THE POSITION
Are you pursuing your calling of becoming a Police Officer? The Modesto Police Department is seeking candidates ready to serve. Join our team today!
The Police Officer Recruit is responsible to participate in a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) – certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, resulting in graduation and certification, to enable the individual to become a sworn Police Officer Trainee with the City.
Application Process
All applicants
must submit POST-certified entrance examination test results with their application. Written verification must be on agency or academy letterhead where the test was administered and must list the test date, type of test administered, and the results. The results must show a minimum t-score of 45.0 dated within 12 months from application in order to qualify for the position with the City of Modesto. Failure to attach Pellet B Scores to application
will result in disqualification.
If you do not possess the required test results, the Modesto Police Department is offering testing dates. Spaces are limited. To obtain more information about the available dates and to enroll, please visit the Modesto Police Department website at http://modestogov.com/1539/Post-Pellet-B-Testing. If those dates do not work for you, you can find a list of POST-certified law enforcement academies on the POST website at https://post.ca.gov/basic-training-academies and you can contact them directly to find out their next available testing session.
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and
possess a t-score of 45.0 or higher will be invited to the next phase of testing which will be a physical agility examination. The test battery can be found in the link below.
https://www.modestogov.com/DocumentCenter/View/235/Police-Officer-Recruit-Physical-Agility-Testing-Requirements-PDF?bidId=
Candidates do not have to take the Pellet B if they possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America). The city uses the following database to verify institutions. https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
Transcripts with the degree posted or the diploma must be attached to the application.
If an institution is unable to be verified through the database and a equivalency verification form is not attached to the application, the Human Resources Department will require that the Pellet B be taken.
For more information about becoming a Police Officer with the Modesto Police Department, click on the link below
https://www.modestogov.com/301/Join-Our-Team
City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool.
Tentative Testing Schedule
2026 Testing Dates
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, November 20, 2026
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Applicants who successfully complete the physical agility examination will be invited to stay for a selection interview with the Modesto Police Department on the same day.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Hiring Incentives
$5,000 Hiring Incentive, for this position.
$5,000 Military Hiring Incentive - Is an additional hiring incentive for anyone who has served in any branch of the United States Military and received an Honorable or General Discharge as denoted on the DD214.
Sick/Vacation Front Loading - 20 hours of sick and 20 hours of vacation will be front loaded on date of hire.
A full list of hiring incentives can be found at the link below
https://www.modestogov.com/3060/Recruit-Officer
Essential And Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions
Attend classroom activities and participate in the learning process and in interactions with students and faculty to achieve a passing grade on all classroom requirements.
Complete classroom assignments and projects, as required.
Participate in physical activities to earn a passing grade on the POST physical agility exam.
Participate in the firearms course to achieve a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability To
Learn proper police procedures and methods.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine and take emergency and/or appropriate action.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks including a computer.
Type and perform word-processing at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system including mobile dispatch terminals.
Participate in strenuous physical activities including sufficient strength, endurance, and body flexibility to accomplish classroom requirements.
Lift up to 75 pounds of weight.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Successfully complete of a POST - certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy including classroom instruction, physical agility and use of firearms.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Experience
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
None required.
Training
High School diploma or GED equivalency.
Completion of a minimum of 15 units of college coursework from an accredited college or university is desirable.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Additional Requirement
Minimum of 20 years of age at time of application.
Physical And Mental Requirements
Mobility: frequent performance of strenuous physical activities; frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent bending and squatting.
Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
Vision: constant use of overall vision.
Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.
Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in either a typical temperature-controlled classroom environment subject to typical noise and environment or in the field with exposure to typical street or field noise. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
MODESTO POLICE AND FIRE NON-SWORN ASSOCIATION (MPNSA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.
VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.
LONGEVITY PAY: Two and a half percent (2.5%) at 10 years of service
EDUCATION INCENTIVE PAY: Two and a half percent (2.5%) for possesion of a Bachelor's Degree and five percent (5%) for possesion of a Master's Degree.
SPECIAL ASSGINMENT PAY: Five percent (5%) for being on a Special Assignment
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above
minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
LIFE INSURANCE Provided in the amount of $20,000 by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $9,000 per month in salary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $120 per month.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Depending upon assignment - Uniform allowance of $70 to $125 per month.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass the review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department shall receive $50.00 (fifty dollars) per pay period.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
02
Are you a minimum of age 20?
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency?
04
Do you have any law enforcement related work or volunteer experience?
05
Did the Modesto Police Department's hiring incentives influence your decision to apply?
