Police Officer (Entry Level/ Lateral)

San Jose, CA
San Jose Police Department

The SJPD is now hiring qualified candidates!
First-step officers earn $111,000 and top-step officers earn $186,000 per year.
Paid Academy training for Police recruits is $47.66/hr.

 

POLICE RECRUIT

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 – Police Recruit

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

  • COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy was discontinued effective January 1, 2024. New applicants are not required to provide proof of vaccination.
  • 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.”

 

LATERAL ENTRY

A Lateral Entry Applicant is someone currently employed as a police/peace officer in the State of California.

The San Jose Police Department does not accept out-of-state lateral police officer transfers or federal law enforcement transfers who have completed the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver. All law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state or from a federal law enforcement agency must apply as a police recruit applicant and attend the San Jose Police Academy. View information about applying as a Police Recruit.

Now until June 30, 2025: $10,000 Lateral Hiring Bonus

Lateral Applicant Qualifications

If you meet the following qualifications, move on to the Lateral Application Process

  • COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy was discontinued effective January 1, 2024. New applicants are not required to provide proof of vaccination.
  • Currently employed as a California Police / Peace Officer with a California Basic P.O.S.T. certificate and have completed a patrol field training program.
  • Must be 21 years-old and not older than age 70.
  • Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
  • Must possess a U.S. high school diploma or General Education Development (GED), waived if you have a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. More information about College Credits.
  • Must have completed 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police academy credits are also accepted.
    The education requirement will be waived for the following:

    • Any lateral officers that have three (3) years active police experience, who are currently employed with any California law enforcement agency.
    • Out of state officers who are employed with any law enforcement agency within the United States with three (3) years of active police experience. Out of state law enforcement officers will need to attend the Departments academy.
    • Military Veterans with an honorable discharge and four (4) years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
  • 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.”