Entry-Level Police Officer - San Francisco Police Department (Q002)
City and County of San FranciscoCompany Description
Clerically amended on September 26, 2025.
Join a highly respected Police Department and serve the citizens of one of the most beautiful cities in the country. San Francisco is a world-class city with a world-class police team. From Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Park and from Nob Hill to the Tenderloin, whether we’re on foot patrol, horseback, in squad cars, responding to emergencies, or leading classes on public safety, we’d love to work with you in keeping our community safe.
San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.
Application Opening: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Application Deadline: Continuous
Salary Range: https://www.joinsfpd.com/faq
Recruitment ID: X00018
Job Description
Here’s a Golden Opportunity, Become a San Francisco Police Officer!
San Francisco Police Officers perform a wide variety of essential duties to promote safety with respect. This is much more than a job; it is an opportunity to build a career of which you can be proud.
Essential Duties
According to Civil Service Commission Rule 209, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
- Prepares for work; receives instruction from platoon commander regarding assignment (beat) and/or specific patrol targets during daily line-up; inspects patrol car, equipment and weapons to ensure proper operation.
- Patrols the district on foot or in patrol car; operates Mobile Video Terminal computer in patrol car; operates radio; detects criminal activity; and communicates with the public.
- Responds to call for service; resolves disputes; admonishes individuals; responds to accidents; and provides emergency first-aid.
- Conducts investigations; conducts a preliminary investigation at the scene of a crime; searches area for suspects or evidence; interviews suspects, witnesses and victims; obtains case numbers; and obtains background information from dispatch or the computer.
- Promotes community policing; speaks to merchants regarding potential problems in the area; explains to citizens laws, ordinances, and their rights in resolving disputes; speaks to citizens in sector while on patrol; attends community meetings; and participates in community-based programs.
- Makes arrests and/or detains suspects.
- Pursues suspects; chases suspects; sets up perimeters; and communicates with partner to coordinate chase.
- Enforces traffic and parking violations.
- Writes reports; keeps records; draws accident scene diagrams; competes forms and maintains logs.
- Interacts with superiors, peers, and other department personnel.
- Prepares and participates in planned events; stands and directs traffic at accident scenes, demonstrations, or planned events; controls crowds; cooperates with other city and state agencies to secure area at planned event or crime scene.
- Prepares for and attends court; reviews reports and other related documents; testifies in court; meets with the Assistant District Attorney to discuss cases.
- Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (please note that the following eligibility requirements will be verified during Background Investigation)
- Education: Applicants must be a United States High School Graduate, or have passed a G.E.D. or the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have an AA or higher degree from a United States accredited college or university. (Government Code 1031(e))
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old when they take the examination and at least 21 years of age by the time of appointment. (Civil Service Rule 210.10)
- Driver’s License: Applicants must possess and maintain a valid driver license to operate an automobile at the time of application and throughout the selection process. Possession of a valid California Driver License is required prior to the date of hire.
- Judicial Record: Applicants must NOT have been:
- Convicted of a felony;
- Convicted of an offense involving domestic violence;
- Convicted of any misdemeanor that carries a penalty of prohibiting ownership, possession or control or a firearm; or
- Restricted from employment with the City and County of San Francisco.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (the stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring).
- Experience in the United States Military
- Proficiency in a second language relevant to San Francisco communities
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.
SELECTION PROCEDURES:
https://www.joinsfpd.com/hiring-process
Written Exam (Pass/Fail)
For this recruitment, applicants may use either the a) FrontLine National Law Enforcement Examination administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) or the b) California POST PELLETB Exam. Either exam is pass/fail with the minimum scores posted below.
a) FrontLine National Law Enforcement Examination (NTN)
To register visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/search.cfm?position=1&state=All+States
You will need to establish an account with NTN. A fee is required to take the FrontLine National examination. Applicants with demonstrated financial hardship may submit a request to have the fee waived prior to test registration. See “Candidate FAQ #27” on the NTN website (https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm) to learn more on how to apply for a fee waiver.
There are three components to the FrontLine National exam: a video-based human relations test, a reading ability test, and a written language ability test. The passing scores are:
· Video: 65
· Writing: 70
· Reading: 70
Applicants must pass each test independently. The scores are not averaged.
b) Post Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
The PELLETB exam developed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and measures reading comprehension and writing abilities.
Applicants who have taken the POST written within the last two years and have achieved a t-score of 42 or higher will also be exempt from the written examination. A copy of the documentation which includes the date of the POST test and score on valid agency letterhead must be submitted with your application.
c) Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Applicants who completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher will be waived from the written examination. A copy of your Bachelor’s degree or higher diploma must be submitted with your application.
Candidates who attain passing scores on the FrontLine National Exam or the PELLETB or have a Bachelor’s degree or higher will be notified to take a Physical Ability Test (PAT) and an Oral Interview (OI).
Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail)
The PAT will assess physical abilities needed to perform essential police officer tasks and successfully complete academy training through four events. The physical abilities include: muscular strength, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, equilibrium, and abilities involving all-out effort.
Oral Interview (100%)
The OI will assess community involvement, interest and motivation, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication skills, and abilities not tested by other examination components. The OI score will be used to place candidates on the eligible list.
Rescheduling Oral Interview and/or Physical Ability Test
Candidates are assigned an examination date and will be permitted only one reschedule. Candidates will be allowed to choose their rescheduled date once. Candidates who do not attend the examination on their rescheduled date will be removed from the selection process.
No-Show Policy
Candidates who do not appear for their scheduled examination date without prior notification will be marked as a “no show.” Candidates will be allowed to choose their rescheduled date once. Candidates who do not attend the examination on their rescheduled date will be removed from the selection process.
Candidates will be notified via email of their pass/fail status on the PAT and OI. Those that do not pass may request another opportunity to re-take the test no sooner than three (3) months [90 calendar days] from their previous attempt.
In accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 211.16.1, candidates may appeal the administration of the examination components. All appeals must be filed in writing with the Department of Human Resources within five (5) calendar days of the administration of the examination component giving rise to the appeal. A day that the Department of Human Resources is closed shall not be counted as the fifth (5th) calendar day. Appeals shall be limited as defined in Rule 211.16.1. (https://www.sf.gov/reports/august-2015/rule-211-examinationscivil-service-commission)
Candidates must pass each of the selection components unless otherwise noted on the announcement. The Department reserves the right to waive selection components for individuals based on prior experience or certification.
POST Academy Graduate – If you are a POST Academy Graduate who have completed a certified California POST Basic Academy within the last three (3) years, please follow this link to submit an application: POST Academy Graduate Police Officer Application.
Lateral Entry Program – https://joinsfpd.com/lateral-entry-program/
If you intended to apply as a lateral Q002 Police Officer applicant, please follow this link to submit an application: Lateral Q002 Police Officer Application.
Background Investigations – https://joinsfpd.com/background-investigations/
Additional Information
Eligible List / Certification Rule
Candidates who pass all test components (i.e., Written Exam, Physical Ability Test, and Oral Interview) will have their names added to the eligible list. Candidate names will remain on the list for a maximum period of 24 months. The Police Department has the option to hire any candidate on the eligible list (“Rule of List”). Therefore, placement on this list neither guarantees nor implies that you will be offered employment. The Police Department will administer the remaining processes outlined below to determine who shall advance further in the hiring process and be considered for appointment.
Candidates who are not selected after the background process will be withdrawn from the eligible list and may re-apply two years from the date of their notification.
Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:
Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.]
In accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 211.16.1, candidates may appeal the administration of the examination components. All appeals must be filed in writing with the Department of Human Resources within five (5) calendar days of the administration of the examination component giving rise to the appeal. A day that the Department of Human Resources is closed shall not be counted as the fifth (5th) calendar day. Appeals shall be limited as defined in Rule 211.16.1.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veteran's Preference
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Where to Apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.
Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110.
Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
For questions about the academy and selection process, you may contact the
San Francisco Police Department Recruitment Unit
1245 3rd Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: 415-837-7270
[email protected]
twitter.com/JoinSFPD
facebook.com/JoinSFPD
If you have any questions, you may contact Isabelle Choy at [email protected]. Recruitment ID: X00018
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.