other party outside of this process without your expressed written consent.

• I understand.

09
Bankruptcy: Have you ever filed for or declared bankruptcy, and how many times?

• 2 or more
• 1
• 0 - never

10
Domestic Violence Conviction: Have you ever been convicted of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

11
Misdemeanor Conviction: As an adult (18 yrs or older), have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, and how many times?

• 3 or more
• 2
• 1
• 0 - never

12
Misdemeanor Conviction: If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor as an adult, how long has it been since your most recent conviction?

• Over 7 years
• 4 to 6 years
• 1 to 3 years
• 0 - never

13
Felony Conviction: As an adult (18 years or older), have you ever been convicted of a felony, and how many times?

• 2 or more
• 1
• 0 - never

14
Felony Conviction: If you have ever been convicted of a felony as an adult, list the approximate date, location, offense, and outcome below:If you have never been convicted of a felony, enter "n/a."

15
Criminal Enterprise Affiliation: Are you now, or have you ever been a member of a criminal enterprise, (e.g. gang, tagger crew, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

16
Drug Use: As an adult, (18 or older), have you ever illegally used or possessed a hallucinogenic drug (e.g. PCP, LSD, Acid, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

17
Drug Use: How long has it been since you illegally used or possessed a hallucinogenic drug?

• 11+ years
• 7-10 years
• 4-6 years
• 1-3 years
• 0 - never

18
Drug Use: As an adult, (18 or older), have you ever illegally used or possessed cocaine, opiates, heroin, methamphetamine, or amphetamine?

• Yes
• No

19
Drug Use: How long has it been since you illegally used or possessed a cocaine, opiates, heron, methamphetamine, or amphetamine?

• 11+ years
• 5-10 years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• 0 - never

20

Drug Use: Have you ever illegally used or possessed prescription drugs, and if so, how long has it been since you illegally used or possessed prescription drugs?

• 11+ years
• 5-10 years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• 0-never

21

Recruitment: In the past six (6) months, have you failed the Police Officer physical agility (PAT) and/or Oral Board Panel interview with the City of Covina?

• Yes
• No

22

Recruitment: In the past twelve (12) months, have you failed a department interview (second interview) for the position of Police Officer with the City of Covina?

• Yes
• No

23
Certification: I certify that I have answered all of the above questions truthfully, and to the best of my ability, and reviewed my application prior to submission. I understand that my application cannot be updated once it has been submitted.

• I understand.

Required Question