Police Officer - Trainee / Entry-Level

Salary : $71,916.16 Annually

Location : Vacaville, CA

Job Type : FULL-TIME

Job Number : 02155

Department : Police Department

Opening Date : 01 / 14 / 2026

Closing Date : Continuous

ABOUT OUR JOB

WORK. LIVE. SERVE.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE!

The City of Vacaville is looking for motivated, community-minded individuals ready to start a meaningful career in law enforcement with the Vacaville Police Department as Police Officer Trainees. This is your entry point into a long-term career in public safety, community engagement, and the chance to make a real impact.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE CANDIDATES ONLY.

APPLICANTS WHO HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED A CALIFORNIA POST ACADEMY OR WHO ARE CURRENTLY WORKING FOR A CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BUT HAVE NOT COMPLETED PROBATION MUST APPLY UNDER POLICE OFFICER - ACADEMY GRADUATE INSTEAD . PLEASE VISIT CITYOFVACAVILLE.GOV\JOBS TO APPLY FOR POLICE OFFICER - ACADEMY GRADUATE.

The Vacaville Police Department is committed to delivering exceptional law enforcement services to our diverse and growing community. With over 175 full-time employees, including 116 sworn positions, we offer opportunities across Patrol, K-9, Investigations, Narcotics, Crime Suppression, Tactical Operations, Traffic Enforcement and Family Services. At the Vacaville Police Department, we are driven by integrity, professionalism, teamwork and strong connections with the community we serve.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you will attend a six-month POST-certified Police Academy beginning in July 2026, where you will receive comprehensive training in modern policing. Upon successful completion of the academy, you will be sworn in and promoted to Police Officer - Academy Graduate and begin your career serving the Vacaville Community.

Salary Steps as a Vacaville Police Officer :

Police Officer Trainee (attending the Police Academy) : $71,916 / year

Police Officer (Academy Graduate) : $99,903 / year

Police Officer (upon successful completion of FTO program) : $114,287 - $138,835 / year

After graduating from the academy, newly sworn Police Officers spend approximately 10 weeks of training under the direction of experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs). This hands-on phase is designed to build confidence, sharpen skills and create a smooth transition into independent patrol work.

Once training is complete, officers step into a dynamic role serving the community-patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, enforcing traffic laws, and taking proactive steps to keep Vacaville safe. Core responsibilities also include compiling accurate police reports, testifying in court proceedings and performing a wide range of law enforcement duties with integrity and professionalism.

This recruitment will create an eligibility list that will be used to fill future vacancies over the next 12-month period.

For a complete job description and to apply online, visit our website at www.cityofvacaville.gov.

ABOUT YOU

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education : Equivalent to graduation from high school plus completion of fifteen (15) semester units from an accredited college or university. Military service and relevant training may also be considered. An AA / AS degree with major coursework in police science or related field is desirable.

Experience : Some public contact work experience is required. Community organization or law enforcement experience is desirable.

License or Certificate : Incumbents must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record as conditions of initial and continued employment.

Incumbents must successfully complete the certified POST Basic Academy course of instruction as a condition of continued employment.

Other : Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) within 12 months prior to application submittal (possession of AA / AS degree or equivalent waives PELLETB requirement). Must be able to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and meet the 15 job dimensions as recommended by POST. Spanish bilingual skills are highly desirable.

ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE

This recruitment is currently open and continuous, but may close without further notice at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

A completed City of Vacaville Employment Application and Supplemental Questionnaire must be received by Human Resources at 650 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688 by the closing of this recruitment Applications will be screened on Wednesday, February 4th. Qualified applicants will then be invited to the first step in our hiring process (a physical agility test) scheduled for Sunday, February 15th.

IMPORTANT : Copies (clear and legible) of the following documents must be attached at the time of application :

• Proof of a T-Score of at least 45 on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). The PELLETB must be dated within 12 months of application submittal. OR
• Proof of AA / AS Degree or equivalent (or higher). This can be submitted as a copy of the degree obtained or unofficial transcripts showing completed units.

Please note : If you do not attach proper documentation to your application, you will not be invited to move on to the next steps in the hiring process.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at Application packets may also be obtained by calling (707) 449-5101. Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application packet.

Contact with applicants will primarily occur via email. Please ensure that your application indicates a valid email address that you check regularly.

For ADA information and other Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

The examination process will consist of a physical agility test, a Personal History Statement (PHS) review, an oral board, and department interviews.

The City of Vacaville is a proud organization of sophisticated, compassionate and hard-working individuals committed to honesty and integrity. Applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo the following including, but not limited to, a thorough background investigation, a CVSA exam, a complete medical exam, a psychological exam and drug screening.

The City of Vacaville reserves the right to alter the examination process, examination dates and other process details when needed, due to business necessity.

The City of Vacaville is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Vacaville Police Officers Association (VPOA)

The City of Vacaville values the importance of our first responders and public safety staff. Employees enjoy a collaborative and team oriented working environment, 4 / 10s alternative work schedules, employee social and wellness activities through our CoV LIFE program, competitive pay and a generous benefits and retirement package. To learn more about our benefits for Full-Time positions, please review our

Part-time positions are paid an hourly rate and can work up to a maximum of 129 hours per month. Part-time positions are at-will, are not eligible for health or retirement benefits (including CalPERS membership), and do not accrue leave time with the exception of state mandated sick leave (40 hours per year).

Part-time positions are not covered by Social Security and are not eligible for the City of Vacaville's retirement plan through CalPERS and are therefore required to make 7.5% pre-tax contributions into a qualified plan under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA). For the City of Vacaville, the plan is a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan through Nationwide Retirement Systems, Inc.

01

Instructions for Supplemental Questions. The following questions are intended to assist you in presenting your qualifications. Although your experience and education should relate back to your application, your application and / or resume will not be reviewed when scoring the supplemental questions. Therefore, please be as detailed as possible in your responses to the supplemental questions. I have read and understand the instructions presented above.

02

Do you have a T-Score of 45 or greater on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) dated within one year of application submittal? If yes, you MUST attach a copy to your application. Failure to do so may result in being rejected due to not meeting the minimum qualifications.

03

Please indicate your highest level of education.

04

Will you be at least 21 years of age by July 1, 2026?

05

Do you have any military experience?

06

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please include details of your military background.

07

Do you have any law enforcement experience?

08

If you answered yes to the above question, please explain your experience.

09

Do you have any experience working with a community organization?

10

If you answered yes to the above question, please explain your experience.

Required Question