The San Jose Police Department welcomes military veterans who are looking for a rewarding and exciting career in law enforcement. Because we have a paramilitary structure, military veterans often times can easily integrate into the SJPD. With over 50 specialized assignments, veterans can utilize their military experience into their San Jose PD career.

We offer several benefits for those military veterans that qualify:

Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active military service in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement.

Veteran Preference Test Points (5 points added to the Oral Board Exam upon receiving a passing score) To be able to qualify the applicant must:

• Submit form DD214

• Active duty military personnel who do not possess a DD214 must provide recruiting staff with a letter on official military letterhead from their base commander indicating the date the applicant is due to leave military service with the expectation of an honorable military discharge. (Letter will be verified during the background process.)

• Once officially discharged, the applicant shall submit their DD214 showing an honorable discharge. This must occur before the background investigation can be completed.

• If the applicant fails to provide a DD214 during the background phase, or if the background investigation reveals a less than honorable discharge, the applicant will be disqualified.

Fifty percent (50%) off the PELLETB (written test) fees, WSTB (physical agility test) and 1.5 mile run at South Bay Regional. Enter “Military” when registering online to receive the discount (must present Military I.D. at the time of testing).

Spouses of veterans are also eligible for Veteran Preference Test Points.

Flex Time for Military Leave: City Policy Manual and review section 4.2.2 (Military Leave)

Eligible for GI benefits compensation while in the Police Academy

Eligible for GI benefits compensation while on Field Training for on-the-job training

“All-in-One” weekend of testing for active duty military personnel