How to become a police officer in California
California is well-known for its beautiful scenery, from the giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park to the stunning beaches along the Pacific Coast. With over 500 law enforcement agencies spread across the state, California also provides plenty of opportunities for those looking to begin a career in policing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a police officer in the Golden State.
What are the minimum requirements?
At a minimum, candidates hoping to become police officers in California must:
Age
Be at least 21 years old.
Citizenship
Be a United States citizen, either through birth or naturalization.
Education
Have a high school diploma or GED. Some agencies may require a 4-year college degree or associate’s degree.
Driver’s license
Have a valid California driver’s license.
Criminal history
Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors that prohibit firearm ownership or possession.
What is the employment process?
The process to get hired as a police officer in California generally involves:
Application
Submitting an initial job application.
Background checks
Passing a series of extensive background checks, which often include taking a polygraph test. As the LAPD notes, “Past behavior will be closely scrutinized, and only candidates with the highest probability of success will be appointed as Police Officers.”
Medical exam
Undergoing and passing a medical examination.
Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE)
Some counties require taking the PQE test and scoring over 70 to demonstrate qualifications. This test can be retaken after 6 months if an adequate score is not achieved on the first try.
Psychological exam
Completing a psychological evaluation.
Reading/writing test
Demonstrating sufficient reading and writing abilities on an exam.
Physical abilities test
Exhibiting the required physical competencies on an obstacle course and fitness test.
Oral interview
Participating in an oral board interview process.
Training requirements
Once hired, new police officers in California must complete substantial training.
Police academy
Academy curriculum
The police academy provides instruction on law, operations procedures, driving skills, firearms training, defensive tactics, investigations, and other critical areas.
Academy duration
The academy generally lasts 6 months.
Field training
Field training duration
After the academy, officers undertake at least 4 months of additional field training while partnering with experienced officers.
Working with field training officers
Under close supervision, trainees learn proper patrol procedures and engage in real-world policing activities during this phase.
Career development and specializations
As police officers gain experience, they may choose to specialize by moving into roles like:
Investigations
Investigating major crimes in the community.
Special weapons and tactics (SWAT)
Responding to high-risk situations like hostage events or barricaded suspects.
K9 unit
Handling and working alongside police dogs.
Community engagement
Building relationships and trust with community members.
Salary and benefits
California offers police salaries and benefits that exceed national averages.
Base salary
The average police officer earns over $105,000 per year.
Overtime pay
Abundant overtime opportunities can significantly increase total compensation.
Retirement pensions
Officers qualify for generous pensions after 25+ years of service.
Insurance plans
Departments provide medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Why become a police officer in California?
Beyond the scenic landscape and above-average pay, there are even more reasons California is great for aspiring officers:
Beautiful state
Few other states can compete with California’s natural majesty and abundance of activities.
Numerous agencies/locations
Hundreds of departments mean candidates can likely find an agency matching their preferences.
Competitive salary
Higher-than-average salaries make California especially enticing financially.
Conclusion
With its one-of-a-kind scenery, wealth of law enforcement agencies, strong salaries and benefits, and excellent professional development opportunities, California offers an ideal location for beginning or advancing a policing career. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and succeed in the intensive hiring process can look forward to protecting and serving the communities of this iconic state.
FAQs
What is the average salary for police officers in California? The average annual salary for police officers in California exceeds $105,000. With overtime, total compensation can be significantly higher.
How long is the police academy in California? California’s police academies generally last approximately 6 months. After graduating, officers complete around 4 months of additional field training.
What kind of retirement benefits do California police officers receive? After 25+ years of service, most officers qualify for generous defined-benefit pension plans ensuring steady retirement income.
Does California require a college degree to become a police officer? Currently California does not mandate a 4-year college degree, but some individual agencies may require or prefer degree-holding candidates. By 2025 all officers will need college coursework in modern policing.
What is the Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) test? Some California counties use the PQE test to assess a candidate’s judgment, writing skills, and other attributes. A passing score helps demonstrate qualifications to advance in the hiring process.
