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.

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here. The mission of the Police Department is to operate under a community-oriented policing philosophy, create and maintain a safe community where people can live in peace without the fear of crime. Work in a department where character counts, performance and excellence are celebrated, a place that helps employees develop and grow, and an environment that listens, learns, invites and inspires new ideas. Read more about the Police Department 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.

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.