Police Officer Recruit SJ55

City of San José; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for its Police Academy program starting in February 2026. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to serve the community while undergoing comprehensive training. Applicants must meet specific age, educational, and legal requirements, including a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or GED. The role includes rigorous physical and written assessments, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of law enforcement. Join a dynamic team committed to maintaining public safety and community engagement, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in policing.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must have 40 semester college credits or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Attend a 26-week Police Academy program while being paid.
• Complete written and physical agility tests as part of the application process.

Skills

Written Communication

Physical Agility

Interpersonal Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

40 Semester College Credits

Military Service (if applicable)

Job description

THIS IS FOR THE FEBRUARY 2026 POLICE ACADEMY

Application Period: Opens on: March 18, 2025

Application Deadline: Closes on July 21, 2025

SCORE DEADLINE IS JULY 28, 2025

No prior experience or training is required. However, applicants must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications below:

1. At least 20-1/2 years old at the time of application / Maximum age is 70 years old (mandatory retirement age)
2. Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
3. Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
4. MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S.
5. MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police Academy credits already earned are accepted as part of the educational requirement.
6. Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement - Reserve time excluded.
7. MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.

Any college coursework or degrees that are obtained from OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES will need to be translated by an accepted service. Here is one SJPD accepts, all fees are the responsibility of the applicant:

• International Institute of California
  3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 310
  San Jose, CA 95117
  [phone]
  www.iicus.com

Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision

No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole

POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT POSITION:
The San Jose Police Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships which promote a high quality of life for the City's diverse population. The Department is committed to treating all people with dignity, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.

A Police Recruit is an entry level position and applies to someone who does NOT have police/peace officer training within the State of California; police officers from other states and federal law enforcement officers who do NOT possess a California P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate; and someone who has graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Academy but has NOT completed a patrol field training program. The San Jose Police Department does not accept the California P.O.S.T. Waiver.

SELF SCHEDULING TEST: All applicants must self schedule a WRITTEN TEST and a PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST. (We accept the Pellet B OR the NTN for the written test requirement).

Pellet B (Written): http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests

NTN (Written): https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/

WSTB: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests

**ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY BEFORE RECEIVING AN ORAL INTERVIEW INVITE**

STEP #1: SUBMIT POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION

STEP #2: COMPLETE THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION

• The Supplemental Application will be sent to you within one week of applying. It includes the Personal History Questionnaire consisting of approximately 40 questions, which allow an applicant to self-report behavior(s) determined to be related directly to job suitability.

STEP #3: SELF-SCHEDULE WRITTEN and PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMS.

• Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations. Results valid for 1 year.

1. California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) (Available only in CA) Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Results valid for three years. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
2. National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Exam (Available Nationwide) Pass Point scores are 60% Video, 65% Reading, and 65% Writing. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/

California P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (WSTB). Pass or Fail. The WSTB includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.), six-foot chain-link fence climb with 25 yard sprint, and 500-yard run. Also included in the Physical Agility Test is a 1 mile run, which must be completed in 12 minutes or less. Results valid for one year. To register, visit: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests. We will not accept the WSTB from any other department/agency.

STEP #4: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

• This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions. Pass Point is 70% or higher. Results are valid for three years.
• If you are out of state or military, we can conduct your interview via ZOOM but you will still need to come out here to take the physical agility test.

STEP #5: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

• Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will then be assigned to assist candidates through the process. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

STEP #6: THE SAN JOSE POLICE ACADEMY

• Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy. Upon graduation, you will enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as a SJPD officer on the street.

For the current Police Recruit hourly rate go to: City Pay Plan as of 01/2025

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this job posting do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Resumes will not be accepted. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment or component or combination of components as needs dictate.

IMPORTANT: Per the City’s COVID19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, On September 12, 2022, the County of Santa Clara rescinded prior Public Health Orders related to COVID-19 vaccination and testing. The County’s Health Officer continues to recommend that all individuals receive COVID-19 booster shots for which they are eligible; however, given the rapid emergence of new and different variants, the anticipated release of additional boosters on a periodic basis, and changing guidance on when individuals should obtain boosters in light of prior vaccination and prior COVID-19 infection, the requirement that all City officers, employees, temporary employees, unpaid interns, and members of any City of San Jose Boards, Commission or Committees obtain a booster shot within 14 days of becoming eligible is discontinued at this time. All City officers, employees, temporary employees, unpaid interns, and members of any City of San Jose Boards, Commission or Committees are required to be “fully vaccinated.” Fully vaccinated means the following: It has been at least two weeks since the person has completed the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine. For example, as of the date of the most recent update to this memorandum, the person would be fully vaccinated at least two weeks after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after receiving a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Agency: San Jose Police Department
Address: 6087 Great Oaks Parkway, San Jose, California, 95119