POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

Police Officer Recruit

The City of Visalia Police Department is recruiting for the position of Police Officer Recruit to attend the College of Sequoias 165th Intensive Basic Police Academy. Applicants hired as a Police Officer Recruit will be sponsored by the Visalia Police Department and must attend and successfully complete the College of the Sequoias (COS) 165th Intensive Basic Police Academy scheduled to begin on February 1, 2027. The Academy is a six-month course that meets Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Hanford Center. Some evening and weekend class meetings are also scheduled. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, recruits will become sworn Visalia Police Officers and begin field training.

The Visalia Police Department is seeking passionate, driven, and motivated individuals who are interested in pursuing a rewarding career in law enforcement. Ideal candidates will have uncompromising integrity, a strong work ethic, exercise good judgment and problem solving skills, and demonstrate an enthusiastic passion for law enforcement and a strong commitment to serving the community. Police Officer Recruit requirements include:

• High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Must be at least 21 years of age by time of graduation from the Academy.
• Must meet all COS requirements for entrance into the Basic Police Officer Academy program.
• Upon hire, must enroll in and successfully complete the 165th COS Intensive Basic Police Officer Academy scheduled to begin in February 2027.

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related written examination and/or interview process. An informational meeting will be held on August 17, 2026, at 5:30 pm at the Visalia Convention Center located at 303 E. Acequia. The written exam is tentatively scheduled for September 23, 2026. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 8, 2026. Successful candidates will be required to pass a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph, psychological examination and physical examination. Apply Early! Due to anticipated interest, the City will accept only the first 200 completed applications. The recruitment will close once 200 completed applications have been received, which may occur before the posted closing date.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS Positions in this class lift and carry people and heavy objects and are exposed to the weather. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes: Monthly Salary: $6,053-$7,609 CalPERS retirement program Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Longevity Pay Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses) Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more... Review the Benefits tab for more information. If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments. As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities. Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer! The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.