Becoming a Police Officer
Police Officer Process
Introduction
This section “Police Officer Process” is designed to assist candidates in preparing for a career as a Peace Officer. Provided below is information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements and Pomona’s hiring process. Pomona conducts recruitments for Police Officer Recruit/Trainee, Lateral Police Officer, and Reserve Police Officer. The recruitments for each position include a job announcement detailing the specific requirements for that position and should be read thoroughly before applying.
Peace Officer Selection Requirement
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) sets minimum selection standards for California peace officers employed by POST-participating agencies. These minimum requirements are pursuant to Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1030, and 1031, and Commission Regulations 9050-9055. Agencies may choose additional assessments (e.g., physical ability and detection of deception/polygraph examinations) and/or higher standards.
The City of Pomona is a POST-participating agency, thus complies with the minimum selection and training standards. In addition, our recruitments for Police Officer Recruit/Trainee and Reserve Police Officer include a physical agility examination.
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Selection Standard
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Minimum Requirement
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Comments
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Regulation/Law
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Citizenship
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US citizen or permanent resident alien who is elgible and has applied for citizenship
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GC§1031(a)
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Education
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Graduation from an accredited or approved US high school or equivalent
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GC§1031(e)
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Reading and Writing Ability Assessment
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Assessment of reading and writing ability
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Pomona uses the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery
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Commission Regulation 9051
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Oral Interview
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Assessment of oral communication skills and other factors
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Commission Regulation 9052
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Background Investigation
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Thorough background based on applicant’s personal history statement/questionnaire
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Ensures the applicant is of good moral character
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GC§1031(d)
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No Felony Convictions; Fingerprint and Criminal History Check
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Fingerprints sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
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Check is to reveal any criminal records. Felony convictions and some specific misdemeanors will disqualify a candidate.
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GC §§1029, 1030 and 1031(c); PC§12021(c):
18 USC 922(d)(9)
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Medical and Psychological Evaluations
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Evaluations conducted by licensed physicians and/or psychologists employed by the hiring department
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Ensures applicant is free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer
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GC§1031(f)
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Exmination Process for City of Pomona
The Human Resource Department conducts periodic testing for Police Officer Recruit/Trainee, Reserve Police Officer, and Lateral Police Officer. Candidates must pass each phase of the examination process in order to be placed on an Eligibility List. The examination process consists of:
Police Officer Recruit/Trainee and Reserve Police Officer
- Review of Application and Supplemental Questionnaire
- Physical Agility Examination
- Written Examination and
- Oral Interview Examination
The physical agility and written examinations are scored as pass/fail while the oral interview has an overall percentage score that will reflect as your final score.
Lateral Police Officer
- Review of Application and Supplemental Qustionnarie
- Oral Interview Examination
Testing Process Information
Step 1: The Physical Agility Examination
The City developed a brochure and training video to assist candidates preparing for the Physical Agility examination. The Requirements for the physical agility course are established by the California Commission for Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). To arrange to take a practice test or to speak to an officer assigned to Pomona’s Training Bureau/Recruiting, call (909) 620-3619.
The physical agility course is a pass/fail exam. Prior to the exam, warm-up/stretch and wear comfortable athletic clothing such as sweat pants with a T-shirt or sweatshirt and athletic and/or tennis shoes.
Step 2: The Written Examination
Following the physical agility, candidates will take the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement examination. The examination will test skills that are needed for both successful completion of academy training and successful performance on the job as a Pomona Police Officer.
The written examination focuses exclusively on language ability. The test battery is comprised of two components: one evaluates writing ability and the other reading ability. The writing component of the test measures clarity, vocabulary, and spelling, and the reading component measures reading comprehension.
POST developed a test preparation guide to help you prepare for the exam. The guide includes a short sample practice test.
Step 3: Oral Interview Examination
The oral interview is an interview with two to three individuals that make up an Oral Interview Board. They ask each applicant a series of questions and then complete an evaluation form based on the interview.
Preparing for the Test:
- Research the position and know what the job entails.
- Visit our Library to research information about the City of Pomona and its Police Department.
- Dress in business attire for the interview.
General Information:
- Candidates that obtain a passing score on the physical agility, written examination, and oral interview will be placed on an Eligibility list. An Eligibility list is valid for up to one (1) year.
- The Human Resources Department will notify all candidates by e-mail if placed on the Eligibility list.
- The Police Chief or designee will conduct an interview with selected candidates who place on the Eligibility list. Placement on the Eligibility list does not guarantee an interview.
- Applicants deemed as most qualified may be selected by the Police Chief or designee to proceed to a background investigation.
- The background investigation consists of an evaluation of the candidate's education, employment history, references, financial records, legal, civil criminal history, and driving record.
- Once the background investigation is completed, the Police Chief will submit a selection recommendation to the Human Resources/Risk Management Director.
- The Human Resources Department will contact the selected candidates to make a conditional offer of employment.
- The conditional offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate passing the psychological and medical examinations.
- Once the candidate has passed both examinations, the Human Resource Department will coordinate an employment hire date.
- Police Officer Recruit candidates will attend a POST approved Police Academy. Upon successful completion of a twenty (20) week academy training program, the Police Officer Recruit will be sworn as a Police Officer and begin a probationary period. During the probationary period, the Officer will participate in the Department's 22 week training program.
- Upon hire, Lateral Police Officer candidates will be assigned to the Department's 22 week training program.
- All Police Officers serve a 12-month probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the Officers will obtain regular status.
- Police Officers may be eligible for a merit increase after six (6) months (from sworn date) of employment.
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