Cadet Program
The purpose of the Police Cadet Program is to attract young, well-qualified men and women to participate in an organized on-the-job training program. This program includes instructions in the duties, responsibilities, methods, and techniques of the Fontana Police Department.
- 1. Application
- Physical Agility Test
- 3. Oral Interviews
- 4. Background & Polygraph
- 5. Medical & Psychological
- 6. Academy
- Apply online. Applications can also be submitted in person or by mail.
- Before completing the application, please read the minimum qualifications.
- Applications must be filled out completely and clearly to show that the minimum qualifications are met; incomplete or illegible application packets may result in disqualification.
- Resumes may be submitted, but cannot be accepted in lieu of an official application. Applications will be rejected if “SEE RESUME” is written on any portion of the “Previous Employment” section of the application.
- Following a review of applications submitted, qualified applicants will be notified of date, time and place of the physical examination.
- Applicants that are interested in being promoted to the Police Officer Trainee position, will be required to complete and pass the P.O.S.T PELLET B exam with a score of 45.0 or higher at a later date.
- Physical Agility Test: You will be required to pass a physical agility test to assure the City that the applicant has sufficient endurance, strength, and agility to perform physical tasks similar to those that could be required of a law enforcement officer in the performance of duties. The physical agility test consists of five events – each event will be timed separately. You must pass each event before moving on to the next event.
- Event # 1 99 Yard Obstacle Course – This test simulates a short distance foot pursuit such as might occur in the parking lot of an office complex. The test requires you to make frequent changes in directions while running as fast as possible. Passing time: 20 seconds
- Event # 2 Body Drag – This test simulates dragging someone who is physically incapacitated. The test requires that you lift and drag a 165 pound lifelike dummy that is lying, face up, on a floor. The dummy must be dragged 32 feet. You will lift the dummy first and tell the proctor when you are ready to begin the test. Time starts when the dummy’s feet cross the starting line. Passing time: 8.5 seconds
- Event # 3 Chain-link Fence Climb – The test of your ability to climb over a chain-link fence that is six feet in height. A statewide job analysis shows this is one of the two most common types of fences encountered by entry level police officers. The amount of time it takes you to climb the fence will be recorded. For this test, you are to run up to the fence, scale the fence, and continue running to the finish line. You may use any method you wish to get over the fence; however, you may not use any side support in any manner to get over the fence. If you do, you will be scored as if you had failed to get over the fence. Passing time: 8.1 seconds
- Event #4 Solid Fence Climb - The test of your ability to climb over a wooden fence that is six feet in height. A statewide job analysis shows this is one of the two most common types of fences encountered by entry level police officers. The amount of time it takes you to climb the fence will be recorded. For this test, you are to run up to the fence, scale the fence, and continue running to the finish line. You may use any method you wish to get over the fence; however, you may not use any side support in any manner to get over the fence. If you do, you will be scored as if you had failed to get over the fence. Passing time: 8.7 seconds
- Event #5 500 Yard Run – This test simulates a long distance foot pursuit and requires that you run 500 yards. Upon taking this test, try to pace yourself at about ¾ speed for the first portion of the test. Do not try to sprint the entire distance. Passing time: 1 minute 39 seconds.
There are three oral interviews that must be successfully passed in order to be hired.
The “Recruiters Interview” takes place with an experienced Background Investigator and a Field Training Officer.
Next, the “Command Staff Interview” takes place with members of the Fontana Police Department Command Staff.
Finally, the “Captain’s Interview” takes place with the Administration Division Captain.
These oral interviews will evaluate your experience and training, problem solving ability, inter-personal skills, communications skills, and interest in the position. Additionally, your employment, educational, criminal, and driving history will be evaluated.
An applicant should be well prepared for each oral interview and dress in professional business attire.
Once an applicant is formally placed into backgrounds, they will be assigned a background investigator. The applicant will be provided with a Personal History Statement (PHS) to complete and return. The Personal History Statement will be verified during the polygraph examination. The background process is a thorough and time consuming process. The background consists of a detailed investigation into your employment, financial, educational, criminal, military, driving, and related histories. During this time the applicant’s references will be contacted and the information provided by the applicant will be examined and verified.
Upon completion of the background investigation, an applicant will be scheduled for a psychological evaluation and medical evaluation. A psychological exam is conducted by a city contracted psychologist and evaluates your suitability for a career in law enforcement. The medical exam is conducted by a city contracted doctor. The medical exam verifies that you do not have conditions that would physically prevent you from performing all of your duties as an officer.
The Fontana Police Department utilizes the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Basic Academy. The academy is a 23 week long, intensive training program.
The basic academy is considered to be one of the top basic academies in the state. The basic academy delivers various subjects taught such as crime scene investigation, tactical communication, firearms and defensive tactics. The physical training programs consists of multiple station weight training, mat/stretching exercises and aerobic/formation runs on both dirt and paved road surfaces. All classes are taught on site.
The Basic Academy program is administered under a structured discipline format, which prepares officers for the stress related to law enforcement.
Details
- Flexible 20 hour work week to accommodate college courses
- Part-time $15.50 - $18.86 per hour
- Designed to prepare students for a career in law enforcement when they reach the age of 21
- Gain practical knowledge of police department functions and basic theories of law enforcement
- Work day may include workouts, firearms training, defensive tactics and patrol ride-along’s
- Police Cadet Job Description
Requirements
- Must be a full-time college student, ages 18 - 24 years
- Must pass a rigorous background investigation
- Meet specific physical and mental standards
- High school seniors planning to attend college may apply (specify on application)
Additional Information
For more information, please:
- Get notified about employment opportunities, register with Notify Me
- Email Sergeant Kyle Slusser or call (909) 356-7149.