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Police Careers
- 1. Application
- 2. Written & Agility
- 3. Oral Interviews
- 4. Background & Polygraph
- 5. Medical & Psychological
- 6. Academy
- Apply online.
- 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 written and physical examination.
- The Fontana Police Department will also accept PELLETB T-Scores. Applicants who possess a PELLETB T-Score of 45 or higher, within the past year from the date of application may submit their scores, on official agency letterhead, as an attachment to their application in order to be considered for an exemption from the written exam. T-Scores must be submitted at time of application.
Whether you have submitted an application or not, you can participate in our physical agility practice sessions. A face mask and ID are required. Location is behind the police station at Miller Park, 17002 Arrow Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335.
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.
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: 22 seconds
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 your feet cross the starting line.
Passing time: 8.5 seconds
3. Solid Fence Climb - This event tests 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.
Passing time: 11 seconds
4. Chain-link Fence Climb - This event tests 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.
Passing time: 10 seconds
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 3/4 speed for the first portion of the test. Do not try to sprint the entire distance.
Passing time: 1 minute 39 seconds
- The written exam is designed for an entry-level peace officer position, requiring no prior law enforcement experience. The City of Fontana administers the Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) for entry level police officer applicants. The 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 1/2 hours to complete the PELLETB.
- Applicants who possess a PELLETB T-Score of 45 or higher, within the past year from the date of application may submit their scores, on official agency letterhead, as an attachment to their application in order to be considered for an exemption from the written exam.
- For more resources applicants can purchase the California Police Officer Exam PELLETB Exam Prep Book or visit the PELLETB Preparation Website.
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.
Police Officer Special Assignments
Background Investigator ● Bicycle Officer ● Defensive Tactics Instructor ● Detective ● Driving Instructor ● Field Training Officer ● Fugitive Apprehension Team ● Gang Investigator ● Helicopter Observer ● Hostage Negotiator ● Inland Valley SWAT Team ● K9 Handler ● Motorcycle Officer ● Narcotics Investigator ● Press Information Officer ● Range Master ● Rapid Response Team ● Task Force Officer ● Traffic Officer