Police Recruit

Police Recruit

The City of Costa Mesa now offers a $10,000, one-time signing bonus for qualified Police Recruit applicants. This bonus will be paid out at $3,000 upon graduation from the academy, $3,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training program, and $4,000 upon completion of probation.

This recruitment is for entry-level candidates interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. Work involves full-time attendance at a Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified Basic police academy to prepare for the responsibilities of a police officer. After meeting all department, state-mandated and academy requirements, including graduation from the Police Academy, the Recruit will be sworn in as a Police Officer (salary range of $7,890 - $10,572 monthly).

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: Applications and written exam scores must be received by September 21st to be considered for the Physical Agility Test scheduled tentatively for October 17, 2026. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis in order to meet the needs of the City. STEP #1: SUBMIT APPLICATION Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are required to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete (resumes are not accepted). Candidate notifications are sent via email. Please make sure your email address is correct and check your email periodically during the application process. Candidates who pass an initial application screening and submit a qualifying written exam score will be invited to continue in the selection process. STEP #2: WRITTEN EXAMINATION Submit test results from one of the two test options below. Scores that are dated within one (1) year of the application date and meet the minimum passing score will be accepted. National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Exam Passing scores: Video - 65% or higher; Reading - 70% or higher; and Writing - 70% or higher This exam is administered directly by the National Testing Network (NTN) and candidates pay a test fee for the service. There are multiple test sites in Southern California, as well as throughout the Country. To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website by clicking here. Select the Costa Mesa Police Department and the specific position you are applying to. NTN will submit the scores to Costa Mesa Human Resources for review. Do NOT submit a test score if you do not meet the job qualifications. OR P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) Passing score: Total T-Score - 45 or higher Costa Mesa Police Department does not have any future test dates; however, if you have taken the PELLETB test with another agency within the last year, you may submit a copy of your test results to be meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead. PELLETB score must be attached to online application. STEP #3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (PAT) Qualified applicants who complete steps 1 & 2 will be invited to the PAT when a test date is established. The PAT is typically scheduled several times per year. To view a video detailing the PAT components click here. STEP #4: ORAL INTERVIEW EVALUATIONS Candidates who successfully pass the PAT will be invited to the interview evaluation. ELIGIBILITY LIST Candidates must pass all four (4) of the steps listed above to be placed on the City's Eligibility List. The application screening, written examination, and physical agility test are all qualifying steps (pass/fail). The oral interview evaluation is weighted 100% and determines a candidates' placement on the eligibility list. Eligibility lists are valid for one (1) year from the date they are established unless it is exhausted sooner or extended for an additional period of time. FINAL PHASES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS: Upon being placed on the eligibility list, appointment(s) will be made after successfully passing each of the following components: polygraph examination, a comprehensive background investigation, interview with the Chief of Police, and the post-offer pre-employment psychological evaluation and medical examination. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States.