Applications

Police Recruit (Entry Level)

No law enforcement experience required. Minimum requirements include being at least 20 years of age at the time of application, possession of a high school diploma or GED, being a US citizen or permanent resident eligible for citizenship, and possession of a California driver's license


Police Officer 1 (Open Enrollee or Lateral Entry)

Graduates of a California Law Enforcement academy within the last year as an open enrollment student or individuals with less than two years of full-time paid police experience (not including academy time) with a law enforcement agency within the last year may apply for PO1.

NOTE: Qualified out-of-state applicants who lack the required California P.O.S.T Certificate may apply. If hired, you may be required to attend a paid Police Academy to satisfy California state certification requirements. This certification is necessary to work as a police officer for the City of San Diego.


Police Officer 2 (Lateral Entry)

$15,000 signing bonus for lateral transfers with 2+ years’ experience & California P.O.S.T Certificate

Individuals with more than two years of full-time paid sworn police officer experience may apply for PO2 status. Experience must include service with a law enforcement agency within the last year. Time served in a training capacity as a recruit/trainee as part of a Police Academy does NOT qualify for the experience requirement.

NOTE: Qualified out-of-state applicants who lack the required California P.O.S.T Certificate may apply. If hired, you may be required to attend a paid Police Academy to satisfy California state certification requirements. This certification is necessary to work as a police officer for the City of San Diego.