Police SJ Job San Jose area,California USA,Government

Position: Police Recruit SJ57

Job Overview

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Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

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 City Careers.

About The Department

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

Position Duties

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.

Recruitment Steps

Submit Police Recruit Application: Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and updates will be sent once the application review is complete.

Self‑Schedule Written and Physical Agility Exams: All applicants must complete the written and physical agility before receiving an oral interview invite.

Written exams:
Candidates must pass one of the following:
- California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB). Pass point is a T‑Score total of 50 or higher. Results valid for three years. Register here.
- National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Exam. Pass point scores are 60% Video, 65% Reading, and 65% Writing. Results valid for three years. Register here.
Physical agility exam:
Candidates must pass a physical agility examination valid for one year. The California P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (WSTB) includes a 99‑yard obstacle course, 32‑foot body drag, six‑foot chain‑link fence climb with 25‑yard sprint, a 500‑yard run, a 1.5‑mile run (must finish in 14 minutes or less). Register here. The WSTB from other departments is not accepted.

Oral Board Interview: Panel interview with five to eight questions. Pass point is 70% or higher. Results valid for three years. Candidates out of state or military may be interviewed via Zoom but still must attend the physical agility test in person.

Background Investigation Process: Eligible candidates complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators assist candidates through the process. Upon successful completion and review, the hiring board will make employment selections. Selected candidates receive a conditional offer contingent upon passing a medical and psychological exam.

The San José Police Academy: Police recruits are considered City employees while attending the 26‑week program and are paid the current contract hourly rate. Upon graduation, recruits enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as an SJPD officer on the street. Current hourly rate and pay plan details.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 20‑½ 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 a U.S. high school diploma or GED; waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S.
Must possess at the time of application 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or…


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