Behind the Badge
For those interested in police work, now is a great time to make that move as the La Habra Police Department is looking to bring on five new officers in the near future.
Sgt. Adam Foster, of the department’s professional standards unit, said the improving economy has opened up some great opportunities for new recruits. The entry level pay for a sworn officer who has completed the academy starts at $29 an hour or about $60,000 a year.
“We are looking forward to getting fully staffed and hiring a diverse group of people,” Foster said.
Still, the recruitment is not that easy. Like any department, La Habra’s police officer candidates must undergo rigorous background screenings so the process can take a long time to complete.
And while a high school diploma is the minimum requirement to become an officer, many police officers today are highly educated with bachelor and master degrees. Indeed, at least two La Habra officers are working on their doctorates.
But for these five vacancies, the La Habra PD is offering candidates a great opportunity for training. Previously, the department would go to police academies and try to recruit new officers who were not attached to any department.
“Now we are changing gears and offering to put people through the academy,” Foster said.
Also, one of the five vacancies is reserved for a military veteran. The position is funded through a federal grant, and so far the department has had some difficulties filling that spot.
“The problem is that it is sometimes difficult to hire from such a select group,” Foster said. “That is something we are putting a lot of effort into right now.”
For those interesting in applying for the job or learning more about the La Habra Police Department, click here to visit the city’s website.
