what diplomas or certificates do i need to become a police officer in hayward, California

Hi,
I went to google and searched for Hayward PD...this is what I found in their employment area of the city website:

Candidates must have successfully completed a California POST approved Basic Police Academy with a valid California POST Certificate; OR Currently attending a POST approved Basic Police Academy and/or has been accepted to a POST approved Basic Police Academy.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open Until Filled

Candidates are encouraged to apply online at: www.hayward-ca.gov or www.CalOpps.org.

THE POSITION

The City of Hayward is accepting application for Police Officer—Academy Graduates and Academy Participants. Police Officers at the City of Hayward perform a wide variety of law enforcement assignments including but not limited to: patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court and providing information to the public.

Those candidates who are currently participating in the Police Academy would be hired as a Police Officer Trainee. The Police Officer Trainee is hired into a civilian position for the period of time they are assigned to the police academy. Upon successful completion of training at the academy, Trainees will then be sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. Police Officer Trainee benefits are limited to those of a civilian employee.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Hayward Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the city by maintaining partnerships with its diverse community, together creating safe and cohesive neighborhoods. We pledge to safeguard the lives and property of the people served, and to reduce the incidence and fear of crime. We do this by treating all people fairly and equitably; and by being ethical, honest, responsive, and professional in the services we provide. We are accountable to one another and to the community.

The Hayward Police Department is comprised of a staff of 197 sworn personnel and 124 professional staff. The Department supports a Community Policing philosophy and offers excellent promotional and special assignment opportunities. The Patrol Division currently works 3-12.5 hour days and has weekends off at least six months out of the year. Patrol Officers enjoy a minimum of 9 training days per year. Detectives who work investigations receive incentive pay and have a wide variety of specialty assignments such as School Resource Officer, K9, Narcotics, Detectives (officers who work investigations), Internal Affairs, Special Duty Unit (street and investigative enforcement related to gangs), Traffic (motors), and several task forces in Alameda County.

REQUIREMENTS

ACADEMY

Successful completion of a California POST approved Basic Police Academy with a valid California POST Certificate; OR

Currently attending a POST approved Basic Police Academy and/or has been accepted to a POST approved Basic Police Academy.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent. (Possession of an Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is desirable)

LICENSE

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

· Free of any felony convictions.

· A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (Government Code Para. 1031).

· 21 years of age at time of appointment.

· Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.

· Must pass a background investigation and meet all Department medical, physical and psychological standards.

· Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

THE EXAMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must submit a completed job application, copy of a Basic POST Certificate or proof of Academy enrollment to be considered. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall. Applications without proper certifications or documents will not be considered.. Applications will be screened and candidates considered best qualified based on the information provided will move forward in the examination process. The examination and selection process may include: a pre-background questionnaire, written examination and/or oral interview. Candidates passing all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list for hiring consideration. Those candidates ranking highest on the eligible list will be granted a selection interview where they will be interviewed by the Personnel and Training Administrator of the Hayward Police Department. Those candidates deemed most highly qualified from the selection interview may be invited to interview with the Chief of Police. Final selection and job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive police background investigation, including personal history, prior job performance and activities that may negatively affect job performance, as well as a medical examination and psychological examination.