Police Recruit SJ59

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 , 711 (TTY), or via email at City Careers.

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 Jose’s diverse community members with dignity, fairness, and respect, while 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.

Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and updates will be sent once the application review is complete.

• 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:
  • 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:
• 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:  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*.

• 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.

• 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.