Police Officer - Recruits and Academy Attendees

Hiring Incentive

The City of Alameda is offering a $75,000 hiring incentive to successful candidates while funds are available. The incentive includes a $25,000 cash bonus paid upon swearing‑in and a $50,000 bonus paid upon completion of the Field Training Program. The $50,000 bonus is contingent upon a five‑year commitment to service with the City of Alameda Police Department.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Police Officer with the City of Alameda. The Alameda Police Department (APD) is eager to welcome candidates who are committed to serving a great community that values the services we provide.

A little bit about APD: APD has 88 sworn officers (Police Officers, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, Police Chief) and 36 non‑sworn staff (Public Safety Dispatchers, Records Clerks, Animal Control Officer, Police Technicians, etc.).

As a Police Officer you will have the opportunity to work in specialized areas such as:

• K9
• Motors/Traffic Enforcement
• Violent Crimes
• Property Crimes
• Internal Affairs
• Personnel and Training
• Marine Patrol
• Peer Support
• Critical Incident Response Team (includes SWAT and Crisis Negotiations)
• Homeless Liaison Officer
• Honor Guard

Recruit (while attending a 6‑month Police Academy):

• $28.83 per hour (40 hours per week)
• Full medical coverage for you and your family

Police Officer (after academy graduation):

Step 5 Pay Rate: $68.43 per hour
Holiday In‑Lieu Pay Rate: $4.74 per hour
Top Step Pay: $73.17 per hour or $ annually
Annual Salary with

Incentives:

up to $

Additional privileges include:

• Uniform allowance: $2,000 per year
• Initial equipment allowance: $750
• Bilingual Pay: $1,200 per year
• Education
  
  Incentives:
  • Intermediate POST Certificate: $1,000 bonus
  • Advanced POST Certificate: 4% of Base Pay
  • Bachelor's Degree: 5% of Base Pay
  • Master's Degree: 6% of Base Pay
• Retention Pay:
  • 1.5% after 5 years
  • 3% after 10 years
  • Additional 4% after 15 years
  • Additional 5% after 20 years
• Pension benefits (CalPERS formulas)
• Employer‑paid medical benefits for you and your family

For more information on benefits, visit alamedaca.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits.

Under direct supervision, a Police Officer – Recruit attends a POST‑certified basic police academy and receives closely supervised training in law and penal codes, criminal justice procedures, law‑enforcement techniques, physical fitness, first aid, firearms handling, radio and dispatch procedures, public contact skills, interview and complaint handling, report writing, geography, investigative techniques, arrest procedures, emergency vehicle operation, and departmental rules.

• Must be 21 years of age by appointment.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have a PELLETB T‑Score of 45 or higher OR NTN minimum scores of 65% Video, 70% Writing, 70% Reading.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record (CA license required).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Desirable: at least two years of related public‑contact work experience.

• Currently enrolled in a POST‑certified Police Academy, good‑standing, and on track to graduate with POST Basic Course certification OR currently enrolled in final (fourth) POST Basic Course Module (modular format).
• Be 21 years of age by appointment.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a PELLETB T‑Score of 45 or higher OR NTN minimum scores of 65% Video, 70% Writing, 70% Reading OR an associate’s degree (AA) or higher or equivalent college coursework.
• Be in excellent physical condition and meet the physical and mental health requirements of California POST. A WSTB score dated within one year of application is accepted or applicants must obtain a passing WSTB score or complete an in‑house Physical Abilities Test (PAT) before appointment.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record (CA license required).
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law.

Other general requirements for all applicants include successfully completing academy requirements, demonstrating strong observational…