Police Recruit

City of El Cajon; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

The City of El Cajon is screening candidates for the Regional Police Academy to join the Police Department as a Police Recruit. A Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and POST PELLETB exam with a T-Score of 42 or higher are scheduled, and the score must be valid within six months of the test date.

Selected applicants will undergo a multi-step process including eligibility review, interviews, background investigations, polygraph, and mandatory medical and psychological examinations, with outside PELLETB

Qualifications

• Valid outside PELLETB score must be submitted with the application.
• T-Score must be 42.0 or higher from the PELLETB exam.
• Psychological and pre-employment medical examinations are required.
• Background statement and other forms will be reviewed during the process.

Skills

Community policing

Education

College degree

Job description

Job Overview

Candidates are being screened for the Regional Police Academy:

Physical Abilities Test (PAT)/POST PELLETB Exam (T-Score 42) is scheduled for the following date: October 24, 2026

The Opportunity

The City of El Cajon is looking for motivated individuals who want to make a direct impact to the community of El Cajon, to join their Police Department as a Police Recruit.

The Community

As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is recognized as a wonderful location to live, work and play. El Cajon boasts a diverse and vibrant community, safe and attractive neighborhoods, many parks and recreation centers, award-winning schools, libraries, and other amenities. El Cajon is a full service City, with first-class police and fire departments. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset. El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities. Through the vision of the El Cajon City Council, El Cajon is able to balance new growth and development while preserving a rich and honored heritage. The City staff is professional, knowledgeable, and focused on providing exceptional customer service.

The Police Department

Mission Statement: Committed to a safe and secure community through service, mutual cooperation and respect.

• Active Police Department that responds to an array of calls for service while building partnerships and focusing on Community Oriented Policing
• Sworn Divisions include Patrol, US Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Traffic, Crisis Negotiation Team, Investigations, and K9 Unit
• Special assignments with the DEA Narcotics Task Force and FBI Safe Streets Task Force
• Support Divisions include Records, Communications Center, Property, and ISO Accredited Crime Laboratory
• Police Officers work three 12.5 hour shifts
• New Police Recruits are provided all equipment

Typical Duties

Police Recruit New Hire Process

• Application Period and Review
• Applications and attachments, such as valid outside PELLETB score, or college degree, must be submitted by the application deadline.
• Valid outside PELLETB score
• T-Score must be from PELLETB exam taken within 6 months of PELLETB test date (on or after April 24, 2026).
• T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
• Examination Phase
• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) – T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
• Eligibility List and Pre-Employment Process
• Candidates who successfully complete the examination phase will be placed on the eligibility list and referred to the department for further processing: Personal History Statement, Panel Interview, Polygraph, Pre-Investigative Questionnaire, Captain’s Interview, Background Investigation, and Chief’s Interview.
• Additional Information
• All candidates are required to undergo a psychological examination and pre-employment medical examination in addition to the aforementioned steps.

Additional Information

Contact our Background Coordinator for more information on the new hire process, team interactions, and morning workouts: [phone].

The City of El Cajon offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and CalPERS retirement.

Please review City Council Policy A-29 for detailed information regarding compensation, benefits, retirement, and more: El Cajon Executive and Unrepresented Employees (A-29).

If you have any questions, please email [e-mail].