Salary : $83,482.49 - $109,275.84 Annually
Location : Police Department, Covina, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/12/2026

DESCRIPTION
Description:
The City of Covina is seeking individuals with an interest in serving the Covina Community with a career in law enforcement. The Police Recruit is an entry level, non-safety position that will participate in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including attending a Police Academy.
The Police Recruit is the police trainee classification designed specifically and solely for the purpose of employing police officer candidates in a non-sworn status during the initial basic police officer academy training. Incumbents will be afforded the opportunity to be appointed to and sworn in as a probationary entry-level police officer with full police authority upon successful and satisfactory completion of academy training. Candidates hired as Police Recruits will be expected to complete an 18-month probationary period from the time of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(include but are not limited to the following)

• Attend a basic POST certified police officer training academy designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, police practices and procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning.
• Participates in initial departmental training and orientation programs, including field training under direct supervision for the purpose of developing awareness of functions, activities and responsibilities of a police officer.
• 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 Recruit. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior experience in law enforcement and successful completion of some college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field is desirable.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship

(The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Basic criminology and the Criminal Justice System; 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 practices, methods and 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:

Successfully and satisfactorily complete the POST basic academy; learn laws, police practices and procedures, and first aid; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; 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; 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.
Physical, Mental And Environmental Working Conditions:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires both near and far vision, the ability to distinguish colors and acute hearing. Additionally, incumbents may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The position entails working in hazardous situations, and may involve abusive persons, potential physical violence and the potential risk of exposure to chemical and biological hazards in the performance of law enforcement duties. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. The need to lift 25 pounds or more is also required.
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 as applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.

The selection process will include, but not limited to the following components:

• CA P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail)**
• CA P.O.S.T. PELLET B Written Exam (Pass/Fail)
• Oral Board Interview (100% of Total Score)

NOTE: Applicants who have taken the CA P.O.S.T. PELLET B exam within the last 12 months and have a current T-Score of 42 or higher do not have to take the exam again. T-Scores must be attached to your application for consideration at the time of application submission.

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 pass a post-offer pre-employment medical and psychological examinations (which may include a drug/alcohol screening).

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.
01
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

02

License: Do you possess a valid California driver's license? If you are out-of state, do you possess a valid driver's license in your state of residence, and are you willing and able to obtain a CA driver's license if offered the position?

• Yes
• No

03

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

04

PELLET B Status: Candidates cannot take the CA POST ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEST BATTERY (PELLET B) written exam twice in a 30 day period. Have you taken the CA P.O.S.T. PELLET B exam in the last 30 days?

• Yes
• No

05

PELLET B T-Score Roll-Over: Applicants who have taken the CA P.O.S.T. PELLET B exam within the last 12 months, and have a current T-Score of 42 or higher do not have to take the exam again. Do you have a current T-Score of 42 or higher from an exam taken within the last 12 months? Please Note: T-Scores must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

06

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

07

Were you