To qualify for a position, you must meet the minimum requirements of the position and successfully complete all of the phases of the selection process. The phases of the selection process include the following:
 

Step 1: Online Application

In order to be considered for a law enforcement position with the Ontario Police Department, applicants must submit an online application in response to a current job opportunity listed on the City’s website at www.ontarioca.gov/employment. If a position is not listed on the current job opportunity page, the City is not accepting employment applications for the position at this time. 

You may receive automated notifications via email regarding future law enforcement opportunities with the Ontario Police Department by submitting a Job Interest Card. To complete the card, select “law enforcement” from the list of available categories and provide your personal information at the bottom of the page. If a law enforcement position opens with the City of Ontario during the next 12 months, you will receive an email announcing that a related position has opened for recruitment. The email will be your notification that the City is accepting applications for a law enforcement related position. To be considered for the position, you must submit an online application by the closing date and time listed on the job opportunity announcement. Please note the City reserves the right to limit the number of applications received.

Applications received in response to a current job opportunity are screened to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is invited to participate in the written examination.

Step 2: Written Examination

The written exam is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) is designed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Applicants are encouraged to review the Applicant Preparation Guide for the Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery available online at post.ca.gov prior to taking the exam.

The PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB, which contains five sections:

• Spelling (applicants select the correct spelling of a word from a list of options)
• Vocabulary (applicants select the correct meaning of a word from a list of options)
• Clarity (applicants select the sentence that is most clearly written from a pair of options)
• Reading Comprehension (applicants read a passage and answer questions about the passage’s content)
• CLOZE (applicants use contextual clues to complete a passage that contains blanks/missing words)

The passing PELLETB T-Score for the City of Ontario is 45.

Step 3: Oral Interview

This interview is conducted by a panel from the Police Department, which evaluates your experience and training, problem solving ability, inter-personal skills, communication skills, and interest in the position. Additionally, your employment, educational, criminal, and driving history will be evaluated.

Step Four: Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.)

This test, which is scored on a pass/fail basis, evaluates candidates on various physical maneuvers. You should be in good physical condition to attempt the physical agility test. It is recommended that you begin a physical training program in order to prepare for the P.A.T. and the demands of police work; however, it is a good idea to check with your physician before starting such a program. The following events comprise the test:

• Body Drag - Lift a 165 pound dummy and drag it as quickly as possible for 32 feet (two trials).
• Obstacle Course - Run 99 yards going around or over obstacles, such as six-inch by six-inch pylons and a 34-inch saw-horse, which may be cleared by climbing, jumping or vaulting (two trials).
• Chain Link Fence Climb - Run five yards, then scale a six-foot chain link fence as quickly as possible, then run an additional 25 yards (two trials).
• Solid Fence Climb - Run five yards, scale a solid six-foot wood fence as quickly as possible then run an additional 25 yards. This fence may be scaled in any fashion except by use of the fence supports (two trials).
• 500 Yard Run - Run 500 yards as quickly as possible on a paved road (one trial).

You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and athletic shoes for this test. Candidates who pass the P.A.T. are eligible to continue the selection process.

Step Five: Background Investigation and Administrative Interviews

You begin the background investigation by completing the Personal History Questionnaire. On this form, you must provide the Department with a detailed summary of your educational, employment, financial, legal, and related histories. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the investigation:

• Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for a career in law enforcement.
• The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
• You must list a history of your residences.
• Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
• Military service records are subject to verification.
• The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
• Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated. Felony convictions will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.
• If you have a history of recent or prolonged use of illegal controlled substances (i.e., Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, etc.), you may be dismissed from the process.

IMPORTANT! The background investigation is very thorough and time-consuming for both the applicant and the Department. If you have any concerns or questions about events in your past, the Ontario Police Department suggests that you consult with a Department Background Investigator at (909) 395-2820.

The information provided in your Personal History Questionnaire is verified in a polygraph (lie detector) test. Your fingerprints are also taken by the Department at this time.

During the background investigation process you will participate in Administrative Interviews with Department personnel including the Chief of Police.

Step Six: Conditional Job Offer

Following the successful completion of all prior steps candidates may be made a conditional job offer. Job offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a medical evaluation and psychological examination.

Step Seven: Medical Evaluation and Psychological Examination

Prior to your actual appointment with the Department, you must pass a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation.

The medical exam verifies that you do not have conditions that would physically prevent you from performing all of your duties as an officer or that would be susceptible to the stress of the job. Such problems may be a cardiac problem or any ailment that restricts your physical movement.

Because police work requires mental stability and strong moral character, you must pass a series of written psychological tests and an interview before you can be hired. A psychological exam is conducted by a City-contracted psychologist and involves a series of tests, which profiles your personality type and evaluates your suitability for a career in law enforcement.

To qualify for a Civilian position, you must meet the minimum requirements of the position and successfully complete all of the phases of the selection process. The phases of the selection process include the following:

Step One: Online Application

In order to be considered for a position with the Ontario Police Department, applicants must submit an online application in response to current job opportunity listed on the City’s website at www.ontarioca.gov/employment. If a position is not listed on the current job opportunity page, the City is not accepting employment applications for the position at this time. 

You may receive automated notifications via email regarding future employment opportunities with the Ontario Police Department by submitting a Job Interest Card. To complete the card, select “law enforcement” from the list of available categories and provide your personal information at the bottom of the page. If a position opens with the City of Ontario’s Police Department during the next 12 months, you will receive an email announcing that a related position has opened for recruitment. The email will be your notification that the City is accepting applications for a law enforcement related position. To be considered for the position you must submit an online application by the closing date and time listed on the job opportunity announcement. Please note the City reserves the right to limit the number of applications received.

Applications received in response to a current job opportunity are screened to determine if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position. If the minimum requirements are met the applicant is invited to continue participating in the selection process.

Step Two: Selection Process

Depending on the position you have applied for, the screening process may include one or more of the following:

• Application Review and Evaluation
• Performance Test
• Written Test
• Oral Interview

Step Three: Background Investigation and Administrative Interviews

You begin the background investigation by completing the Personal History Questionnaire. On this form, you must provide the Department with a detailed summary of your educational, employment, financial, legal, and related histories. The following list describes some areas that are covered in the investigation:

• Your relatives, references, and acquaintances are asked to comment on your suitability for a career in law enforcement.
• The information supplied regarding your educational history is examined and verified.
• You must list a history of your residences.
• Your work history and experience are examined with regard to your dependability, relationships with fellow workers, trustworthiness, and general job performance.
• Military service records are subject to verification.
• The background investigation considers your management of personal finances (however, being in debt does not automatically disqualify you).
• Your criminal, driving, and insurance records are evaluated. Felony convictions will be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.
• If you have a history of recent or prolonged use of illegal controlled substances (i.e., Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, etc.), you may be dismissed from the process.

IMPORTANT! The background investigation is very thorough and time-consuming for both the applicant and the Department. If you have any concerns or questions about events in your past, the Ontario Police Department suggests that you consult with a Department Background Investigator at (909) 395-2820.

The information provided in your Personal History Questionnaire is verified in a polygraph (lie detector) test. Your fingerprints are also taken by the Department at this time. During the background investigation process you will participate in Administrative Interviews with Department personnel including the Chief of Police.

Step Four: Conditional Job Offer

Following the successful completion of all prior steps candidates may be made a conditional job offer. Job offers are conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.

Benefits

You and your family are important to the City of Ontario. Our benefit programs are designed to support you and your loved ones through life's transitions and stages. The City offers medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending, life insurance, retirement plan savings and so much more! Click here to view all of the benefits offered.

MOU

Memorandums of Understanding / Compensation of Benefits Profiles 

Salary Schedule

Click here for our salary schedule

For current positions, visit the City of Ontario’s Job Openings webpage.

If the position you are interested in isn’t posted, please fill out a job interest card. For the next 12 months after you submit the form, you will receive an email notification each time a position opens with City of Ontario whose category matches one of the categories you’ve chosen.

For questions or comments, please contact PD Personnel.

IMPORTANT: The background investigation is very thorough and time-consuming for both the applicant and the Department. If you have any concerns or questions about events in your past, the Ontario Police Department suggests that you consult with a Department Background Investigator at (909) 408-1820.

2500 South Archibald Avenue
Ontario, CA 91761
Phone: (909) 408-1820
Fax: (909) 408-1840