Police Officer - Trainee / Entry-Level

Police Officer Trainee

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. 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. 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 communitypatrolling 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.