Career Opportunity
Entry-Level Police Officer - San Francisco Police Department (Q002)
Recruitment: REF18255F
Published: February 02, 2026
Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.
Job class: Q002-Police Officer
Salary range: $119,262 - $164,164
Role type: Permanent Civil Service What does this mean?
Hours: Full-time
Exam type: Continuous
Rule: Rule of the List
List type: Entrance
About:
Clerically amended on January 21, 2026, to clarify the minimum education qualifications.
Join a highly respected Police Department and play a vital role in serving the diverse communities of
one of the most beautiful cities in the country. San Francisco is a world-class city with a police
department that reflects excellence. From the bustling energy of Fisherman’s Wharf to the serene
landscapes of Golden Gate Park, and the iconic views of Nob Hill to the vibrant Tenderloin district, our
officers are dedicated to community safety. Whether responding to emergencies on horseback, bicycle,
motorcycle, vehicle, or on foot, we’re committed to fostering a secure environment. Officers take pride
in engaging with the community, whether through safety classes or outreach. Together, we can work to
keep our city safe!
Application Opening: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Recruitment ID: X00018
Role description
Here’s a Golden Opportunity: Join the San Francisco Police Department!
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 that you can be proud of.
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 vehicle, equipment, and weapons to ensure proper operation.
- Patrols the district on foot or in a vehicle; operates Mobile Video Terminal (MVT) computer in patrol car; operates radio; detects criminal activity; and makes oneself accessible to communicate with the public.
- Responds to various calls for service; resolves disputes; admonishes individuals; responds to vehicle or pedestrian crashes; breaks up physical altercations; 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 MVT computer.
- Promotes community policing by engaging with merchants to discuss potential problems in the area; explaining laws, ordinances, as well as the rights of individuals in resolving disputes; speaks to members of the public in assigned car 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 dispatch and 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 crash scenes, demonstrations, or planned events; controls crowds; cooperates with other city and state agencies to secure area at a 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.
How to qualify
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (The following eligibility requirements will be verified during the 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 attained a two-year, four-year, or
advanced degree from an accredited college or university in accordance with (Government Code 1031(e)).
*A foreign college or university degree may be evaluated for equivalency by a credential evaluation service holding membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE), and the evaluation equivalency must be provided at the time of application. - 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.
-
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 of a firearm; or
- Restricted from employment with the City and County of San Francisco.
- Experience in the United States Military
- Proficiency in a second language relevant to San Francisco communities
California Government Code §1031 states that law enforcement officers must undergo a background investigation before being hired. This investigation verifies whether a candidate meets the job requirements. The Background Unit manages this process. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all necessary documents to the Background Unit. The investigation will not begin until all documents are received. If the background packet is incomplete, it will delay the investigation.
This process includes verifying:
- Identity
- Education
- Employment history
- Criminal record
- Credit history
More information regarding the Background Investigations process can be found at https://joinsfpd.com/background-investigations/.
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.
SELECTION PROCEDURES:
https://www.joinsfpd.com/hiring-process
Selection Process Steps:
- Submit Application
- Written Examination (PELLETB or NTN)
- Physical Agility Test
- Oral Interview
- Background Investigation
- Police Academy
- Field Training Officer (FTO) Program, 16 weeks
- 1 year probation
Expedited Scheduling
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited by the Public Safety Team to take the
PELLETB written exam at the beginning of the month. Those who pass will then be invited to participate
in the oral interview and physical ability test later that same month.
Written Exam (Pass/Fail)
For this recruitment, applicants have the option to use either Option A) FrontLine National Law
Enforcement Examination administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) or Option B) California
PELLETB Exam. Either exam is pass/fail with the minimum scores posted below.
OPTION 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 about 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: 60
· Writing: 70
· Reading: 70
Applicants must pass each test independently. The scores are not averaged.
OPTION B) Post Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
The PELLETB exam, developed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST),
measures reading comprehension and writing abilities.
Applicants who have taken the PELLETB 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 PELLETB test and score on valid agency letterhead, must be submitted with your application.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher may be waived from the written examination. Applicants will be required to submit verification in order to waive the written exam.
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/.
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 applicants on the eligible list.
Candidates will be notified via email of their pass/fail status on the PAT and OI. Those who 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.
Applicants who do not appear for their scheduled examination date without prior notification will be marked as a “no show.” Applicants who do not attend the examination on their rescheduled date will be removed from the selection process.
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.
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.
For information regarding Final Scores and Ranks for Q002 Police Officer: Eligible List Rankings.
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, applicants 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.
All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation to be considered for this position. This process includes, but is not limited to: a criminal history review for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, credit check, and an assessment of past drug use.
Applicants selected through this posting will be hired as Entry-Level Police Officers and are required to successfully complete a twenty-six (26) week P.O.S.T. Basic Course Police Academy. Upon graduation from the police academy, applicants will enter into the 16-week field training program on patrol with varying shifts. Upon completion of the FTO Program, a one year probationary period must be completed.
Where to Apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online
portal. Click on the "I’m Interested" button at the top or bottom of this page. Follow the
instructions on the screen to begin the application process.
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 notification@smartrecruiters.com 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
joinsfpd@sfgov.org
twitter.com/JoinSFPD
facebook.com/JoinSFPD
If you have any questions, you may contact Isabelle Choy at Isabelle.Choy@sfgov.org. 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.