Police

Police Recruits will start at $37.80 per hour.

At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer Recruit position would be an excellent opportunity.

As a Police Officer Recruit, you must complete a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. After successful completion of a six-month P.O.S.T. academy, you will be promoted to the position of Police Officer.

Police Officer Salary
$47.93 - $65.98 Hourly

$8,307.87 - $11,436.53 Monthly

$99,694.40 - $ Annually

• Ensure a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving.
• Complete a 20-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the city.
• Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.
• Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.
• Interface closely with all segments of the community.
• Find additional information in the Police Recruit job description.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and/or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process.

Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime.

Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K‑9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Irvine is committed to a full community oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community.

The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.

This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

Candidates will be offered the written exam online (proctored through CPS) or in person at the station. In‑person testing is offered on a monthly basis. The City of Irvine’s written exam is not the POST exam and t‑scores from other agencies are not accepted as a substitute. If you have previously taken the City of Irvine’s written exam, you will be eligible to retest 3 months after the previous exam date.

Feel free to check your previous exam date by logging in to

2025/2026 Calendar:

• 10/9/2025 9:00 a.m.
• 10/23/2025 10/24/2025
• 11/6/2025 9:00 a.m. 11/19/2025 11/21/2025
• 1/8/2026 9:00 a.m. 1/29/2026 1/30/2026
• 2/12/2026 9:00 a.m. 2/26/2026 2/27/2026
• 3/12/2026 9:00 a.m. 3/26/2026 3/27/2026
• 4/9/2026 9:00 a.m. 4/23/2026 4/24/2026
• 5/7/2026 9:00 a.m. 5/28/2026 5/29/2026
• 6/11/2026 9:00 a.m. 6/25/2026 6/26/2026
• 7/9/2026 9:00 a.m. 7/23/2026 7/24/2026
• 8/6/2026 9:00 a.m. 8/20/2026 8/21/2026
• 9/10/2026 9:00 a.m. 9/24/2026 9/25/2026
• 10/8/2026 9:00 a.m. 10/22/2026 10/23/2026
• 11/5/2026 9:00 a.m. 11/19/2026 11/20/2026
• 12/3/2026 9:00 a.m. 12/17/2026 12/18/2026

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.