Police Recruit

The Position

• YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE IF

YOU DO NOT ATTACH THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

TO ENSURE YOUR APPLICATION IS COMPLETE BEFORE SUBMITTING.

Selected candidates hired from this recruitment will attend

the San Diego Regional Police Academy in April 2026.

PLEASE NOTE : This position is open to candidates who meet the following criteria :

About the Police Department

The Carlsbad Police Department is a full-service police department that prides itself on its strong partnership with the community. Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the police department and the support of City Council members and the community, Carlsbad continues to be a safe community to live, work, and play.

For an inside look at the Carlsbad Police Department click here :

The Carlsbad Police Department's "Ideal Candidate" exemplifies department values, is a leader, role model, team player, and problem solver. The Police Recruit attends the Regional Law Enforcement Academy and participates in departmental training and orientation programs to prepare for a professional law enforcement career. This is a non-sworn, civilian police officer trainee class designed only to employ Police Officer candidates during the initial, formalized, basic police officer training. Police Recruit is distinguished from the next higher class, Police Officer, in that recruits are not assigned any active law enforcement duties and do not have Police Officer powers. Upon successful completion of training, recruits are appointed and sworn in as Police Officers.

You belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Selection Process

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY :

Physical Ability Test : California POST compliant physical agility test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025. A prescreen background interview will also take place on this day.

Oral Panel Appraisal Interview : Appraisal of general experience, education, judgment, problem-solving ability, and communication skills. The most highly qualified candidates will continue in the selection process. The Oral Board is scheduled for the week of December 15, 2025, dates TBD.

Background Appraisal Interview : Completion and review of detailed Personal History Statement. Candidates meeting the basic criteria will continue with a background investigation.

Comprehensive Background Investigation : A detailed investigation of the candidate's personal history and suitability for employment as a law enforcement officer based on the job dimensions identified by POST. This investigation includes a polygraph examination.

Captains' Interview : Personal interviews with the Captain of Field Operations and the Captain of Support Operations.

Final Steps : Psychological and medical evaluations before hire are required. The Chief of Police may select / appoint any individual who has successfully completed the process. Appointments are probationary for one year.

Pre-Employment Backgrounds Investigation

Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation. There are certain types of conduct that are automatic grounds for disqualification. Please refer to the "Pre-Employment Disqualifying Criteria" below to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

Key Responsibilities

Attends the Regional Law Enforcement Academy, certified by the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), to obtain a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system and specialized training in various laws, law enforcement techniques, practices, and procedures, and first aid.

Attends classroom lectures.

Observes demonstrations on arrest and control methods and the care and use of firearms.

Participates in physical conditioning and self-defense exercises.

Practices the use of firearms.

Takes examinations.

Participates in orientation programs under supervision to develop an awareness of the duties, activities, and responsibilities of a Police Officer.

Qualifications

Ability to :

Observe, learn understand and interpret various laws, police practices and procedures.

Analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take appropriate action in stressful situations.

Undergo strenuous physical conditioning.

Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports in English.

Compute basic arithmetic problems.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Experience & Education

Not less than 21 years old at the time of appointment.

High school graduate or have passed GED test. Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these abilities would be graduation from high school or equivalent.