This recruitment process will close on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. DESCRIPTION - Under general supervision, to attend the prescribed Basic Police Academy; to maintain acceptable grade levels and to achieve graduation; to participate in any and all field exercises as directed and to do related work as required. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS - While distinctively uniformed as a non-sworn non-peace officer in training, develops minimum qualifications required for a career in police service. SUPERVISION RECEIVED - Works under the direct supervision of Police Sergeant or higher-ranking position and/or Police Academy staff. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Does not supervise. Examples of Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Attends Academy classroom instruction on police policies, procedures, weaponless defense, criminal and civil law, physical fitness techniques, use of firearms, arrest procedures, community relations, operation of emergency vehicles and other mandated courses and related subjects; participates in field exercises and physical training routines; keeps and writes notebooks, reports, and other printed material and records; is available and open to the learning process with the goal of Police Academy graduation and eventual meaningful service to the Police Department. Minimum & Desirable Qualifications Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be:Education and Experience. Graduation from high school. Must possess a California Class C driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Must be 21 years of age at the time of application. English/ Spanish bilingual skills highly desirable. This is a terminal class. The recruit must graduate from the Police Academy and fulfill all other requirements, in which case he/she shall advance to the rank of Police Officer. Failure to meet graduation or other requirements shall result in termination. Physical Standards. Height and weight correlations must be in proper proportion according to current medical standards. Normal color vision. Visual acuity of 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/30 in each eye. Ability to pass a physical endurance and agility examination. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge of: the organization, operation, rules and regulations of the Police Department; principles and techniques of police administration including traffic control, crime prevention, crowd disturbances and delinquency; rules of evidence; laws, ordinances and regulations affecting the work of the Department including custody of prisoners, arrest and court procedures; criminal investigation and case preparation; technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control and safety, record keeping and care and custody of persons and property; community policing policies and philosophy; community relations; governmental structure/organization of the City of South Gate and interrelations of the Police Department; principles and practices of personnel management, supervision and leadership. Ability to: read and understand departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws, regulations and police literature; ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, calm, effective and reasonable course of action in situations involving emotional or physical pressures; ability to write clear and accurate reports; remember names, faces and details or incidents; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others; ability to interact tactfully, effectively and sensitively with City Officials, Officials of other organization, members of other agencies, community organizations, community leaders, the media and especially the public; ability to understand and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of ethnic and cultural groups in the City; and the ability to evaluate sensitive situations quickly and initiate appropriate action to diffuse situations and/or resolve problems. Skill: in the operation of a variety of office equipment, including computer; ability to type 25 words per minute net.