Police Cadet

Join the City of Buena Park Police Department as a Police Cadet and embark on a rewarding career in law enforcement. As a Police Cadet, you will assist in various divisions of the department, including patrol, dispatch, communications, records, traffic, and property. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in law enforcement.

The Police Cadet is a part-time, non-benefited, civilian (non-sworn) position that rotates through various divisions of the Police Department. The successful candidate will provide assistance to the public, complete initial and basic police crime reports, take fingerprints, and participate in formalized training courses and programs. This position requires a strong interest in a career in law enforcement and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Provide assistance to the public in the field and occasionally at the front desk.
• Ask standard questions to complete initial and basic police crime reports.
• Provide basic policy and procedural information concerning police department operations and recordkeeping procedures.
• Take fingerprints.
• Direct and respond to more detailed inquiries with the assistance of other sworn or non-sworn personnel.
• Issue non-moving and non-criminal citations for Vehicle Code and City Code violations.
• Operate a police motor vehicle and direct traffic as needed.
• Participate in formalized training courses and programs during nights and weekends as assigned.
• Interact tactfully and professionally with the general public to ensure that the department will effectively respond to service requests or complaints.
• Provide accurate procedural information.
• Seek assistance from other sworn or non-sworn personnel to answer more significant public relations complaints or policy questions.
• Interact with the public, typically when receiving complaints, taking reports, and responding to basic questions or request for police services.
• Communicate and contact with records personnel to request data and with dispatch personnel to relay service requests.
• Interface with supervision to receive work direction and to obtain assistance in handling more difficult problems.
• Rotate through various police divisions, including but not limited to patrol, dispatch, communications, records, traffic, and property.

• Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance.
• Between the ages of 18 and 26 at the time of hire.
• Enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college/university within 6 months of hire.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 to 9 semester units (or equivalent) and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better.
• Coursework in police science or criminal law and 6 months of experience in community service work, which involves heavy public contact and customer service experience is highly desirable.

The City of Buena Park offers a competitive salary range, composed of six (6) steps, with each step representing an increase of approximately five (5) percent. Additionally, the City provides a deferred compensation 457 plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions, with a member contribution of 3.75% and a City match of 3.75%. Other benefits include an Employee Assistance Program, available to all City employees and their immediate families, and an OC Credit Union, available to all City employees and their families.

To apply for this position, please submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application. All applications will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education will be invited to participate in the selection process.