Entry-Level Police Officer

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART); United States; On-site; USD 89,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

BART Police Department in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks motivated individuals to join a forward-thinking public safety team protecting one of the nation’s most advanced transit systems. We offer comprehensive training and a clear path from academy to field duty, emphasizing fairness, de-escalation, and community trust.

No prior law enforcement experience is required—we will train you in a POST-certified Police Academy after hire and provide you with the skills, confidence, and leadership

Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED is required or highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Post certification and ongoing training provided.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to protect life and property and deter crime.
• Respond to incidents; enforce laws and regulations.
• Prepare accurate reports and maintain records.
• Operate police vehicles and radio communications safely.
• Collaborate with passengers and colleagues to ensure safety and service quality.
• Participate in training, background checks, and certifications as required.

Skills

Observe and recall details

Clear communication

Critical thinking

Learn/apply laws

Build relationships

Record keeping/reports

Operate vehicles/radio safely

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT JOINBARTPD.COM!

Click here to see us in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Rz97xrTDA

Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). Note that successful candidates will start at the base salary while in the Academy.

$7,937.77/ Monthly (Step 20/ Base Salary – While in Academy)

$8,996.14/ Monthly (Step 21 /Base Salary – Upon Academy Completion)

$10,583.69/ Monthly (Step 1/ Base Salary – Upon FTO Completion)

Who May Apply

All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Reports To

Police Sergeant or Lieutenant

Days Off

As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Department

BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment

Are you ready to launch a purpose-driven career in modern policing—one built on service, innovation, and community trust? Join the BART Police Department and become part of a forward-thinking public safety team protecting one of the nation’s most advanced transportation systems.

We’re looking for motivated, community-minded individuals who want to make a difference. No prior law enforcement experience is required—we will train you in a POST-certified Police Academy after hire and provide you with the skills, confidence, and leadership tools to succeed.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

1. Observe and accurately recall details
2. Communicate clearly and respectfully with diverse groups
3. Think critically, remain calm, and make sound decisions
4. Learn and apply complex laws, procedures, and technology tools
5. Build positive relationships with passengers and colleagues
6. Maintain detailed records and prepare clear, professional reports
7. Operate vehicles and radio communications safely and effectively

If you’re passionate about public service, committed to fairness, and excited by the idea of contributing to a transformational transportation system, we want you on our team.

Note that California State Minimum Selection Standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:

• At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4)
• Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029)
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal law.
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
• A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer

Application and Selection Process

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply online by visiting our website at www.bart.gov/jobs for a listing of open positions.

The selection process includes 5 phases

Phase 1: Pre-Screening Application Background Questionnaire

Phase 2: POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam and Physical Agility Test

(Note: Applicants provided with testing opportunities twice per month)

Phase 3: Review and Evaluation of Personal History Statement

Phase 4: Oral Board Interview

Phase 5: Investigative Background Check

** Please note that the entire selection process may take several months to complete. **

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination, which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check, a credit check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service, DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

Eligibility to Reapply

Candidates that are unsuccessful in the written, physical agility and/or oral board process can immediately reapply online for future openings. However, candidates that are unsuccessful in the investigative background process must wait at least 6 months before reapplying.

1. Patrols a designated area in a radio vehicle or on foot to protect life and property and deter crime.
2. Responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for services.
3. Enforces District, city, county or state and federal laws and ordinances.
4. Assists in settling disputes, calming angry patrons and providing crowd direction and control.
5. Makes presentations to community and employee groups regarding personal safety and criminal activities.
6. Secures information from the parties at an incident scene and collects, documents and prepares evidence for court.
7. Prepares affidavits for arrest and/or search warrants, files criminal complaints and coordinates investigative activities with other law enforcement agencies.
8. Transports prisoners to booking facilities and processes them.
9. Maintains accurate records and writes incident and crime reports.
10. Works with investigative and legal personnel and presents testimony in court.
11. Enforces traffic and parking regulations, investigates traffic accidents and directs traffic.
12. Serves warrants and subpoenas.

Education

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent college credits, military or customer service experience highly desirable.

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must be physically able to drag a body weighing up to 165 pounds. Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards. Must obtain required P.O.S.T. certification. Must remain firearm qualified. Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.

Knowledge of

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Techniques for dealing with varied groups of people.
• Standard record keeping and report writing procedures and techniques.

Ability to

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces and incidents.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions. Interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies.
• Analyze situations and make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Use two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Drive a motor vehicle safely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and competent reports.