Police Officer

San Jose, CA
San Jose Police Department

A Police Recruit is an entry level position and is someone who does not have police/peace officer experience or training within the State of California. This classification applies to police officers from other states and federal law enforcement officers who do not possess a California P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate. The San Jose Police Department does not accept the California P.O.S.T. Waiver.

Minimum Qualifications
You must meet the following qualifications. If you meet them, move on to step #1 of the Application Process

  • Must be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations COVID19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy If you have any questions about the mandatory COVID vaccination policy, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at employee.relations@sanjoseca.gov.
  • No prior experience or training is required
  • At least 20-1/2 years old at the time of application / Maximum age is 70 years old (mandatory retirement age)
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
  • U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. View more information about Accredited College Credits
  • MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a
  • U.S. accredited college or university. Police Academy credits already earned are accepted as part of the educational requirement.
  • Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement – Reserve time excluded.
  • College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.
  • Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
  • No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole
  • No financial accounts currently in “collections”