Police Officer

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The men and women of the Westminster Police Department take great pride in providing quality service to the residents and businesses of the Westminster community.

We are looking for applicants who desire a career in public service, believe in Community Oriented Policing, enjoy cultural diversity, and are willing to be part of a creative and innovative team.

Police Officer Assignments

Patrol
SWAT
Traffic Unit/Investigations & Motor Officer assignments
General Detectives
Narcotics Unit
TARGET Gang Team
Family Protection Unit
Metro Team (community oriented policing unit)
Vice/Intelligence Investigators
Professional Standards Unit
Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO)
School Resource Officer (SRO)
Frequent special assignment rotation

What We Offer

Other Benefits

Bilingual Pay - $150 per month

Meritorious Pay - 2% base pay after 21 years

Special Assignment Pay - 10% base pay

Tuition Reimbursement - $1,000 annually

Longevity Pay - $95 per month after 10 years and $150 per month after 15 years of service

Hiring Process

Step 1 - Basic Application

Submit an application online using NeoGov. The number of applications accepted will vary depending upon the number of vacancies we are seeking to fill.

Applications are carefully screened by City of Westminster Human Resources and/or Police Department personnel. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all requirements must be met at the time of application. Once the application is accepted and minimum qualifications met, the applicant will be notified by mail, email, and/or telephone, to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

It’s critical that applicants provide accurate contact information on their application. Ensure your email system will accept our emails, as some email filtering systems may impede our ability to reach applicants through email. Be as thorough and accurate as possible to increase your chances of advancing to the next step.

Step 2 - Written Exam (New Recruits Only)

Most police department positions require applicants to pass a written examination as part of the hiring process. The written test measures an applicant’s ability to effectively read and write, process information, multi-task, and tests other related knowledge.

POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)

Information and an applicant preparation guide can be found at the following link: https://post.ca.gov/LE-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs. You are required to attain a passing score of 42 or better.
If you have taken the PELLETB within the last 12 months of the date provided by the department and scored at least a T-Score of 42, you may waive to take this portion

Step 3 - Physical Agility Testing (New Recruits Only)

Step 4 - Department Interview

Step 5 - Background Investigation & Polygraph Exam

Step 6 - Medical & Psychological Evaluation

Step 7 - Certification & Appointment

FAQs

How can I prepare for the oral interview?

During the interview, we’re going to ask questions about you as a person, as well as questions pertaining to why you want to work for us, and the skills you possess.

We’re also going to see how well you have prepared, and your specific desire to work at the Westminster Police Department. What do you know about our department? Who is our leadership team? What’s the population, square mileage, and ethnicity of our community?

The interview panel will also be looking at your attire, your hygiene, and how you handle yourself in the interview. Are you confident or reserved? Are you arrogant or militant? Can you speak confidently, or are you scared and intimidated?
How do I know if Police work is right for me?

Law enforcement is a unique and challenging career choice. This job is not for everyone. It is not a job you simply "try out." If you have never researched police work before and know nothing about law enforcement, we highly recommend you take a detailed look into what we really do, how we do things and what it takes to do them. Prior to beginning any career in law enforcement you are required to complete a 6 month police academy, like the Academies offered at Goldenwest College and Rio Hondo Junior College. Ask about the pre-academy courses.
I've had some credit issues. Will this hurt me in the process?

Having good credit is a good indicator of who you are as a person, in terms of meeting obligations, making wise decisions, maturity, and adhering to deadlines.

We also understand that unexpected events happen in a person’s life, such as a divorce or catastrophic event, may negatively impact your credit. We take this into consideration when reviewing your credit information.

Each applicant is evaluated individually, on a case-by-case basis.

More FAQs