Entry-Level Police Officer

Position: Entry-Level Police Officer

Department: San Francisco Police Department (Q002) | Status: Full-time, Permanent Civil Service

Quick Facts

• Salary Range: $115,778 - $147,472
• Exam Type: Continuous | List Type: Entrance | Rule: Rule of the List
• Application Window: Open & ongoing
• Recruitment ID: X00018

Why Consider Joining the SFPD?

• Attractive compensation with opportunities for progression
• Comprehensive benefits offered by the City & County (details available in the Employee Benefits Overview)
• Opportunities for career advancement in patrol, investigations, and specialized units
• Serve a vibrant city within a respected department committed to community service

Your Responsibilities

• Safeguard life and property through proactive patrolling and rapid response to incidents
• Address calls for service, provide first aid, and de-escalate conflicts
• Investigate various crimes, gather evidence, conduct witness interviews, and write thorough reports
• Participate in community policing initiatives and support major city events
• Uphold traffic and municipal regulations; testify in court when required

Required Qualifications

• Education: Must possess a U.S. high school diploma, GED, CHSPE, or an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Age: Must be 20 years old to take the test and 21 years old by appointment
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license required at application; California license must be obtained before hire
• Background: No felony convictions; no domestic violence convictions; no misdemeanors that disqualify from firearm ownership; must meet eligibility for employment with CCSF

Overview of the Hiring Process

Written Exam (Pass/Fail) - select one option:

• FrontLine National (NTN): Minimum passing scores are Video 65, Writing 70, and Reading 70 (each section must be passed)
• POST PELLETB: A passing score of T-score 42 from a written exam taken within the last 2 years meets this requirement
• Degree Waiver: A bachelor's degree or higher waives the written exam requirement

Next Steps

• Physical Ability Test (PAT): Assessments will evaluate strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, and balance
• Oral Interview (OI): Determines exam score based on motivation, community focus, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Eligible List: Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list valid for up to 24 months
• Retesting Period: Candidates who do not pass may retest after 90 days for PAT or OI

Helpful Waivers

• Recent POST Academy Graduates: Those who completed a CA POST Basic Academy within the last 2 years will have the written exam and PAT waived, needing only to take the Oral Interview to be eligible.

How to Apply

• Apply online: Click the