Becoming a Police Officer

What does it take for you to become a police officer with the West Covina Police Department?

Close up of the great seal of the state of California on badge.

Here's how to become a police officer for the West Covina Police Department:

What Are The Minimum Requirements?

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You must be lawfully allowed to work in the US.
  • You must have earned either a high school diploma or a GED.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license.
  • No felony convictions or misdemeanors that prohibit ownership, possession, or control of a firearm.
Female and male recruit in suits
Side view of West Covina Police department logo on a patrol car.

What Is The Employment Process?

If you meet the minimum requirements, the employment process to become a police officer for West Covina is:

  1. Submit an application: Proofread your application and enter all requested data. Your application is a recruiter’s first impression of your effort and work product. It is important to make a good first impression.
  2. Take and pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). Information regarding the test is available online. The current passing score for West Covina on the POST PELLETB is 46 or higher. We also accept POST PELLETB scores from other departments, provided they were taken within the past 6 months.
  3. Take a physical ability test. Preparation materials for the exam and the policy academy are available online. The current physical agility exam requirements to pass for the West Covina Police Department are:
    1. 1.5-mile run under 14:40
    2. 34 pushups in 1 minute
    3. 38 sit-ups in 1 minute
    4. 300-meter run under 65 seconds
  4. Participate in an oral interview: The interview typically includes two to three city employees who evaluate your experience, education, life goals, city and department knowledge, and overall desire to become a police officer. As with any interview, it is important to prepare in advance so you can perform at your best. You are competing with other applicants, so let us know what you bring to the table.
  5. Undergo a background check: You must pass a background check where your past behavior will be closely scrutinized, and only candidates with the highest probability of success will be appointed as police officers. Be honest with your answers, as deception may not only disqualify you from working for us, but it may also disqualify you from ever becoming a police officer.
  6. Participate in an interview with the police chief: As with your first interview, it is important to be prepared with your answers. This is your time to make an impression.
  7. Complete a polygraph exam: As long as you have been honest during your employment process, this will be a breeze. This would not be the time to start remembering some things that happened in your past, suddenly!
  8. Undergo a medical exam: A medical doctor will evaluate you through a physical exam to make sure you are fit to become a police officer. The examination can include an eye test, a hearing test, a blood test, a urine test, and a physical exercise test.
  9. Undergo a psychological exam: Here, you will take a written psychological exam and also participate in a session with a psychologist. This helps us evaluate your personality and determine whether you have what it takes for a career in law enforcement.

It can take anywhere between six months and a year to complete the hiring process. There are many steps, and we do our best to complete your employment process promptly.

What Happens After You Are Hired?

Congratulations, you have been selected as a police recruit. Now what? At the West Covina Police Department, we work to prepare you for the academy. You will participate in a 2-4-week pre-academy orientation to learn what to expect from the academy.

As a police recruit, you will receive all uniforms and equipment while attending the academy. As a West Covina employee, you get paid to attend a POST-certified academy.

Three young cadets in suits.
Deputy Sheriff talking to an academy student

Which Academy Will I Attend?

The West Covina Police Department utilizes many POST-certified academies in the area. You would be more likely to attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Academy, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Academy, or the Rio Hondo Police Academy. However, other POST academies can be utilized based on availability.

We encourage you to visit the academy links to understand what to expect during the academy. POST also offers a brief explanation of academy expectations.

The length of each academy varies but is typically 4.5 to 6 months. The days and hours of the academy also vary by academy.

What Happens After I Graduate From the Academy?

Upon graduation, you will be sworn in as a police officer for the City of West Covina. You will be a police officer in training for the next several months.

  1. Orientation: You will participate in a three-week orientation to familiarize yourself with the department’s policies, procedures, and equipment.
  2. Field Training: You will spend at least 16 weeks riding with a field training officer who will assist you in becoming a solo competent police officer. Depending on your performance, this can be extended for several weeks until you are confident enough to perform alone.
  3. Special Assignment Orientation: You will spend a week rotating between our special assignments and support staff to understand their role. This can include our traffic unit, special enforcement team (SET), the detective bureau, our homeless outreach and park enforcement (HOPE) unit, dispatch, and records.
Three academy students holding up their right hands.
Police officer in their patrol car, typing on their laptop

What Happens After I Complete Training?

Completion of Training: After completing training, you will be assigned to patrol to work as a solo competent officer. This usually involves working solo in your police unit, responding to calls for service during your shift, or proactively identifying crime or community needs.

Probation: When you are sworn in as a police officer, you will be on probation for 18 months, as you navigate your way through training and working independently.

Basic POST Certificate: Upon completion of probation, you will be eligible for your POST Basic Certificate.

After probation, and depending on department needs and your ability, you can then apply for special assignments within the department based on eligibility. This can include roles such as detective, traffic officer, K9 handler, SWAT member, and other assignments we offer.

So Where Do I Sign Up?

If this career interests you and you think you have what it takes to succeed, apply online today!

Police Officer Recruit: If you are currently not employed as a police officer with a POST-certified law enforcement agency, you will need to complete the Police Officer Recruit application. This includes whether you are currently in a law enforcement academy.

If the Police Officer Recruit position is not listed on the website, please complete a job interest card and select the Law Enforcement and Public Safety categories to be notified when the position reopens. We occasionally close the position to process applications, and completing a job interest card will ensure you are notified when it reopens.

More information about becoming a police officer is available on the POST website.

Three police officers walking and talking
APPLY TODAY!