Police Lateral
Being a sworn officer in the San Jose Police Department means upholding the law, protecting the community, and serving with integrity. Officers face dynamic challenges daily, requiring courage, professionalism, and a commitment to justice.
Join the Elite
Whether responding to hostage rescues, serving high-risk warrants, or de-escalating threats, MERGE is always prepared for the unexpected. But it’s not just about tactics—it’s about teamwork, trust, and unwavering commitment. If you have what it takes to push past your limits and stand alongside the most highly trained professionals in law enforcement, your next is now.
Police Lateral
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.
Police Officer – First Step
- Hourly base pay $65.93/hour
- Salary pay $137,140
Police Officer- Top Step
- Hourly base pay $95.83/hour (*Earn up to $103.23/hour)
- Salary pay $208,493 (7 annual steps)
- Domestic partnership benefits
- Paid vacation and paid sick-time accrual
- Annual uniform allowance of $675
- Four-day work-week; 10-hour shifts
- Bilingual pay – 2.5%
- Overtime and Secondary Employment assignments
- Medical / Dental plans
- Retirement Plan: Visit the Offices of Retirement Services for additional information:
- Shift Differential
- 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
Hiring Process
San Jose Police Department: Police Recruit
Personal History
Designed to identify applicants who do not meet the minimum standards to become a Police Recruit.
Written & Physical Tests
Candidates must pass a written exam and a physical agility test.
Oral Board Interview
This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions, not necessarily police-related.
Background Investigation
Candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Information provided by the applicant must be truthful and accurate. Omission of facts can be grounds for disqualification.
Police Academy
Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy.
Field Training Program
The Field Training Officer (FTO) program is the “street” training for officers just graduating from the academy.
- Step 2
Personal History
Designed to identify applicants who do not meet the minimum standards to become a Police Recruit.
- Step 3
Written Test: Pellet B or NTN
Candidates must pass a written exam.
- Step 4
Physical Agility Test
Candidates must pass a physical agility test.
- Step 5
Oral Board Interview
This is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked five to eight questions, not necessarily police-related.
- Step 6
Background Investigation
Candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Information provided by the applicant must be truthful and accurate. Omission of facts can be grounds for disqualification.
- Step 7
Police Academy
Police Recruits are considered a City of San Jose employee while attending the Academy, which is a 26-week program. Recruits are paid the current contract hourly rate while in the Academy.
Hiring Process
San Jose Police Department: Police Lateral
Submit Application
Review the Minimum Qualifications and the Application Process.
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.
Background Investigation
Eligible candidates will complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) packet. Background investigators will be assigned to assist candidates through the process.
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.
Field Training
Program
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. Those who successfully complete the FTO program are assigned to the Patrol Division as a solo beat officer.
Tech to Tactics
Becoming an officer is one of the toughest yet most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. At the San Jose Police Academy, we don’t just train officers—we shape leaders. From your first day at the academy to the moment you earn your badge, you’ll face physical and mental challenges while building the skills needed to protect and serve with confidence. If you’re ready for the challenge, now is the time to start.