Before you begin the process for Police Officer, carefully review the hiring process.

• Possible Disqualifiers for Police Officers/Recruits (PDF)

General

U.S. citizenship or permanent resident who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to the application for employment.

Minimum Age

20 years of age on the day you take the Written Test; 21 at time of Academy graduation (No maximum age limit).

Education

• Graduation from a high school located within the United States or a U.S. territory;
• OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination OR G.E.D. with scores that meet the California standard established by the American Council on Education;
• OR possession of a two- or four-year degree from an accredited college or university. (Accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body that has been recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation.)

Candidates screened by the Police Department must present proof of education when they submit their "Personal History Statement" (Word  PDF).

License

A valid California Class C Driver's License, which permits you to drive an automobile, will be required at the time of hire.

If you have additional questions about San Diego Police Department Recruiting, see the Frequently Asked Questions, call 619-531-COPS (2677) or email sdpdrecruiting@pd.sandiego.gov.

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

To access 9-1-1 from a cell phone or outside San Diego, dial 619-531-2065.

For 24-hour non-emergencies, dial 619-531-2000 or 858-484-3154.