Introduction

Thank you for your career interest with the Pomona Police Department. We hope the information below will assist in a better understanding of the details involved in becoming a Police Officer with the City of Pomona. Along with Police Officer Recruit, we periodically accept applications for Lateral Police Officer.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES & TO APPLY

2024 Police Officer Recruit Hiring Schedule

*Please note, dates are subject to change*

Peace Officer Selection Requirement

The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) sets minimum selection standards for California peace officers employed by POST-participating agencies. These minimum requirements are pursuant to Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1030, and 1031 and Commission Regulations 9050-9055. Agencies may choose additional assessments (e.g., physical ability and detection of deception/polygraph examinations) and/or higher standards.

The City of Pomona is a POST-participating agency, thus complies with the minimum selection and training standards. In addition, our requirements for Police Officer Recruit/Trainee and Reserve Police Officer include a physical agility examination.

Examination Process for the City of Pomona

The Human Resource Department conducts periodic testing for Police Officer Recruit/Trainee, Reserve Police Officer, and Lateral Police Officer. Candidates must pass each phase of the examination process in order to be placed on an eligibility list. The examination process consists of:

Police Officer Recruit and Reserve Police Officer:

• Review of Application and Supplemental Questionnaire
• Physical Agility Examination
• Written Examination
• Oral Interview

The physical agility and written examinations are scored as pass/fail, while the oral interview has an overall percentage score that will reflect as your final score.

Lateral Police Officer:

• Review of Application and Supplemental Questionnaire
• Oral Interview

Testing Process Information

Step 1: The Physical Agility Examination

The Requirements for the physical agility course are established by the California Commission for Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). To arrange to take a practice test or to speak to an officer assigned to Pomona’s Training Bureau/Recruiting, contact for any questions at 909-620-3616. Prior to the exam, it would be beneficial to warm-up and stretch to prevent any injuries. It is suggested the applicant wear comfortable athletic clothing such as sweat pants with a T-shirt or sweatshirt and athletic and/or tennis shoes.

The current Police Officer Recruit Physical Fitness Test consists of the following:

1. 20 push-ups in 60 seconds or less
2. 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds or less
3. 6-foot chain link fence climb + 25 yard run
4. 6-foot solid wall climb + 25 yard run
5. 165lb. body drag- 32 feet
6. 99 yard obstacle course
7. 500 yard run 

All events are a pass/fail score.

Step 2: The Written Examination

Following the physical agility, candidates will take the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement examination. The examination will test skills that are needed for both successful completion of academy training and successful performance on the job as a Pomona Police Officer.

The written examination focuses exclusively on language ability. The test battery is comprised of two components: one evaluates writing ability and the other reading ability. The writing component of the test measures clarity, vocabulary, and spelling, and the reading component measures reading comprehension.

POST developed a test preparation guide to help you prepare for the exam. The guide includes a short sample practice test, which can be viewed by clicking the link provided below.

Preparation Guide for Written Test

Step 3: The Oral Interview 

The oral interview is an interview with two to three individuals that make up an oral interview board. They ask each applicant a series of questions and then complete an evaluation form based on the interview.

Preparing for the Interview: 

• Research the position and know what the job entails
• Dress in business attire for the interview
• Research the City of Pomona, current/ past milestones and events
• Be familiar with the City Mayor and City Manager

General Information:

1. Candidates that obtain a passing score on the physical agility, written examination, and oral interview will be placed on an eligibility list. An eligibility list is valid for up to one (1) year.
2. The Human Resources Department will notify all candidates by e-mail if placed on the eligibility list.
3. The Police Chief or designee will conduct an interview with selected candidates who place on the eligibility list. Placement on the eligibility list does not guarantee an interview.
4. Applicants deemed as most qualified may be selected by the Police Chief or designee to proceed to a background investigation.
5. The background investigation consists of an evaluation of the candidate’s education, employment history, references, financial records, legal, civil criminal history, and driving record.
6. Once the background investigation is completed, the Police Chief will submit a selection recommendation to the Human Resources/Risk Management Director.
7. The Human Resources Department will contact the selected candidates to make a conditional offer of employment.
8. The conditional offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate passing the psychological and medical examinations.
9. Once the candidate has passed both examinations, the Human Resource Department will coordinate an employment hire date.
10. Police Officer Recruit candidates will attend a POST approved Police Academy. Upon successful completion of a twenty (20) week academy training program, the Police Officer Recruit will be sworn as a Police Officer and begin a probationary period. During the probationary period, the Officer will participate in the Department’s 22 week training program.
11. Upon hire, Lateral Police Officer candidates will be assigned to the Department’s 22 week training program.
12. All Police Officers serve a 12-month probationary period. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the Officers will obtain regular status.
13. Police Officers may be eligible for a merit increase after six (6) months (from sworn date) of employment.

Mentorship Program

For those applicants who make it to the oral interview stage of the hiring process, the department offers a mentorship presentation. In this presentation, members of the Training Division provide applicants with information and advice that will assist them in successfully passing their interview.

Jailer- General Information

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of duties involved in providing for the security, health, and safety of inmates and staff at the City’s jail facility.

Minimum Qualifications to Become a Jailer

High school diploma or GED equivalency

College course work in criminal justice is desirable

One year of responsible work experience and/or a combination of education and experience that meet the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Work experience in a law enforcement environment is desirable

Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license

Jailer recruitments may be used to fill full-time Jailer vacancies or at-will part-time vacancies, depending on the needs of the City and the vacancies available during the life of the eligible list. 

The Examination Process

Applicants who are invited to the physical agility exam should wear comfortable clothing (athletic wear, sweats, running shoes) appropriate for performing the following:

• Complete a minimum of 27 sit-ups in 60 seconds 
• Complete a minimum of 22 push-ups in 60 seconds
• Body Drag: Lift and drag a 165 lb. dummy for 32 feet
• 99 Yard obstacle course: Run a 99 yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, curb height obstacles, and a 34 inch obstacle that must be vaulted 
• 500 Yard Run: Run 500 yards (1 lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track) 

Applicants who successfully pass the physical agility will perform the written exam immediately after the physical agility test. A change of clothes for the written exam is not necessary, except for the purpose of keeping warm on cool days.

Candidates may prepare for the written exam by visiting the Board of State and Community Corrections website by clicking here (Download PDF reader). The link will take you to the Candidate Orientation Booklet - Adult Corrections Officer.