Police Recruit

City of El Cajon; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

The City of El Cajon is seeking motivated individuals to join the Police Department as Police Recruits.

Candidates must have a valid PELLETB score or be exempt with an associate degree; a T-Score of 42+ is required within 6 months; PAT is scheduled on Oct 24, 2026. Background checks and medical evaluations are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Valid California Class C Driver's License with a safe driving record.
• Must be age 20-1/2 or older within the next 6 months.

Education

High school diploma / GED

Associate's degree or higher (exemption from POST PELLETB)

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.

Qualification Guidelines

Police Recruit

Additional Information

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

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• 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].

01

In order to better evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. In addition, copies of certifications, coursework and/or degrees must be attached to this application. I acknowledge receipt of this information.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a high school diploma, GED Certificate or a California High School Proficiency Certificate?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License with a safe driving record?

• Yes
• No

04

I certify that I will be age 20-1/2 or older within the next 6 months.

• Yes
• No

05

FOR POLICE RECRUIT: Did you take the POST PELLETB written exam within the past 6 months with a T-Score of 42 or above? If you have your T-Score, please attach a copy of your T-Score to your application.

• YES - I took the PELLETB test within the past 6 months (on or after April 24, 2026) and I have a passing T-Score of 42 or higher. I understand my results must be attached to this application or emailed to [e-mail] prior to my scheduled PAT date. Results must include exam date, a breakdown of the reading and writing score, and T-Score.
• I am scheduled to take the PELLETB test with another agency prior to the City of El Cajon's test date and understand that I must submit my passing T-Score to [e-mail] prior to my scheduled PAT date.
• NO - I have not taken the PELLETB test and will need to take the examination with the City of El Cajon.
• I have an Associate's Degree or higher and have attached my degree to be exempt from the POST PELLETB exam.

06

Do you possess an Associate's Degree or higher? If yes, you MUST attach your degree to be exempt from the POST PELLETB exam.

• Yes
• No

07

REFERRAL: In what type of setting were you referred?

• Military Event
• City Employee Referral
• Recruiting Fair
• Friend
• Family Member
• Radio
• City/PD Instagram
• City/PD Linkedin
• City/PD Facebook
• News Segment
• Community Event
• Other
• N/A

08

REFERRAL: Were you referred by an active City of El Cajon Employee? If yes, please write their full name. If no, please type "N/A" in the response.

09

I acknowledge that the PAT and PELLETB is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026. (You will receive a sign up notice with additional details before the selected date.)

• Yes, I acknowledge that the PAT and PELLETB is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026.

10

I acknowledge that I must undergo a polygraph examination, fingerprinting (DOJ/FBI), and thorough background investigation conducted by the Police Department prior to my appointment.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question