POLICE RECRUIT

Police Recruit

The City of National City is a full-service, state-governed city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County's second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City's competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.–Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City, please visit our website.

About The Position

In partnership with our community, the National City Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of service and public safety. We will pursue this commitment with an unwavering resolve while always respecting the rights and dignity of those we serve. Under immediate supervision, attend a Basic Police Academy and participate in departmental training and orientation programs to prepare for a professional law enforcement career. This is a non-sworn, civilian, trainee class designed to employ Police Officer candidates during the initial, formalized, basic police officer training. Police Recruit is distinguished from the next higher class, Police Officer, in that recruits are not assigned any active law enforcement duties and do not have peace officer powers. Upon successful completion of required training, recruits may be appointed and sworn in as Police Officers.

Ideal Candidate & Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Ability to observe, learn, understand, and interpret various laws and police practices and procedures; analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in emergency and stressful situations; undergo strenuous physical conditioning; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports in English; establish and maintain cooperative working relations with persons of widely varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds; understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Licenses, certifications, or special requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship. Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment. Must meet all requirements for admission to Basic Police Academy recognized by POST.

To Apply

Applications will be accepted online only at and all notices will be sent via e-mail.

Based upon the review of applications received, those applicants who best meet the requirements indicated above will be asked to complete a Pre-Background Questionnaire.

Applicants who pass the review of their pre-background questionnaire, will be invited to a pass/fail written exam.

Those applicants passing the written exam may be invited to the Physical Agility Test (PAT).

Applicants scoring at or above the threshold will be required to complete a Personnel Information Questionnaire (PIQ) and may be invited to an oral interview with the Police Department.