Police Officer - Entry

Police Officer-Entry Level

The City of Santa Barbara is excited to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the Police Officer-Entry Level position within the Police Department. As a Police Officer-Entry Level, you will attend a P.O.S.T.-certified Police Academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system, training in various laws and procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, physical fitness and related duties.

Now accepting scores from the National Testing Network and T-scores from other agencies. For more information about the National Testing Network, click here.

Under close supervision, learns law enforcement and crime prevention procedures and techniques during attendance at a 24-week P.O.S.T.-certified academy through classroom and physical training. Upon successful completion of the academy, incumbents will be promoted to the position of Police Officer and be expected to perform the following duties: Patrol assigned area in police car, on motorcycle or on foot enforcing Federal, State and Municipal laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations for violations; respond to a variety of calls for public service; maintain constant radio contact with communications center; conduct preliminary investigations; testify in court; apprehend, arrest, and book suspects; and do other work as required. The Santa Barbara Police Department supports community-oriented policing.

The City of Santa Barbara is a certified partner with the Veteran's Administration for On-The-Job Training / Apprenticeship Programs, which may offer educational assistance to Veterans and other eligible individuals while they pursue approved training programs.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of: Basic oral and written communication skills including grammar, punctuation, and spelling required for report writing, verbal explanations of the law, and court testimony. Ability to: Meet the physical and psychological standards required; make accurate observations; read, understand, and follow written and oral directions and established police procedures; learn to deal tactfully and effectively with individuals in the community while explaining and enforcing laws; learn to document and communicate details and recognize hazards and crime problems; learn the applicable Federal, State, and Municipal Codes and motor vehicle codes; learn basic Police Officer standards of conduct and public relations; learn maintenance of firearms and all police related equipment; learn to think and act quickly in emergency situations; learn to assess situations accurately and to apply interpersonal skills and police training to diffuse and/or resolve stressful or potentially volatile situations. License Requirement: Applicants must possess a California Driver's License at time of appointment. Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Physical: Weight proportionate to height, normal hearing and color vision; at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/25 (20/200 correctable to 20/25 with soft contact lenses); excellent health. Must also meet physical and psychological standards required to perform Police Officer duties. Education: High school graduation or equivalent. Other Requirements: No history of personal or criminal conducts which may affect suitability for employment as a Police Officer; the ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

Selection Process

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. The selection process will consist of the following:

1. Written Exam or T-Score Submission (Graded and weighted 100% for purposes of ranking on the eligibility list.)
2. Physical Agility Exam (Pass/Fail)
3. Oral Exam
4. Department Interview
5. Background Investigation
6. Polygraph
7. Medical Examination and Controlled Substances Screening
8. Psychological Evaluation

Candidates must successfully pass each phase of the selection process in order to be scheduled for subsequent phases. Please note: You will receive an email notification prior to the testing date to confirm your attendance.

Additional Information

City applications and attached Acknowledgement of Reasons for Rejection are being accepted on a continuous basis until further notice. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails. The City of Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity Employer - and we encourage all persons to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.