Police Officer Cadet

San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 43,903 - 71,624; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 paid holidays

CSU tuition fee waiver

Medical, dental, and vision options

CalPERS pension plan

Job summary

San Diego State University is hiring a Police Officer Cadet in San Diego, California. This position involves attending a certified P.O.S.T. academy to develop minimum qualifications to become a sworn officer. Cadets will receive comprehensive training and gain hands-on experience while assisting officers in various policing strategies.

Candidates must possess a high school diploma and be able to meet ongoing P.O.S.T. standards. This role offers a range of benefits, including a salary based on experience and education, with compensation up to $6,418 per month.

Qualifications

• Must attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training academy.
• Valid California Driver's License is required or must obtain within 10 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Attend training in criminal and civil law.
• Assist police officers with community policing strategies.
• Develop skills in report writing and de-escalation techniques.

Skills

Ability to qualify for P.O.S.T. training

Mental capacity and physical agility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. academy

Job description

Police Officer Cadet

Job No: 552053
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 8 - SUPA - State University Police Association, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Safety, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

The Cadet is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn police officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T. training within the required time period and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet will be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.

Responsibilities

• Attend training in criminal and civil law, codified and case law.
• Develop skills in report writing, physical fitness, firearms, arrest/control, and de-escalation techniques.
• Learn and apply community policing strategies.
• Assist police officers under close supervision.

Why Join Us

• Receive comprehensive P.O.S.T.-certified training in law enforcement, report writing, physical fitness, firearms, and community policing.
• Gain hands‑on experience under the guidance of experienced University Police officers.
• Make a meaningful impact by contributing to campus safety and community service.

Join us in upholding a safe and secure campus, where students, faculty, staff, and the community can learn, work, and thrive.

Position Information

• This recruitment will be used to establish a pool of candidates for current and future full‑time (1.0 time‑base), police cadet appointments.
• This position is designated non‑exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• The selection process for Police Cadet positions include application, written exam (PELLET B) or college degree, interview, background investigation, medical evaluation and psychological evaluation.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 40 sworn police officers and 57 non‑sworn support employees. University police officers are graduates of a California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR requirements. Officers conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day, year‑round and are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training academy.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to qualify for and satisfactorily meet the ongoing standards of the basic P.O.S.T. academy training.
• Mental capacity, physical agility and learning potential to perform all aspects of P.O.S.T. training and police work.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.

Compensation

Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications within the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,934–$6,418 per month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $6,418 per month.

Full Benefits Package Includes

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the University of California system.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.