Salary : $86,325.76 - $104,929.48 Annually
Location : City Hall West, El Monte, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Police Department
Division: Civilian
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Summary
This position is only for applicants who are currently enrolled in a California POST Basic Academy.

This continuous recruitment can close at any time without further notice
**Police Recruit $5,000 Signing Bonus** Candidates hired by the City of El Monte as a Police Recruit are eligible to receive a signing bonus of $5,000.

Payable in two (2) equal installments: First payment due at time of Police Academy Graduation and the second payment upon completion of probationary period.

The Police Recruit is a non-sworn training classification. The incumbent(s) selected to this position will complete a formal and comprehensive California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) - Certified Basic Academy training program. Upon satisfactory completion of training and graduation from the Academy, the incumbent will be sworn in as a Police Officer with full police authority. (Police Academy pre-service cadets and pre-service graduates must apply as Police Recruits).

The employment term is limited to the completion of the police academy and in no case longer than six months. Upon successful completion of the police academy background investigation, the candidate agrees to accept a position as a Police Officer with the City of El Monte for a minimum of one-year or reimburse the City for reasonable training costs.

The City is not prohibited from termination of the candidate during this one year period if the candidate cannot successfully complete the El Monte Police Department training program/city probationary period.
Essential Functions / Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
This position includes attending and completing a high-stress law enforcement academy that includes, but is not limited to:

Knowledge of Federal, State and municipal laws. Knowledge of ordinances; principles and practices of modern law enforcement including; crime prevention, identification and investigation techniques. Use of police records and identification methods and their applications; laws and constitutional guarantees governing the custody of persons, search and seizure and evidence. Laws and procedures relating to juvenile welfare, traffic control and safety; laws and policies concerning police authority. Proper care and maintenance of property and equipment. Ability to understand and interpret laws, ordinances, departmental policies and regulations. Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and responsible course of action. Explain a variety of parking and traffic regulations when required. Cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Effectively use and care for firearms; remember names, faces, facts and details of incidents. Write reports clearly and accurately; drive an automobile skillfully. Speak well and present ideas clearly, and effectively; follow oral and written instructions; work effectively with other employees; meet the general public with courtesy and tact.

Must possess good judgment, character, reputation, poise, bearing, alertness, emotional stability , and maturity to effect good working and public relations.

• Extensive academic exposure and testing, firearms training, driver's training, physical training and testing;

• Learning, understanding and interpreting various laws, police practices, and procedures;

• Analyzing problems and learn to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in stressful situations;

• Preparing accurate and grammatically correct written reports and solve basic arithmetic problems;

• Proficient use of firearms and chemical agents;

• Proficient use and knowledge of emergency vehicle operations; and

• May perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements to ensure success within this role:

• Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment to Police Officer;

• Must be a United States Citizen OR permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship by date of appointment.

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED;

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License; and

• Ability to pass a POST Background Investigation that will include a Medical Examination, a Psychological Examination, and a Polygraph Examination.

Please see the webpage for
01

Do you possess a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

Please list your level of education:

• Did not graduate high school/did not obtain GED
• Graduated high school / obtained GED
• Some college-level coursework
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate degree

03

Are you at least 20 1/2 years of age at time of this application?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you currently enrolled and attending a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved academy?

• Yes
• No

05

What is the name of the POST-certified academy you are currently attending?
06

What is your expected academy graduation date?
07

You must attach proof of current POST academy enrollment (e.g., enrollment letter, class schedule, academy ID). Have you attached documentation verifying your current POST academy enrollment?

• Yes
• No

08

Were you referred to this job by a current City of El Monte employee?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered yes to the question above, please type the first and last name of the City of El Monte employee that referred you to this position. If this question does not apply, please type "N/A" for not applicable.
Required Question