Police Officer - Entry Level

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-106
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
EXAMINATION DATES:
PELLET B: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Monday, August 10, 2026

PIQ: Will receive via E-Mail once qualified

PAT: Saturday, June 27, 2026Thursday, July 30, 2026

Saturday, August 22, 2026

NEW HIRE ORIENTATION: October 2026

ACADEMY: November 2026
Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.


COMPENSATION:

UPON GRADUATION FROM THE ACADEMY
Police Officer:
$7,585 - $10,306 per month
$91,021 - $123,677 per year

WHILE IN THE ACADEMY
Police Officer Recruit:
$34.37 per hour

(In the event the academy requires a COVID vaccination, verification of full vaccination will need to be provided prior to the start of the academy.)

A bilingual premium (Samoan, Spanish or ASL) of $1.73 per hour will be paid to those employees who pass the bilingual examination.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer - Entry Level. This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies for the Regional Peace Officer POST Academy.
Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Look no further than the Oceanside Police Department, serving the City of Oceanside. The City of Oceanside, CA (population 178,000) is a thriving beachfront community centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline. Located just 35 miles north of San Diego and 83 miles south of Los Angeles, Oceanside offers a unique combination of outstanding location, affordable housing, excellent schools, and multiple community resources. The City enjoys proximity to all major Southern California destinations, while maintaining its coastal beauty and unique character.
With an authorized budgeted strength of 228 sworn and 84 professional staff members, the Oceanside Police Department handles approximately 110,000 calls for service each year. Our team is organized under the Chief's office and three divisions: Patrol, Support Operations and Investigations. Our motto, "Service With Pride," speaks to our focus on quality customer service and efficient service. We are committed to public safety and to implementing innovative crime-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and healthy community.


To learn more about the Oceanside Police Department, please click


This is a POST PELLETB written examination. A T-score of 46 or higher is required to continue in the selection process.
Candidates must pass a thorough Police background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation and medical examination which will include a pre-employment drug screening.
The City of Oceanside is a proud participant in the Veterans Affairs On-the-Job/Apprenticeship Training Program.
Examples of Duties
Police Officers patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to answer service calls for the protection of life and property. Duties include conducting investigations; identifying and collecting evidence; directing traffic; making arrests; issuing citations; serving warrants and subpoenas; preparing reports; and working with the community to identify problems and solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate or equivalent; Must be twenty (20) years and six (6) months on the date you apply and twenty one (21) years by the date of Academy graduation; be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident who has applied for U.S. Citizenship.


Special Requirements: Possess a valid Class C California Driver's license at time of appointment. Pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation and medical examination which will include a pre-employment drug screening. Not have been convicted of a felony or serving probation.

Note: Appointment to Police Officer is contingent upon graduation from the POST Peace Officer Academy.

Working Conditions and Selection Process
The applicant examination process is divided into separate phases: written, a pre-background questionnaire, and physical agility. Individuals must successfully complete each phase prior to advancing to the next. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

The Examination Process:

All properly completed applications will be screened and the most appropriately qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process which includes.

• A written examination (POST PELLETB) designed to assess job-related skills.
• A Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ).
• Physical Agility Test (PAT) consisting of four events:
  • 25 push-ups in 1 minute;
  • 30 sit-ups in 1 minute;
  • 165-pound dummy drag - 32 feet within 28 seconds; and
  • 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 55 seconds (14:55).

NOTE: Candidates who are not selected in the PIQ process must wait a year from the date of initial PIQ appointment to re-submit an application for testing and reconsideration.
The POST PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete the POST PELLETB. Additional information regarding the POST PELLETB examination can be found on the POST website at
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT POST PELLETB TEST WAIVERS :


The City of Oceanside WILL ACCEPT other agencies P.O.S.T. Test T-scores in lieu of taking the written exam under the following conditions:

• Other agency POST Test must have been taken within 6 months prior to the City of Oceanside's test date.
• Written exam test must be a POST PELLETB exam. No other type exam.
• Applicants must attach, to their application, a copy of their T-score on agency letterhead indicating the score received for Reading, Writing and Total T-score (46+) before the PAT/PIQ examination date.

The City of Oceanside WILL ACCEPT an associate's degree or higher in lieu of taking the written exam under the following conditions:

• The associate's degree of higher must be from an accredited college or university, OR
• There must be a foreign equivalency certificate issued by an accredited association.
• Applicants must attach, to their application, a copy of their degree or transcripts confirming the degree before the PAT/PIQ examination date.

NOTE: Any applicant who has taken the POST PELLETB exam within the last thirty (30) calendar days, with any other agency, from our examination date, need not retake the exam.


If you have taken the POST PELLETB exam within the last thirty (30) calendar days, submit a copy of your exam results with your application. If you received a t-score of 46+, you will be contacted, by email, regarding the PAT/PIQ examination time and location.

To be considered for the upcoming exams all application materials must be received before the examination date. Candidate will be notified via email when the examination has been scheduled.
For information on the Oceanside Police Department click
A RESUM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A CITY APPLICATION BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside Police Officers' Association
Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Employer Paid Member Contribution included as Special Compensation
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental:

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Life and Disability Insurances

The LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Long-Term Disability Insurance through California Law Enforcement Association: See association for plan benefits
Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

Metlife Legal

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits

Vacation:
All accurals are based on 80 hours in a paid status.


1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16+ years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/94
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/94 or after

Holidays:

• Credited with 56 hours on January 1 & July 1 for a total of 112 hours annually
• A maximum of 56 hours of unused holiday credit will be paid out by the 2nd pay period in January or July

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:


Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 25% payment in lieu of sick leave provided such employee has used 32 hours or less of sick leave during the calendar year.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement
$2,000 per fiscal year

Bilingual Pay
$1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Call Back Pay

Employees are eligible to receive callback pay when they are called back to work. The employee will receive time and one-half for the time actually worked or a minimum of 3 hours at overtime, whichever is greater.
Uniforms

The City will provide annual uniform allowance in the amount of $1,000.
Special Compensation

• Motorcycle - 4 hours of compensation will be paid at the regular rate for each week on assignment.
• Canine - 4 hours of compensation will be paid at the regular rate for each week on assignment.
• Field Training Officer - 3.4 hours of compensation will be paid at the regular rate for each shift on assignment.
• SWAT - 5 hours of overtime compensation will be paid each month for physical and weapons training.

Shift Differential Pay
5% of base pay rate for employees assigned to eligible schedules.

P.O.S.T. Pay
Police Officers and Sergeants possessing a P.O.S.T. Certificate will receive a cash allowance as a percentage of their base pay rate accordingly:

• Police Officers:
  Intermediate - 5%
  Advanced - 7%
• Police Sergeants:
  Intermediate - 4%
  Advanced - 6%
  Supervisory - 8%

Service Pay
Employees with continuous years of sworn service with the City of Oceanside will receive the below payment the first full paycheck in December of each year:

• $2,000 - nine years
• $3,000 - twelve years
• $5,000 - twenty years

Court Pay

A minimum 3 hours pay at time and one-half will be paid if not on duty.
Term of Bargaining Agreement

Effective January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01


This information will be used to determine your eligibility to compete for this position. This information will be verified upon certification for employment consideration by the Oceanside Police Department and during the background investigation. NOTE: Before you complete this form, please read all the questions carefully.If your answer is "YES" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for this position with the Oceanside Police Department.Have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony?

• YES
• NO

02


Are you currently serving probation for any crime (misdemeanor or felony)?

• YES
• NO

03


Have you ever been CONVICTED of Domestic Violence?

• YES
• NO

04


Do you have an Active Restraining Order?

• YES
• NO

05


If your answer is "NO" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for this position with the Oceanside Police Department.Employment requirements and conditionsAs of today's date, are you at least 20-1/2 years old? (You must be 21 years old at time of hire)

• YES
• NO

06


Do you possess a high school diploma or GED certificate?

• YES
• NO

07


Are you a citizen of the U.S., or lawfully admitted for permanent resident in the U.S. and in the process of becoming a United States citizen

• YES
• NO

08


Are you willing to make California as your principal residence throughout employment as a law enforcement officer?

• YES
• NO

09


Are you willing to work overtime, varying shifts, weekends and holidays?

• YES
• NO

10


Are you willing to wear a uniform and comply with department grooming standards (hair shall be kept neat, clean, and well groomed, no beards, mustache trimmed, minimal jewelry, etc.)?

• YES
• NO

11


Do you understand that the following are employment conditions that are required throughout employment as a law enforcement officer and are you willing to comply? a) You are responsible for your own transportation to and from work.b) You must accept assignments to work at any location within the City, and travel in and out of the County on specific assignments.c) If justified by existing laws and department policies and procedures, law enforcement officers must be willing and able to use deadly force (i.e., handgun, etc.) to protect themselves and others.

• YES
• NO

12


If your answer is "Yes" to any of the following questions, you are not eligible for this position with the Oceanside Police Department.Have you ever used illegal drugs, other than marijuana, in the past five (5) years?

• YES
• NO

13


Have you used any hallucinogens (mushrooms, LSD, peyote, mescaline, etc.) in the past fifteen (15) years?

• YES
• NO

14


Have you ever sold any illegal substances, including steroids?

• YES
• NO

15


Have you ever injected any illegal substances, not including steroids in the past fifteen (15) years?

• YES
• NO

16


Have you taken the POST PELLETB written exam with another agency, within 6 months from the City of Oceanside's test date? If yes, please attach a copy of your T-score to your application.

• Yes
• No

17


If yes, do you have a passing score of 46 or higher?

• Yes
• No

18


Do you possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college? If yes, please attach a copy of your degree to your application.

• Yes
• No

19


CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question