Police Officer (Recruit Level)

About the role

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is seeking individuals who have served their country and are now ready to leverage their service and sacrifice for the department. The department is dedicated to public service and offers a range of exciting career paths, including detectives, SWAT teams, new technologies, canine handlers, beach patrol, and motor officer roles.

Responsibilities

As a Police Officer (Recruit Level), you will contribute to maintaining a presence in the community that helps deter crime and support citizens. You will collaborate with community members, uphold best practices of Community Oriented Policing, and respond to calls for service. Key responsibilities include observing violations, making arrests and citations, conducting criminal investigations, documenting observations, and testifying in court.

Requirements

• Age: 20 years old on the date of application; 21 years old by the date of Academy graduation.
• Citizenship: Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Education: Must meet one of the following options:
• Graduation from a public high school located within the United States.
• Graduation from an accredited nonpublic high school located within the United States.
• Graduation from a United States Department of Defense high school.
• Passage of the General Education Development (GED) test or passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination.
• Possession of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university located within the United States.
• Possession of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree earned outside the United States, with an NACES or AICE equivalency report.

Desirable Attributes

• Integrity;
• Leadership skills;
• Excellent judgment under pressure;
• Able to maintain sufficient level of fitness to safely perform as a law enforcement professional;
• Able to be aware of, control, and express emotions appropriately, and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically;
• Able to maintain confidence in uncertain situations;
• Able to judge and act under pressure;
• Able to thrive in diverse populations.

Benefits

SDPD offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and additional pay opportunities. Bilingual pay (3.5% of base pay) is provided to qualified officers, and additional add-on pays may be available if you meet the requirements.

Pay

Base salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Police Officer (Recruit Level) employees may work a 4-day/10-hour rotating shift schedule after one year.

Additional Information

For more details about the Police Academy, the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire, refer to the provided links and study guide.