Police Recruit – Entry level, no law enforcement experience required

Police Officer I – CA POST Certified academy graduate OR less than two years of patrol experience

Police Officer II – Two or more years of patrol experience

A career in a community-oriented law enforcement agency can be yours if you want a job that offers: challenge, excitement, variety, teamwork and job satisfaction, opportunities for special assignments and career development, opportunities for rapid promotion, college credit for academy training, a flexible, cafeteria-style benefits package including health and dental coverage and tax-deferred savings plans, and an excellent retirement program.

The City has implemented a new application and testing process that streamlines the Police Applicant process. The initial step in applying for a position with the San Diego Police Department is to take the written test, which is administered by the City of San Diego's Personnel Department. To obtain a test date, go to the Personnel Department's Open Job Opportunities and fill out an online application (requires registration) for Police Recruit, Police Officer I, or Police Officer II. If you meet the minimum requirements and your online application is approved, you will be notified and given instruction on how to sign up for an available test date. The application approval process takes approximately three weeks. Refer to the First Time User Guide for assistance with online job applications.

• Step 1: Written Test
• Step 2: Physical Abilities Test and Pre-Investigative Questionnaire
• Step 3: Background Investigation
• Step 4: Polygraph Examination
• Step 5: Appointing Authority Interview
• Step 6: Psychological Evaluation
• Step 7: Medical Evaluation

Candidate Assistance Mentoring Program (CAMP)

CAMP is designed to prepare police officer recruit candidates for the physical and mental rigors of the police academy. Designed by police academy core trainers, CAMP participants will be exposed to strenuous exercise and close-order drills. SDPD Recruiters will induce stress upon the participants while fostering an environment of teamwork and excellence. CAMP participants form strong bonds with each other, which is vital for academy success.

CAMP is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., and the first and last Saturday of the month at 7 a.m.

Candidates must currently be in the background process to attend.

For additional information, call 619-531-COPS. Or contact a recruiter by emailing SDPDrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov

You can also join Open CAMP, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

Learn More & Register for Open CAMP

How long is the Police Academy training program?
The police academy is a six-month college course. Two-thirds of the Academy is academics, and one-third of the Academy is physical training.

Is the academy a live-in, high-stress environment?
Academy hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with recruits going home at the end of each day. It is not structured as a high-stress academy. Teamwork is highly encouraged.

How much running is required in the academy?
Recruits will be required to run at least 3 1/2 miles each day at the start of the academy. By the end of academy training, recruits will be running up to 7 miles a day several times a week.

What happens when I graduate from the academy?
Upon graduation, Police Recruits are promoted to Police Officers and will be scheduled for an additional four-month training program with a Field Training Officer. Once training is complete, new officers will be assigned to one of nine area commands. The location and work schedule will be determined according to the needs of the Department.

Will I be paid while attending the academy?
San Diego Police Department Recruits will be paid while attending the academy and are considered City of San Diego employees

More information

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