Police Officer (Lateral or Pre-Service)

Why Join Team SB

Are you a Law Enforcement Officer (Lateral Officer) or a Police Academy Graduate? WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO'S POLICE FORCE! About the City: As a future member of our team, you'll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in the region, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city's evolving identity. San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful. About the Position: Accomplishes a variety of duties in the protection of life and property, to include law enforcement, crime prevention, investigation and public assistance. San Bernardino Police Officers enjoy a variety of different duty assignments and work experiences that may not be available at other agencies. With highly competitive pay, expanded career opportunities, and the chance for upward mobility, lateral officers find the San Bernardino Police Department to be a great choice. For Police Academy Graduates, San Bernardino offers the additional training and experience needed to start a career in law enforcement. IMPORTANT: Proof of California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy or Basic P.O.S.T Course Waiver completion must be attached to application. Required attachments will not be accepted after application submission. Physical Agility Test Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 If you are interested in a career in law enforcement but have NOT completed the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Academy Course OR obtained a Basic P.O.S.T. Course Waiver you will need to apply for the Law Enforcement Trainee (Police Officer Trainee) position. Click here to apply.

What You'll Be Doing Here

Click here to view the Police Officer (Lateral or Pre-Service) job description.

What You Need to Qualify

Education, Training and Experience: A high school or G.E.D. equivalent Must be at least 21 years of age. Successful completion of the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Basic Academy Course or a Basic P.O.S.T. Course Waiver. Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy. For out-of-state applicants, a valid driver's license is required. A valid Class "C" California driver's license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (CA Vehicle Code 12405c). Free of any felony convictions. A citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use hand to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hand and arms; stand; talk and hear; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: The employee may regularly work in outside weather conditions or in an office environment. The noises level depends on the employee's environment. Knowledge of: Current applicable federal, state and municipal laws and ordinances. Departmental rules and regulations. Principles and practices of a municipal police administration and organization. Police requirements and limitations of police authority. Laws, governing custody of persons, search and seizure, admissibility and presentation of evidence and laws of arrest and court procedures. Basic computer operations and functions. Basic mathematics. Correct English usage, including grammar, punctuation and spelling. Ability to: Read and understand departmental policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws and law enforcement literature. Learn the use and care of firearms. Remember names, faces, facts and details of incidents. Write legibly. Type on a computer keyboard. Read and comprehend at the twelfth grade level. Write clear, accurate and comprehensive reports. Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and responsible course of action giving due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances of each situation. Operate an automobile skillfully. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Accomplish various clerical duties. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Demonstrate good judgment, character, reputation, superior poise, bearing, alertness and emotional stability. Cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others. Establish and maintain effective relationships with all those contacted in the course of work. Recruitment Timeline: This recruitment will close on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Physical Agility Test Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

How to Apply and What to Expect Next

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City's official website at This recruitment will remain open until June 28, 2026 or until sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application. Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made, and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position. Pre-Employment Process may include, but is not limited to: Application Review Physical Agility Test Personal History Statement and Pre-Background Interview Questionnaire Packets Oral Exam Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Employment/Professional Reference Check Pre-employment Physical Medical Exam / Psychological exam E-Verify Participation: The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States. Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee's Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at Disclaimers: The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at View phone number on click.appcast.io. This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. The San Bernardino Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is free of all forms of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment and retaliation (Government Code §12940(k); 2 CCR 11023). Click here (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) to view the Police Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report. For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at View email address on click.appcast.io. Additional information is available at