Recruit Police Officer-Santa Clara Police Department

Santa Clara Police Department
601 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, California 95050
Phone: 408-615-4849

Updated: August 26, 2024

Position Title: Recruit Police Officer
The Santa Clara Police Department is establishing a hiring list for the position of entry-level and lateral police officers. Candidates interested in the entry-level position must complete the Frontline National exam through the National Testing Network. Lateral police officer applicants are not required to take the Frontline National exam.

If you are interested, please fill out a department application. Applications are due by September 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM PST.

The Department: The Santa Clara Police Department is dedicated to providing exceptional service to the community through a collaborative approach known as the “Santa Clara Way.” The department values professionalism, integrity, and a strong partnership with the community. The team is committed to identifying and resolving problems with all available resources, ensuring high-quality service.

The Position: This is an entry-level, non-sworn position in the Police Department. Recruits are assigned to the Basic Peace Officer Academy and must successfully complete all requirements to obtain the Basic Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certificate. Upon successful completion, recruits are eligible for promotion to the sworn position of Police Officer. The position involves attending the academy, passing all required examinations, and performing related duties as assigned.

Application Requirements:
To be considered for the screening process, candidates must upload the following documents:

Verification of a valid POST-Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) examination with a T-Score of 50 or above, OR verification of completion from the National Testing Network (NTN) with the following minimum scores: Frontline Test: 65% Video, 70% Reading, and 70% Writing.
Verification of POST Physical Ability Examination (WSTB) PASS.
All certificates must be dated no more than one year ago and attached to your employment application. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of Friday, September 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

Additional Information: Applications must be filled out completely; incomplete applications will not be considered. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions within this or other divisions or departments.

Salary Information: The annual salary range for this position is $110,301.12 – $140,865.12. The position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements:

Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units of academic-level coursework at an accredited college or university with no experience required, OR
Completion of thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of academic-level courses at an accredited college or university and two (2) years of full-time, paid, recent police experience.
License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
Must meet the minimum peace officer selection standards set forth in California Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4.
Other Requirements:

Must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Must possess the physical and mental abilities required to perform the essential functions of a Police Officer.
Must be willing to undergo fingerprinting.
Vision Requirements:

Vision, including color, night, depth, and peripheral vision, must be sufficient to perform all essential functions of the position.
Visual acuity must be no less than 20/80 in each eye uncorrected and corrected to 20/30 in each eye. Applicants using soft contact lenses are exempt from the minimum uncorrected vision standard of 20/80 if their corrected vision is 20/30 in each eye.
Special Conditions:

Required to work a basic 5-day workweek during the Academy.
May be required to attend classes at odd hours, including weekends and holidays.
Must pass a series of City examinations, including an oral examination, reading/writing assessment, physical ability assessment, and personal history questionnaire.
If given a conditional offer of employment, candidates must pass a full background check, which may include medical, psychological, and polygraph examinations.
Veteran’s Preference Points: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application to be eligible for the points.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal-opportunity employer. All job applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

For assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the City of Santa Clara.