Police Officer - Academy Graduate

Salary : $139,739.83 - $161,766.32 Annually
Location : Los Altos, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 202300148
Department: Police
Opening Date: 09/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: POA


Description
Calling all recent Police Academy graduates! Join our team as an officer and contribute to the City of Los Altos Police Department's commitment to excellence. Apply now to be a part of our dynamic and dedicated department.
Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service. This position involves engaging in diverse assignments such as traffic enforcement, community-oriented policing, and specialized roles like Investigative Services, SWAT, and K-9 Officer positions. Entry-level applicants will undergo training at a POST-approved academy and transition into a field training program upon graduation, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful start to their law enforcement career.

Academy Graduate applicants will enter into the field training program immediately upon appointment.
ABOUT THE LOS ALTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 33 sworn officers and 18 professional staff dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.

Learn more about our Los Altos Police Department

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. This applicant pool may be used to fill other vacant positions on an as-needed basis.

Please ensure the required passing test scores are attached with your application. Once your application is reviewed you will be asked to complete a personal history statement as the next step in the process. Please review and sign the release of information authorization found and attach the signed copy to your application.

Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot
2. Answers calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws
3. Participates in criminal investigations
4. Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses
5. Conducts physical arrests of criminal suspects

Follow this link to view the entire job description:

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EXPERIENCE:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a US high school diploma or US G.E.D. equivalent is required
• An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
• Must possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police Academy
• Must provide verification of the following test results: (Verification must be provided on agency letterhead where test was administered, must include test results, and tests must have been completed within 1 year of application date and submitted prior to background process):
  1. Must have successfully completed the California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 47 or higher.
     • National Testing Network Exam Scores can be submitted in-lieu of PELLETB. Passing score is Video Score: 55, Writing Score: 65, Reading Score: 65.
     • City of Los Altos will sponsor the cost to take the PELLETB! After you apply, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io for more information on how to schedule your PELLETB.
  2. Must have successfully completed the California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)) with a score of 320 or higher

Supplemental Information
IDEAL CANDIDATE

Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills, ability to multi-task, and a can-do attitude; communicates effectively and proactively, both verbally and in writing; enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Requires work, which may be strenuous and hazardous; includes working rotating shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person's race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
01


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a High School diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have an Associate Degree or have you completed 60 semester units of college level courses?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid California Drivers License and have a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

05


Please attest to having a POST Academy Graduate Certificate. *Please be sure that you upload copies of the POST certificate as an attachment with your application.*

• Yes, I have a POST Academy Graduate Certificate and have uploaded it to my application.
• No, I do not have a valid POST Academy Graduate Certificate.

06


Please attest to one or more of the following statements regarding the minimum test score requirements. *Please be sure that you upload copies of the official test score as an attachment with your application.*

• Yes, I have a passing POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 50 or higher dated within the last 2 years and have attached to my application. Or I have a passing National Testing Network (NTN) exam with video score of 55, writing score of 65, and reading score of 65.
• Yes, I have a passing California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) with a score of 320 or higher dated within the last 2 years and have attached to my application.
• No I do not have the required test score(s) to attach to my application.

07


If you do not have a passing PELLETB and/or WSTB/PAT scores dated within the last 2 years please explain.
Required Question