Sworn
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 Recruit
A Police Recruit is an entry level position and is someone who does not have police/peace officer experience or training within the State of California. This classification applies to police officers from other states and federal law enforcement officers who do not possess a California P.O.S.T. Academy Certificate. The San Jose Police Department does not accept the California P.O.S.T. Waiver.
- Paid Academy training for Police Recruit of $51.00/hour
- First-step base pay for Police Officer of $111,000
- Top-step base pay for Police Officer of $186,000 (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.
- COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policy was discontinued effective January 1, 2024. New applicants are not required to provide proof of vaccination
- No prior experience or training is required
- At least 20-1/2 years old at the time of application / Maximum age is 70 years old (mandatory retirement age)
- Legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law
- Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the U.S.
- U.S. high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED); waived if you have earned a college degree from an accredited college within the U.S. View more information about Accredited College Credits
- MUST POSSESS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, 40 semester college credits or 60 quarter college credits from a U.S. accredited college or university. Police Academy credits already earned are accepted as part of the educational requirement.
- Military Veterans with an honorable discharge can substitute four (4) years of active duty service in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard in lieu of the minimum college credit requirement – Reserve time excluded.
- College units earned outside of the U.S. are accepted if translated and evaluated for this requirement.
- Must have at least 20/40 corrected vision
- No felony, domestic violence or misdemeanor assault convictions; cannot currently be on probation or parole
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 Recruit
Submit Application
Review the Minimum Qualifications and the Application Process.
Personal History
Designed to identify applicants who do not meet the minimum standards to become a Police Recruit.
Written Test: Pellet B or NTN
Candidates must pass a written exam.
Physical Agility Test
Candidates must pass 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.
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.
Top-step base pay for Police Officer of $186,000 (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
$20,000 Lateral Hiring Bonus
Laterals Hired 10/30/22 – 6/30/25
POLICE OFFICER (Lateral) INCENTIVE
Upon hire of the applicant: $5,000
Upon completion of 6 months (1,040 hours) : $5,000
Upon completion of probation (2,080 hours) period: $10,000
TOTAL: $20,000
- 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
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.