Successful officers are characterized by the ability to make sound decisions which are based on fact, not emotion, quickly and repeatedly throughout the day.  They demonstrate a strong sense of fairness and the ability to apply both the spirit and letter of the law within legal parameters of discretion.  They embrace the principles of Community Oriented Policing by exhibiting a genuine concern for the safety of the community and the quality of life of its citizens, successful Police Officers are alert and ready to take action.  They enjoy both working alone and as an integral part of a team effort.  Ideal candidates are proficient in writing reports and handling paperwork and willingly work varying shifts, weekends and holidays.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements set forth by CA P.O.S.T. in addition to those set forth by our agency. Some of the requirements are listed below.

1. Possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic certificate or higher (if you do not have one, you do not qualify for the Lateral Transfer position).

2. Successful completion of the probationary period, and/or been employed on a permanent basis, within the past two and one-half (2½) years as a sworn law enforcement officer in the state of California, preferably a municipality.

Please refer to this link for a list of other requirements: Requirements

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online, as well as complete the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

 
NOTE: Please complete the application form in its entirety. Work history must go back at least 10 years (if applicable). Pay special attention to the 'REASON FOR LEAVING' fields, and 'DATES OF EMPLOYMENT (year)' fields. Any application with one or more unanswered fields will be considered incomplete.

Applications, CA P.O.S.T. certificates, and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department & Police Department. A Personal History Statement and Background Investigative Questionnaire, completed by candidates prior to the end of the selection process, will also be reviewed by the Police Department and used as a screening tool.

If you pass the initial application, supplemental questionnaire, and background screenings, and possess the most pertinent training and qualifications, in order to be placed on the eligible list, you must pass each of the following components (except the bilingual fluency exam):

Please note, all dates listed below are subject to change depending on organizational needs. 
 

1. PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM:  (qualifying) will evaluate each applicant's physical strength, agility and endurance in the following timed components:

 

Each of the above 5 events are timed.  Candidate's performance times are converted to points and summed.  Candidates must successfully complete the 1.5 mile run AND accumulate a minimum total score of 384 points in the remaining five events to pass the physical agility test.

 

Tentative 2024 PAT Dates: 01/13/24, 01/16/24, 2/10/24 2/13/24, 03/09/24, 03/12/24, 04/13/24, 04/16/24, 05/11/24, 05/14/24, 06/08/24, 06/11/24, 07/13/24, 07/16/24, 08/10/24, 08/13/24, 09/14/24, 09/17/24, 10/12/24, 10/15/24, 11/09/24, 11/12/24, 12/14/24, 12/17/24
  

2. ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (weight of 50%) will evaluate experience, training and personal qualifications for the position.  Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.

3. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: (qualifying) candidates will be investigated regarding employment, neighborhood conduct, references, financial stability, criminal history, driving history, educational history, and other related factors.  

4. BACKGROUND ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION: (weight of 50%) will evaluate each candidate's background, experience, training and personal qualifications for the position. Candidates need a score of 70% or higher to pass this examination.

5. POLICE CHIEF'S BACKGROUND FILE REVIEW AND ORAL INTERVIEW: (qualifying) contents of the background file and results of the background investigation will also be evaluated by the Police Chief.  

6. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: (qualifying) candidates will take a polygraph examination designed to determine the truthfulness of the candidate's responses about his/her qualifications and suitability as a Police Officer.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: (qualifying) candidates will be interviewed by a licensed psychologist to assess the candidate's behavior and character to determine if an individual is at significant risk for employment problems as a Peace Officer.

8. BILINGUAL ORAL FLUENCY EXAM: (if applicable) will evaluate the ability to communicate effectively in both English and a second approved language (see list of accepted second languages at the top of this bulletin). Candidates do not need to pass this examination in order to be further considered.
   
NOTE:  Prior to appointment, candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine minimum acceptable physical qualifications as established by Government Code 1031 Section (f) and POST Commission Regulation 1954.

Applicants must pass every component of the selection process in order to be further considered.  Those who are successful in steps 1 - 9 above will be placed on an eligible list and will be considered for appointment as vacancies occur.