Salary : $90,313.68 - $121,284.84 Annually
Location : Ontario, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 121825 Police Recruit
Department: Police - Non-Sworn
Opening Date: 12/18/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POA

The Position
Police Recruit

$7,526.14 - $9,150.27 Monthly
Police Officer

$8,313.07 - $10,107.07 Monthly (Upon successful completion of the academy)

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

Special Pays:
The City of Ontario Police Department provides numerous special pay opportunities as an added benefit to officers. Listed below are pay incentives that eligible officers receive in addition to their base pay:

• BILINGUAL PAY, EQUAL TO 6% OF BASE PAY
• EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY, UP TO 8% OF BASE PAY (UP TO 8.5% OF BASE PAY EFFECTIVE 7/12/26)
• SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL PAY, UP TO 3% OF BASE PAY
• SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:
  • MOTORCYCLE PAY, EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAY
  • AIR SUPPORT/HELICOPTER, EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAY
  • AIRPORT OPERATIONS, EQUAL TO 5.12% OF BASE PAY
  • CANINE PAY, EQUAL TO 5% OF BASE PAY
  • PILOT PAY, EQUAL TO 8% OF BASE PAY

If you have a passion for public service and are looking to begin a career in law enforcement, the City of Ontario has a position for you! The Ontario Police Department has an exciting opportunity available for those who are looking to get their start as a Police Officer- Recruit. As a Police Officer - Recruit you will unlock your potential and launch your future career while making a positive impact on the community! Police Recruits attend a 24-week POST-certified Police Officer Training Academy. You will be trained in criminal law enforcement techniques, first aid, and physical conditioning. Upon successful completion of the academy, you will be promoted to the position of Police Officer. Police Recruits are sworn in as Police Officers at a base salary of $8,313.07 - $10,107.07 per month; this does not include incentive pay which you may be eligible to earn, such as bilingual pay, education pay, shift differential, etc. All new Police Officers complete a comprehensive Field Training Officer program, which provides close training and assistance in the field.

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to participate in a written examination. Dates and times will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
PELLETB Waiver Request:
Applicants who have taken the PELLETB within 365 days of the application and achieved a T-score of 45 or higher may request a waiver from the PELLETB. Applicants requesting to waive the PELLETB are required to submit proof of their qualifying T-score on agency letterhead from the agency that administered the PELLETB.
Background Investigation
All appointments to this position are subject to a satisfactory background investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department. The background investigation will include the following; passing of a polygraph test, the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including drug screen), and a 12 month probationary period. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests and/or convictions; a history of illegal substance abuse; poor credit history (factors include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens, repossessions, and recency); or thefts from a previous employer. For clarification of any of the above disqualifying reasons, please call Police Department Background Unit at (909) 408-1820. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the background investigation:

• Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for a career in law enforcement.
• The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
• You must list a history of your residences.
• Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
• Military service records are subject to verification.
• The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
• Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated. Felony convictions will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.

Examples of Essential Functions

Help make a difference to the community by becoming a contributing member of Ontario's progressive Police Department. By choosing a career with the Ontario Police Department, you will be rewarded with a dynamic and supportive environment in which to pursue your professional and personal achievements.

Ontario's Police Department is at the forefront of law enforcement, including: an aggressive, proactive approach to law enforcement; community-based policing; SWAT unit; helicopter support; canine program; traffic/motorcycle program; forensics unit; and gang suppression unit. The Ontario Police Department also provides public safety for the Ontario International Airport (ONT).
Qualification Guidelines

Education/Age

Equivalent to a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Minimum age of 20.5 years at time of application.

Peace Officer Background Investigation

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete a Peace Officer Background Investigation conducted by the Ontario Police Department.

Other Requirements

Candidates must possess a valid CA Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment. Uncorrected vision of at least 20/80 each eye, corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses, and normal color vision. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law

Desirable

Some college level coursework in criminal justice administration or a related field. Some knowledge of modern police practices and methods; current laws and ordinances, particularly those of arrest, search, and seizure, and the geography of the City. Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS

Online Application / Supplemental Questions

Applicants must complete a City of Ontario employment application online. Applications and supplemental questions received in response to this job opportunity will be screened to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position.

Written Exam

If your application is accepted, you will be scheduled to attend a written exam Dates and times will be available on a first come, first serve basis. The exam is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) is designed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). PLEASE REVIEW THE APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE / SAMPLE EXAM PRIOR TO TAKING THE WRITTEN EXAM.

The PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB, which contains five sections:

• Spelling (applicants select the correct spelling of a word from a list of options)
• Vocabulary (applicants select the correct meaning of a word from a list of options)
• Clarity (applicants select the sentence that is most clearly written from a pair of options)
• Reading Comprehension (applicants read a passage and answer questions about the passage's content)

The passing PELLETB T-Score for the City of Ontario is 45.0. Each agency is permitted to set their own passing PELLETB T-Score.

Interview

Only those candidates with an overall T-Score of 45 or higher will advance to an interview. An interview conducted by a panel from the Police Department will evaluate your experience and training, problem solving ability, inter-personal skills, communication skills, and interest in the position. Additionally, your employment, educational, criminal, and driving history will be evaluated.

Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)

This test, which is scored on a pass/fail basis, evaluates candidates on various physical maneuvers. You should be in good physical condition to attempt the physical agility test. It is recommended that you begin a physical training program in order to prepare for the P.A.T. and the demands of police work; however, it is a good idea to check with your physician before starting such a program. You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and athletic shoes for this test. Candidates who pass the P.A.T. are eligible to continue the selection process. The following events comprise the test:

1. Body Drag - Lift a 165 pound dummy and drag it as quickly as possible for 32 feet (two trials).
2. Obstacle Course - Run 99 yards going around or over obstacles, such as six-inch by six-inch pylons and a 34-inch saw-horse, which may be cleared by climbing, jumping or vaulting (two trials).
3. Chain Link Fence Climb - Run five yards, then scale a six-foot chain link fence as quickly as possible, then run an additional 25 yards (two trials).
4. Solid Fence Climb - Run five yards, scale a solid six-foot wood fence as quickly as possible, then run an additional 25 yards. This fence may be scaled in any fashion except by use of the fence supports (two trials).
5. 500 Yard Run - Run 500 yards as quickly as possible on a paved road (one trial).

Background Investigation and Administrative Interviews

All appointments are subject to a satisfactory background investigation which will include the following; passing of a polygraph test, the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including drug screen), and a 12-month probationary period. Candidates may be disqualified from further consideration during the background investigation for a variety of reasons including if they have: an excessive number of traffic citations and/or collisions; arrests