Police Trainee

Police Officer Trainee

The Town of Los Gatos is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Trainee. Hourly rate July 2025 : $60.4683. Plus retirement and medical health benefits through CalPERS. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis.

Are you interested in a law enforcement career? The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet attended a police academy. If selected, the Town will compensate you at an hourly rate while you attend the Police Academy as a Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department-sponsored trainee.

Already enrolled in a Police Academy? You are welcome to apply to this job posting.

Selected candidates must :

• Have a high school degree, GED, AA or 4-year college degree or higher.
• Have at least 60 college semester units or 90 college quarter units from an accredited college.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Submit Pellet-B and WSTB scores dated within one year with a minimum passing score of 42.
• Successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including criminal history; Department of Justice fingerprinting; medical exam, including drug screening; polygraph; and psychological exam.
• Attend and successfully complete a California P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. The Academy is about 26 weeks long (or 928 hour) and covers all aspects of police work.
• Participate in rigorous physical, academic, and tactical training to prepare for the demands of a Police Officer role.
• Learn and understand state and local laws, ordinances, and departmental policies.
• Develop skills in de-escalation, community interaction, investigation techniques, and report writing.
• Perform related duties as required and directed by academy instructors and department leadership.

Benefits Police Officer Trainees are temporary Town employees eligible to enroll in medical health benefits. They receive retirement benefits through CalPERS, Workers Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and paid sick leave (5 days).

After the Academy Upon successful completion and graduation from the Academy, you will be eligible to join the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department family as a sworn Police Officer and take part in an 18-month probationary period and field training program (FTO) before assuming the responsibility of a solo patrol officer. You will also receive benefits at the Public Safety formula as outlined in the POA Benefit Summary.

The Department has a culture of promoting from within and offers different opportunities to broaden and gain specialized experience. The Police Officer classification series offers career growth opportunities for both new professionals and those with more work experience.