Police Officer

A Great Place to Live and Work

The City of San Diego, with a population of over 1 million, is located on the southwest tip of California. San Diego, which is California's second largest city in population, is located 17 miles from Tijuana, Mexico and 125 miles from Los Angeles. San Diego has a mild climate with an abundance of scenic beauty, including beaches, lakes, mountain ranges and deserts.

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San Diego Police Department maintains high expectations of its officers, making it a very professional department. Once a member of the San Diego Police Department, career opportunities will open up as you never thought possible.

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2008 TEST SCHEDULE (PDF: 171K)

San Diego Police Department Mission Statement

Contacting the Recruiting Unit

San Diego Police Department
Attention Recruiting
1401 Broadway, MS 769
San Diego, CA 92101-5729
Phone: (619) 531-COPS (2677)

Recruiting Officers:
Sergeant Randy Jones
Officer Theresa Pappert (619) 531-2146
Officer Ruben Gutierrez (619) 515-2796
Officer Steve Markland (619) 515-2700
Fax: (619) 531-2257
E-Mail: sdpdrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

Police Assignments

Police Job Dimensions

Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training

JOB DIMENSIONS for PEACE OFFICERS

Integrity
Interest in People
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Communication Skills
Problems Solving Ability
Judgment Under Pressure
Willingness to Confront Problems
Credibility as a Witness
Observational Skills
Learning Ability
Appearance
Dependability
Physical Ability
Desire for Self-Improvement
Operation of a Motor Vehicle

Requirements for Police Recruit

Age: 20 years of age on the day you take the Written Test; 21 at time of Academy graduation (No maximum age limit).

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship or permanent resident who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to application for employment.

Education: Graduation from a high school located within the United States or a U.S. territory OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination OR G.E.D. with scores that meet the California standard established by the American Council on Education OR possession of a two or four year degree from an accredited college or university. (Accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body which has been recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation.)

License: A valid California Class C Driver's License, which permits you to drive an automobile, will be required at time of hire.

Monthly Salary for Police Officers

For the latest salary information, visit the City of San Diego Employment Opportunities Safety Services Web page.

Benefits for San Diego Police Officers

• Four-Day Work Week
• 11 Paid Holidays per year
• 13 Days Paid Annual Leave per Year to start (up to 21 days per year depending on length of service)
• Flexible Benefits Plan (Includes Health, Dental, Vision)
• Excellent Retirement Program
• 401K/Deferred Compensation Plans available
• Tuition Reimbursement - $900 per year
• 30 Days Paid Military Leave per Year
• Paid Overtime
• Special Assignment Pay

Promotional Opportunities

• Chief of Police
• Assistant Police Chief
• Police Captain
• Police Lieutenant
• Police Sergeant
• Community Relations Assistant to the Chief of Police
• Detective
• Police Officer II
• Police Officer I
• Police Recruit (entry level)