Police Officer (Academy Graduate, Lateral)

Join a professional and respected department that is LOVED by its community.


The San Bruno Police Department


The San Bruno Police Department has a long-standing tradition of small-town service with a big-city dedication to public safety. The department employs a community-oriented policing and problem-solving philosophy where members of the organization are encouraged to develop innovative strategies to improve police operations and service to the community.


Examples of Duties

Police Officers will work on assigned, rotating shifts, patrolling City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace; providing traffic control, investigation and first-aid at accidents; performing detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct; responding to emergency calls and investigating robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, and other criminal activity; taking appropriate law enforcement action; serving and protecting the public, and performing additional duties as required.


The San Bruno Police Department offers the opportunity to work in a variety of specialty positions, including Detective, Motorcycle Officer, K9 Handler, SWAT, School Resource Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Narcotics Officer, DEA Task Force Agent, and more.


Typical Qualifications

In addition to graduation from high school, the following are required:

• At least 21 years of age
• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
• Valid California Driver's License
• Ability to meet all California POST medical, psychological, and background standards
• Successful completion of a rigorous background investigation
• A 2-year or 4-year degree in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field is preferred

Entry-Level / Academy Graduate Applicants

• Must meet all of the basic requirements listed above; and
• Have successfully completed a California P.O.S.T. Basic Training Police Academy within the past thirty (30) months (to maintain POST eligibility without requalification); OR
• Provide proof of current enrollment in a California P.O.S.T. Basic Training Police Academy and successfully complete the academy prior to appointment.
• Academy graduates whose academy completion exceeds thirty (30) months may be considered if they have completed or agree to complete the POST Requalification Course prior to appointment.

Lateral Applicants

• Must meet all of the basic requirements listed above; and
• Currently employed as a full-time, paid sworn police officer for at least two (2) years; OR
• Have at least twenty-four (24) months of prior service as a full-time, paid sworn police officer in a civilian governmental jurisdiction; and
• Possess a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or higher), or an equivalent certificate approved by P.O.S.T.

Successful candidates will have a track record of the following:

• Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in law enforcement; maintains an understanding of policies, procedures, and law.
• Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others' emotions and behavior; leveraging insights to effectively manage own responses so that one's behavior matches one's values and delivers intended results.
• Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization.
• Demonstrating an ability under pressure to identify priorities and assert control over an incident to promote public safety through critical thinking, effective communication, and resource allocation; understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS).

• Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learning through their application.
• Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently; adhering to timelines; meeting deadlines.

Supplemental Information

Thisis a continuous recruitment, and applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. For a full, detailed class specification, click here.

How to Apply


Applications may be submitted online at BambooHR. Applicants must attach a copy of a valid POST Certificate dated within the past 30 months from date of potential hire in order to be considered. Applications that do not have the required document(s) attached will be considered incomplete. The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the position.


Reasonable Accommodations:

The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and as such does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, gender, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices. If you require special accommodations, please contact us to discuss your needs.