Police Recruit SJ57

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

The San José Police Department is dedicated to providing public safety through community partnerships and 21 st Century Policing practices, ensuring equity for all. The Department is committed to treating all of San Jose’s diverse community members with dignity, fairness, and respect, while protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.

Position Duties

POLICE RECRUIT

The San Jose Police Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships which promote a high quality of life for the City's diverse population. The Department is committed to treating all people with dignity, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.

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

STEP #1: SUBMIT POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION
Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and updates will be sent once the application review is complete.
STEP #2: SELF-SCHEDULE WRITTEN and PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMS.
**ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY BEFORE RECEIVING AN ORAL INTERVIEW INVITE**

• Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations. SJPD accepts the PELLETB and NTN written exams. Results are valid for 3 years.
  • California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) (Available only in CA)Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Results valid for three years. For more information or to register, visit:http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
  • National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Exam: ( Available Nationwide) Pass Point scores are 60% Video, 65% Reading, and 65% Writing. For more information or to register, visit:https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/
• Candidates must pass a physical agility examinations Results are valid for 1 year.
  • California P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (WSTB). Pass or Fail. The WSTB includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.), six-foot chain-link fence climb with 25 yard sprint, and 500-yard run. Also included in the Physical Agility Test is a 1.5 mile run, which must be completed in 14 minutes or less. To register, visit: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests We will not accept the WSTB from any other department/agency.

*SJPD offers in house testing once a month for applicants in our process. You will receive a testing flyer with available dates once you pass your application*

STEP #3: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

• This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions. Pass Point is 70% or higher. Results are valid for three years.
• If you are out of state or military, we can conduct your interview via ZOOM but you will still need to come out here to take the physical agility test.

STEP #5: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

• Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will then be assigned to assist candidates through the process. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

STEP #6: THE SAN JOSE POLICE ACADEMY

• Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy. Upon graduation, you will enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as a SJPD officer on the street.
• For the current Police Recruit hourly rate go to: City of San Jose Pay Plan

Minimum Qualifications

No prior experience or training is required. However, applicants must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications below:

·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.

·MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 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.

·MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.

• Any college coursework or degrees that are obtained from OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES will need to be translated by an accepted service. Here is one SJPD accepts, all fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • 1. International Institute of California
    3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 310
    San Jose, CA 95117
    (408) 249-1505
    www.iicus.com

More information about Accredited College Credits

• Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
• No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a comprehensive benefit package.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit our police benefits page

Closing Date/Time: 3/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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