A Lateral Entry Applicant is someone currently employed as a police/peace officer in the State of California.

The San Jose Police Department does not accept out-of-state lateral police officer transfers or federal law enforcement transfers who have completed the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver. All law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state or from a federal law enforcement agency must apply as a police recruit applicant and attend the San Jose Police Academy. View information about applying as a Police Recruit.

Now until June 30, 2025:$20,000 Lateral Hiring Bonus

Lateral Applicant Qualifications

If you meet the following qualifications, move on to the Lateral Application Process

• COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy was discontinued effective January 1, 2024. New applicants are not required to provide proof of vaccination or seek religious and/or medical exemptions as part of the pre-employment process.
• Currently employed as a California Police / Peace Officer with a California Basic P.O.S.T. certificate and have completed a patrol field training program
• Must be 21 years-old and not older than age 70
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license
• Must possess a U.S. high school diploma or General Education Development (GED), waived if you have a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. More information about College Credits
• Must have completed 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police academy credits are also accepted.
  
  The education requirement will be waived for the following:
  • Any lateral officers that have three (3) years active police experience, who are currently employed with any California law enforcement agency.
  • Out of state officers who are employed with any law enforcement agency within the United States with three (3) years of active police experience. Out of state law enforcement officers will need to attend the Departments academy.
  • Military Veterans with an honorable discharge and four (4) years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
• Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
• No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole.

Lateral Application Process

Step #1: Submit An Application

If you meet the qualifications listed above Submit an Application.

Step #2: Informal Board Review

This is an informal interview conducted by a Recruiting Sergeant. Candidates who pass the oral interview will be placed on a list of eligible candidates for the Background Investigation Process.

Step #3: Background Investigation Process

Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will be assigned to assist candidates through the process.

Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will receive a conditional offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological exam.

• More about the Background Investigation Process

Step #4: The San Jose Police Academy

The San Jose Police Academy provides classroom curriculum, physical training and instruction on San Jose Police-specific policies and procedures. The length of time for the in-house academy depends upon the number of lateral recruits and can last up to four weeks. Once the in-house academy is completed, lateral recruits will begin the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.

• More information about the San Jose Police Academy

Step #5: The San Jose Police Field Training Program (FTO)

The Field Training Officer (FTO) program provides “street” training for officers just graduating from the academy. Lateral officers are assigned to experienced SJPD Field Training Officers while attending the FTO program. Daily evaluations are given to document progress through this training period.

• Read more about the FTO training structure and history.

Those who successfully complete the FTO program are assigned to the Patrol Division as a solo beat officer. All officers, in their first three years of service as a San Jose Police Officer, must be assigned to the Patrol Division. After the three-year period, an officer is eligible to test for a specialized assignment or take the promotional exam for the rank of sergeant.

Questions?

Email a SJPD Recruiter at sjpdrecruiting@sanjoseca.gov.