Age

Must be at least 21 years of age at appointment. There is no maximum age limit.

Criminal History

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Other involvement in criminal activity, including misdemeanor and infraction convictions, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In all instances, peace officer candidates must be able to show an established pattern of law-abiding behavior.

Medical Requirement

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons appointed to peace officer classifications shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively.

General Qualifications

Candidates must possess essential personal characteristics including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned job duties.

Psychological Requirement

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, peace officer candidates shall undergo a psychological screening.

Drug Testing Requirement

Candidates for peace officer classifications are required to pass a drug-screening test.

Behavioral Standards

Pre-employment behavioral standards for the selection and testing of peace officer candidates have been established. While taking into account youthful indiscretion and experimentation, these standards are designed to ensure that peace officer personnel have demonstrated a history of sound judgment, maturity, and honesty, as well as a respect for and adherence to the laws of the State of California and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Positions of public trust require people who have demonstrated honesty, sound judgment, personal discipline, and responsibility.

P.O.S.T. Fitness Test

A physical agility test that consists of the following 5 events, which are generally administrated in the following order:

1. Run a 99 yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34 inch high obstacle that must be vaulted
2. Lift or drag 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet
3. Run 5 yards to a 6 foot chain link fence, climb over fence, continue running another 25 yards
4. Run 5 yards to a 6 foot solid fence, climb over continue running another 25 yards
5. Run 500 yards

Citizenship

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, effective January 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Firearm Conviction Disqualification

Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in peace officer classifications.

Firearms Requirement

Persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in the amended Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 are disqualified from appointment to peace officer classifications.

Background Investigation

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment including voice stress analysis or a polygraph test.

Hiring Process

The entire hiring process, from the exam to receiving a start date, may take 9 – 12 months; however, time varies based on the candidate’s personal history.

Training Requirements

Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of a California Peace Officers Standards and Training approved academy, or possession of a California Peace Officers Standards and Training Basic Certificate or equivalent, as well as successful completion of the Department’s Field Training Officer Program, is a requirement for permanent status in these classifications.

Academy

The Regular Basic Police Academy (POST) is designed to be very stressful, testing each recruit’s ability to adapt to various situations and manage stress. You must be prepared to handle a tremendous workload and maintain your appearance, demeanor, and professionalism.

• Minimum requirement of 664 hours
• 42 Individual Topics (Learning Domains)
• Physical Training
• Weapons Training
• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC)
• Scenario Based Training