Police Recruit SJ58

Salary : $123,653.40 Annually
Location : San Jose
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202601476
DEPART: Police Department
Opening Date: 03/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io, 711 (TTY), or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

About the Department
The San José Police Department is dedicated to providing public safety through community partnerships and 21st Century Policing practices, ensuring equity for all. The Department is committed to treating all of San Jose's diverse community members with dignity, fairness, and respect, while protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law.

Position Duties
POLICE RECRUIT - FEBRUARY 2027 ACADEMY
A Police Recruit is an entry level position and applies to someone who does NOT have police/peace officer or training within the State of California; police officers from other states and federal law enforcement officers who do NOT possess a California P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate; and someone who has graduated from a California P.O.S.T. Academy but has NOT completed a patrol field training program. The San Jose Police Department does not accept the California P.O.S.T. Waiver.
STEP #1: SUBMIT POLICE RECRUIT APPLICATION
Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and updates will be sent once the application review is complete.
STEP #2: SELF-SCHEDULE WRITTEN and PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAMS.
**ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THE WRITTEN AND PHYSICAL AGILITY BEFORE RECEIVING AN ORAL INTERVIEW INVITE**

• Candidates must pass ONE of the below written examinations. SJPD accepts the PELLETB and NTN written exams. Results are valid for 3 years.
  • California P.O.S.T. Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) ( Available only in CA)Pass Point is a T-Score total of 50 or higher. Results valid for three years. For more information or to register, visit:
  • National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Exam : (Available Nationwide)Pass Point scores are 60% Video, 65% Reading, and 65% Writing. For more information or to register, visit:
• Candidates must pass a physical agility examinations Results are valid for 1 year.
  • California P.O.S.T. Physical Agility Test (WSTB) . Pass or Fail. The WSTB includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.), six-foot chain-link fence climb with 25 yard sprint, and 500-yard run. Also included in the Physical Agility Test is a 1.5 mile run, which must be completed in 14 minutes or less. To register, visit: We will not accept the WSTB from any other department/agency.

*SJPD offers in house testing once a month for applicants in our process. You will receive a testing flyer with available dates once you pass your application*

STEP #3: ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

• This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions. Pass Point is 70% or higher. Results are valid for three years.
• If you are out of state or military, we can conduct your interview via ZOOM but you will still need to come out here to take the physical agility test.

STEP #4: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

• Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will then be assigned to assist candidates through the process. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

STEP #5: THE SAN JOSE POLICE ACADEMY

• Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy. Upon graduation, you will enter the Field Training Program (FTO) for additional training as a SJPD officer on the street.
• For the current Police Recruit hourly rate go to:

Minimum Qualifications
No prior experience or training is required. However, applicants must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications below:
• At least 20-1/2 years old at the time of application/ Maximum age is 70 years old (mandatory retirement age)
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
• Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
• MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. View more information about Accredited College Credits
• MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police Academy credits already earned are accepted as part of the educational requirement.
• Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement - Reserve time excluded.
• MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION , College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.

• Any college coursework or degrees that are obtained from OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES will need to be translated by an accepted service. Here is one SJPD accepts, all fees are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • 1. International Institute of California
    3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 310
    San Jose, CA 95117
    View phone number on click.appcast.io

• Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
• No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.


You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.


Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email and we will research the status of your application.


AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
The City of San Jose offers a comprehensive benefit package.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit our
01


I am at least 20 1/2 years old. (Mandatory retirement at 70 years old).

• Yes
• No

02


I am legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal law.

• Yes
• No

03


I possess a UNITED STATES high school diploma or other state approved high school diploma equivalency certification. (This requirement is WAIVED if you possess a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree earned from a U.S. accredited college or university) Please check 'Yes' if either condition applies.

• Yes
• No

04


I CURRENTLY POSSESS forty (40) semester or sixty (60) quarter credits from a UNITED STATES accredited college or university or I have the acceptable education substitution of military service of 4 active years in either the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, or coast guard with an honorable discharge.If your degree is from OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES, you will need to get your degree translated by an approved SJPD translation service, fees are your expense (information will be provided during the backgrounds phase).Please check 'Yes' if any of these conditions apply.

• Yes
• No

05


I understand if I possess a diploma or degree from OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES that I will be asked to have my transcripts evaluated using only the SJPD approved translation services and/or will need to obtain a GED at my own expense within 2 weeks after passing the oral interview. A response is required - Please check "Yes: that you understand this requirement, or "Not Applicable" if your education was obtained within the United States.

• Yes
• Not Applicable - I possess the education requirement obtained within the United States.

06


I possess a valid driver's license authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.

• Yes
• No

07


Which Police Academy would you like to test for?

• February 2027

08


Are you a SkillBridge military applicant?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered "Yes" to the question above (Are you a SkillBridge military applicant?), please list the military branch you are serving.
10


During the past ten years of employment history how many times have you been involuntarily terminated, failed probation or resigned to avoid being fired?

• Zero (0)
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)
• Four (4) or more

11


If four or more are selected for your employment history, please explain and list the dates of leaving the employer.
12


Did you ever work (even on the side) without reporting it while collecting unemployment?

• Yes
• No

13


If you answered "Yes" to the question above (Did you ever work (even on the side) without reporting it while collecting unemployment?) Please explain with the last date money was collected, and the amount that was collected in total.
14


Have you been issued any moving violations (Moving violations include: speeding, illegal U-turns, illegal lane changes, following too close.) in the last three (3) years? Do not include parking citations. If "yes", how many?

• No
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)
• Four (4) or more

15


If four or more are selected for moving violations, please explain and list the dates of moving violations.
16


Have you been "at fault" in any traffic collisions within the last three (3) years where you were the driver? If "yes", how many? (At fault refers to you being the primary reason for the collision)

• No
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)
• Four (4) or more

17


If four or more are selected for traffic collisions, please explain and list the dates of traffic collisions.
18


How many times have you been convicted, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor as an adult?

• Zero (0)
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)
• Four (4) or more

19


If you answered anything other than ZERO to the question above (How many times have you been convicted, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor as an adult), please explain details, including the charge and date of conviction.
20


When was the last time you were convicted of a misdemeanor?

• Does not apply
• 0-36 months
• 37 months - 6 yearsyears
• 6 years or more

21


How many times have you been convicted, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a felony?

• Zero (0)
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3) or more

22


Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a domestic violence (273.5/243e PC)?

• Yes
• No

23


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a domestic violence (273.5/243e PC)), please explain.
24


Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to assault, battery, or resisting arrest as an adult?

• Yes
• No

25


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to assault, battery, or resisting arrest as an adult?), please explain.
26


Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to forgery or embezzlement?

• Yes
• No

27


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to forgery or embezzlement?), please explain.
28


Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to arson?

• Yes
• No

29


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to arson?), please explain.
30


Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to any type of sex crime?

• Yes
• No

31


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to any type of sex crime?), please explain.
32


Are you currently on court-ordered probation or parole for any offense, including traffic violations?

• Yes
• No

33


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Are you currently on court-ordered probation or parole for any offense, including traffic violations?), please explain.
34


Do you currently have any outstanding warrants for your arrest?

• Yes
• No

35


"Since the age of 18, have you ever committed theft or embezzlement for an amount totaling $950.00 or more? (This includes theft from an employer, items other than unintended supplies such as pens, pencils, etc...)"

• Yes; I have committed theft or embezzlement for an amount totaling $950.00 or more.
• No; I have never committed theft or embezzlement for an amount totaling $950.00 or more.

36


How many times have you been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to DUI in the last three years?

• None
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)
• Four (4) or more

37


Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a DUI accident involving death or injury to another person?

• Yes
• No

38


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a DUI accident involving death or injury to another person?), please explain.
39


Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a reckless driving accident involving death or injury to another person?

• Yes
• No

40


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a reckless driving accident involving death or injury to another person?), please explain.
41


Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a vehicular manslaughter?

• Yes
• No

42


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever caused or been convicted of, pleaded guilty, or pleaded no contest to a vehicular manslaughter?), please explain.
43


Have you ever slapped, punched, or otherwise injured a spouse or romantic partner (not in self-defense)?

• Yes
• No

44


If you answered "YES" to the question above (Have you ever slapped, punched, or otherwise injured a spouse or romantic partner (not in self-defense)?), please explain.
45


Have you ever tried, used or experimented with any substance or illegal drug, under limited circumstances (without a prescription) including: Cocaine Powder, Barbiturates (Downers), Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline, Mushrooms, and Peyote), GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate), Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Amyl Nitrate, Quaaludes, Steroids or synthetic steroids, Designer drugs (Ecstasy, Bath Salts, Synthetic Heroin, etc.), Nitrous Oxide, Paint or any substance containing Toluene (for the purpose of getting high), Or any other illegal drug not listed above, OTHER than marijuana?

• Yes
• No

46


If you answered "Yes" to the question above (Have you ever tried, used or experimented with any substance or illegal drug, under limited circumstances (without a prescription) including: Cocaine Powder, Barbiturates (Downers), Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline, Mushrooms, and Peyote), GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate), Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Amyl Nitrate, Quaaludes, Steroids or synthetic steroids, Designer drugs (Ecstasy, Bath Salts, Synthetic Heroin, etc.), Nitrous Oxide, Paint or any substance containing Toluene (for the purpose of getting high), Or any other illegal drug not listed above, OTHER than marijuana?) -- Please explain and provide which drug, last date of use, and number of usages.
47


Have you ever used PCP or heroin?

• Yes
• No

48


Have you ever used Crack Cocaine, Opiates, Morphine, Demerol or other substances other than a prescription drug or treatment legally prescribed to you?

• Yes
• No

49


If you answered "Yes" to the question above (Have you ever used Crack Cocaine, Opiates, Morphine, Demerol or other substances other than a prescription drug or treatment legally prescribed to you?), please explain and provide which drug, last date of use, and number of usages.
50


Since the age of 18, have you ever engaged in any of the activities listed below for drugs, narcotics or illegal substances, including marijuana? (Please check all that apply).

• Sold
• Furnished
• Manufactured
• Cultivated
• None of the above

51


If you answered "Yes" to the question above (Since the age of 18, have you ever engaged in any of the activities listed below for drugs, narcotics or illegal substances, including marijuana?), please explain and include date of incident.
Required Question