Police Recruit

The Position

Your application will be considered incomplete if you do not attach the required documents. Please review this job posting in its entirety to ensure your application is complete before submitting. Selected candidates from this recruitment will attend the San Diego Regional Police Academy on November 2, 2026, or subsequent academies. For more information on the Carlsbad Police Department, visit

The Carlsbad Police Department is a full-service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the police department and the support of City Council members and the community, Carlsbad continues to be a safe community to live, work, and play. With an annual FBI index crime rate of 18.66, Carlsbad has one of the lowest crime rates among San Diego County's 18 cities. Carlsbad residents report high satisfaction with police services; recent survey results indicate that over 90% of the residents are satisfied with police service.

The Carlsbad Police Department's "Ideal Candidate" exemplifies department values, is a leader, role model, team player, and problem solver. The Police Recruit attends the Regional Law Enforcement Academy and participates in departmental training and orientation programs to prepare for a professional law enforcement career. This is a non-sworn, civilian police officer trainee class designed only to employ Police Officer candidates during the initial, formalized, basic police officer training. Police Recruit is distinguished from the next higher class, Police Officer, in that recruits are not assigned any active law enforcement duties and do not have Police Officer powers. Upon successful completion of training, recruits are appointed and sworn in as Police Officers.

You belong in Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection process please read this section carefully: The City of Carlsbad accepts California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (Pellet-B), also known as the POST Reading and Writing Test. The test is designed to measure four skills associated with reading and writing; clarity, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. There are no math or essay questions. You are exempted from taking the Pellet-B test if you meet the following criteria: Possess an associate degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America) AND/OR Have taken the California POST Pellet-B or similar qualifying exam within six (6) months of date of application and acquired a T-score of 46 or higher in all areas (reading, writing and overall). Please attach a copy of your degree or transcripts confirming your degree, or foreign equivalency certificate issued by an accredited association, AND/OR passing Pellet-B score to your application. This should be in the form of a letter from the organization that administered the California POST entry-level law enforcement test battery (Pellet-B). The letter must indicate candidate's name, date of exam and T-scores for the reading, writing, and overall sections.

Applicants should wear professional attire throughout the selection process beginning with the written exam. Physical Ability Test: California POST compliant physical agility test will be conducted on Saturday, August 1, 2026. A prescreen background interview will also take place on this day. Oral Board Panel Interview: Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem-solving ability, and communication skills. The most highly qualified candidates will continue in the selection process. The oral board is scheduled tentatively for August 5-6, 2026. Background Appraisal Interview: Completion and review of a detailed personal history statement. Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation. Comprehensive Background Investigation: Candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation of their personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. There are certain types of conduct that are automatic grounds for disqualification. Please refer to the "Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria" below to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process. This investigation includes a polygraph examination.

Captains' Interview: Personal interviews with the Captains of Field Operations and Support Operations. Final Steps: Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select/appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

Key Responsibilities

Attends the Regional Law Enforcement Academy, certified by the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training POST, to obtain a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, law enforcement techniques, practices, and procedures, and first aid. Attends classroom lectures. Observes demonstrations on arrest and control methods and the care and use of firearms. Participates in physical conditioning and self-defense exercises. Practices the use of firearms. Takes examinations. Participates in orientation programs under supervision to develop an awareness of the duties, activities, and responsibilities of a Police Officer.

Qualifications

Ability to: Observe, learn understand and interpret various laws, police practices and procedures. Analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in stressful situations. Undergo strenuous physical conditioning. Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports in English. Compute basic arithmetic problems. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Experience & Education

In possession of and able to maintain a State of California Class C driver's license or have the ability to acquire one prior to appointment. No less than 21 years old at the time of appointment. High school graduate or have passed GED test. Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.

Benefits

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Retirement under the CalPERS program, 2% @ 62 formula, Classic Members (those who are enrolled in CalPERS at another local agency) have the 2% @ 60 formula Pension contribution limitations set by PEPRA are currently $151,549 for new members or $280,000 for classic members Bilingual Pay, Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays, Paid vacation, Computer purchase loan, Tuition reimbursement