DEFINITION

Attends a Basic Police Academy as approved by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and successfully completes the Academy's course of study to acquire the State of California peace officer status; and in a non-sworn capacity performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Public Safety Officer Trainee attends the Academy. The position is limited to individuals who have not completed a California POST certified Basic Police Academy within the last three (3) years. This is a non-sworn class with no police officer powers, and does not perform active law enforcement duties.

The Public Safety Officer Trainee is a probationary employee and must successfully complete all academy courses, including but not limited to academic coursework, physical training, vehicle operation, and use of weapons. Incumbents are subject to termination without cause and without a reason. Upon successful completion and graduation from the academy, a trainee may be considered for appointment to the position of probationary Public Safety Officer.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Department of Public Safety personnel shall provide indirect supervision and will closely monitor Academic progress and physical achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Attends and participates in a comprehensive training program at a Basic Police Academy for a period of approximately five (5) months. Receives instruction in the interpretation and application of the Penal code, Vehicle Code and other laws relating to the protection of life and property. Receives, learns and understands instruction in basic criminal investigation procedures and techniques, including but not limited to police ethics, witness interrogation, and collection of evidence. Receives and participates in firearm training, classroom instruction in enforcement psychology, enforcement tactics, effective writing, and speaking. Learns radio operations and methods of traffic, riot and crowd control. Participates and trains for physical strength and agility, and in Emergency Vehicle operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be 21 years old at the time of appointment. US Citizen or US Citizen prior to appointment. For individuals wearing eye glasses or hard contact lenses, uncorrected vision of 20/100 or better in both eyes is required; correctable vision of 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. If an individual has uncorrected vision of more than 20/100 they must use soft contact lenses. For individuals who wear soft contact lenses there is no "uncorrected" vision standard. However, individuals who wear soft contact lenses must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested, and have successfully worn soft contact lenses for six (6) months prior to employment. Normal hearing acuity.

Experience and Education

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and any employment or volunteer work that demonstrates good work habits would be qualifying. Highly desirable: The completion of some college level semester units.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

Understand and follow oral and written directions, and to speak and write effectively; read, learn, and understand various laws, policies, rules, procedures, law enforcement techniques and first aid; analyze situations and/or problems and to rationally and calmly take quick, effective action in emergency and stress situations; undergo strenuous physical training; successfully complete a structured academic training program as required to successfully complete law enforcement recruit academy.

Possess sufficient strength and agility necessary to perform the duties of a Public Safety Officer within an environment as described under Working Conditions.

Background Requirement

Must successfully complete a thorough background investigation which includes criminal, personal, driving, credit, employment and education history; must meet the Department's drug and alcohol standards; pass a polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical examination.

Any felony conviction is considered disqualifying.

Working Conditions

The Public Safety Officer Trainee learns and trains to potentially become a Public Safety Officer. As such, he/she must be able to sit, stand, walk, run, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, and crouch to perform the daily activities of a Public Safety Officer. The Trainee must also be able to grasp, make repetitive hand movement, and have fine coordination to write reports and use a computer keyboard. Additionally, the Trainee must see near, far, at night, and have color vision to view crime scenes, evidence, and fire a weapon. The incumbent must be able to frequently run in pursuit and subdue suspects while taking them into custody; walk on uneven and slippery surfaces. They work outdoors in all weather conditions, around loud siren noise and moving vehicles. The Public Safety Officer Trainee must be able to work around chemicals, pesticides, blood, and other potential toxic exposures and around electrical hazards. The Trainee should be aware that he/she would be subjected to physical threats, verbal abuse, and other stressful situations. They must be prepared to work a variety of shifts, including a 24-hour schedule. During fire suppression activities, he/she is required to wear protective gear, carry appropriate tools, and wear self-contained breathing apparatus weighing a combined total of 100 pounds, while performing many of the emergency related duties; may be exposed to very hot and very cold conditions, and enter smoke filled buildings. While performing emergency aid, lifting and carrying victims and moving heavy equipment may be required. Incumbents will be required to work in small, cramped crawl spaces, areas where vision is limited, and/or at heights including rooftops and on ladders.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE

Possession of a Class C California driver's license. Highly desirable: California State Fire Services Firefighter I Certificate.