Recruit Police Officer

Santa Clara Police Department Entry Level PositionThe men and women of the Santa Clara Police Department take tremendous pride in providing the community with outstanding service through the "Santa Clara Way" of service. In partnership with the citizens, the team provides law enforcement services with professional and dedicated staff. The team will always identify and resolve problems utilizing all available resources and perform services professionally and with a high level of integrity. This position is an entry level, non-sworn position in the Police Department. Incumbents in the position are assigned to the Basic Peace Officer Academy and must satisfactorily pass all of the requirements that lead to the possession of the Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate before becoming candidates for the sworn position of Police Officer. Performs related duties as assigned. To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must upload PELLETB Score OR NTN Score AND WSTB.

Applicants who do not upload these two documents will not move forward in the hiring process (see below). All certificates should be dated no more than one year ago. Verification of a valid POST-Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) examination from another agency or approved entity with a T-Score of 50 or above. OR Verification of completion from the National Testing Network: NTN with the following scores or above: Frontline Test: 65% Video, 70% Reading, and 70% Writing. AND Verification of POST Physical Ability Examination (WSTB) PASS.Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write "see resume, NA, or personnel file."). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a PELLETB or NTN Score and, WSTB (Pass).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at This position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.The annual salary range for this position is 114,713.16 - $146,499.72. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.Minimum QualificationsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units of academic level course work at an accredited college or university with no experience required; ORCompletion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of academic level courses at an accredited college or university and two (2) years full-time, paid, recent police experience with a sheriff's department, state police, highway patrol, or municipal police department.Acceptable Substitution: None. License/Certifications:Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment.The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:Other Requirements: PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTSMust be at least 20 years of age at time of application filing and 21 years of age at time of job appointment;Must possess the strength and physical ability necessary to perform the essential functions of the position of Police Officer; andMust be willing to be fingerprinted.VISION REQUIREMENTS:Vision including color, night, depth, and peripheral vision sufficient to perform all of the essential functions of the position of Police Officer;Visual acuity of not less than 20/80 vision in each eye uncorrected, and corrected to 20/30 in each eyeEXCEPTION: Applicants with correction afforded by soft contact lenses are exempt from the minimum uncorrected vision standard of 20/80, provided their corrected vision is 20/30 in each eye. Hearing, speech, and mental capabilities sufficient to perform all the essential functions of the position of Police Officer.

SPECIAL CONDITIONSRequired to work a basic 5-day workweek during the Academy.Attendance of classes at odd and unusual hours may be required, as well as working on weekends and designated holidays.Candidates are required to pass the following City examinations prior to being given a conditional offer of employment: oral examination, reading/writing assessment, physical ability assessment, and personal history questionnaire.If given a conditional offer of employment, candidates must also pass a full background check which may include medical, psychological, and polygraph examination prior to appointment.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesCandidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment. Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at or