Police Recruit

Job Overview

Candidates are being screened for the Regional Police Academy: Physical Abilities Test (PAT)/POST PELLETB Exam (T-Score 42) is scheduled for the following date: August 18, 2026 at 3:00pm The Opportunity: The City of El Cajon is looking for motivated individuals who want to make a direct impact to the community of El Cajon, to join their Police Department as a Police Recruit. The Community: As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is recognized as a wonderful location to live, work and play. El Cajon boasts a diverse and vibrant community, safe and attractive neighborhoods, many parks and recreation centers, award-winning schools, libraries, and other amenities. El Cajon is a full service City, with first-class police and fire departments. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset. El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities. Through the vision of the El Cajon City Council, El Cajon is able to balance new growth and development while preserving a rich and honored heritage. The City staff is professional, knowledgeable, and focused on providing exceptional customer service.

Mission Statement: Committed to a safe and secure community through service, mutual cooperation and respect. • Active Police Department that responds to an array of calls for service while building partnerships and focusing on Community Oriented Policing • Sworn Divisions include Patrol, US Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Traffic, Crisis Negotiation Team, Investigations, and K9 Unit • Special assignments with the DEA Narcotics Task Force and FBI Safe Streets Task Force • Support Divisions include Records, Communications Center, Property, and ISO Accredited Crime Laboratory • Police Officers work three 12.5 hour shifts • New Police Recruits are provided all equipment

Typical Duties

Police Recruit New Hire Process:

1. Application Period and Review • Applications and attachments, such as valid outside PELLETB score, or college degree, must be submitted by the application deadline. • Valid outside PELLETB score • T-Score must be from PELLETB exam taken within 6 months of PELLETB test date (on or after February 18, 2026). • T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
2. Examination Phase • Physical Abilities Test (PAT) – Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 3:00pm • Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) – T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
3. Eligibility List and Pre-Employment Process • Candidates who successfully complete the examination phase will be placed on the eligibility list and referred to the department for further processing: Personal History Statement, Panel Interview, Polygraph, Pre-Investigative Questionnaire, Captain's Interview, Background Investigation, and Chief's Interview.
4. Additional Information • All candidates are required to undergo a psychological examination and pre-employment medical examination in addition to the aforementioned steps.

Qualification Guidelines

Please visit our website for the full job description: Police Recruit

Additional Information

Contact our Background Coordinator for more information on the new hire process, team interactions, and morning workouts: View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The City of El Cajon offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and CalPERS retirement.

Please review City Council Policy A-29 for detailed information regarding compensation, benefits, retirement, and more: El Cajon Executive and Unrepresented Employees (A-29). If you have any questions, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.

01 In order to better evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. In addition, copies of certifications, coursework and/or degrees must be attached to this application. I acknowledge receipt of this information.

• Yes
• No

02 Do you possess a high school diploma, GED Certificate or a California High School Proficiency Certificate?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver's License with a safe driving record?

• Yes
• No

04 I certify that I will be age 20-1/2 or older within the next 6 months.

• Yes
• No

05 FOR POLICE RECRUIT: Did you take the POST PELLETB written exam within the past 6 months with a T-Score of 42 or above? If you have your T-Score, please attach a copy of your T-Score to your application.

• YES - I took the PELLETB test within the past 6 months (on or after February 18, 2026) and I have a passing T-Score of 42 or higher. I understand my results must be attached to this application or emailed to View email address on click.appcast.io prior to my scheduled PAT date. Results must include exam date, a breakdown of the reading and writing score, and T-Score.
• I am scheduled to take the PELLETB test with another agency prior to the City of El Cajon's test date and understand that I must submit my passing T-Score to View email address on click.appcast.io prior to my scheduled PAT date.
• NO - I have not taken the PELLETB test and will need to take the examination with the City of El Cajon.
• I have an Associate's Degree or higher and have attached my degree to be exempt from the POST PELLETB.

06 Do you possess an Associate's Degree or higher? If yes, you MUST attach your degree to be exempt from the POST PELLETB exam.

• Yes
• No

07 REFERRAL: In what type of setting were you referred?

• Military Event
• City Employee Referral
• Recruiting Fair
• Friend
• Family Member
• Radio
• City/PD Instagram
• City/PD Linkedin
• City/PD Facebook
• News Segment
• Community Event
• Other
• N/A

08 REFERRAL: Were you referred by an active City of El Cajon Employee? If yes, please write their full name. If no, please type "N/A" in the response.

09 I acknowledge that the PAT and PELLETB is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. (You will receive a sign up notice with additional details before the selected date.)

• Yes, I acknowledge that the PAT and PELLETB is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

10 El Cajon Police Department grooming and appearance standards require hair to be maintained neatly and well-groomed; long hair must be pinned or worn up; beards or goatees are not allowed; mustaches must be neatly trimmed and short; fingernails must be plain and short; and jewelry or piercings must not be visible. Police safety employees are prohibited from having any offensive or excessive tattoos that are visible upon the hands, neck, face, or head. Are you willing to wear a uniform and comply with the grooming and appearance standards and policies of the El Cajon Police Department?

• Yes
• No

* Required Question