Police Officer — New Recruit (Entry-Level)

Department: San Francisco Police Department (Q002) | Location: San Francisco, CA | 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 Join SFPD

• Competitive compensation with step progression
• Comprehensive City & County benefits (see Employee Benefits Overview)
• Career growth across patrol, investigations, and specialized assignments
• Serve a world-class city with a highly respected department and strong community mission

What You’ll Do

• Protect life and property through proactive patrol and rapid response
• Handle calls for service; provide first aid; resolve disputes
• Investigate crimes; collect evidence; interview witnesses; prepare clear reports
• Engage in community policing and support major city events
• Enforce traffic and municipal laws; testify in court as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: U.S. high school diploma/GED/CHSPE or AA or higher from a U.S. accredited college/university
• Age: At least 20 to test and 21 by appointment
• Driver’s License: Valid license at application; California license by hire
• Background: No felony; no domestic-violence conviction; no misdemeanor prohibiting firearm ownership; not restricted from CCSF employment

Hiring Process (Overview)

Written Exam (Pass/Fail) — choose one:

• FrontLine National (NTN): Passing scores: Video 65, Writing 70, Reading 70 (each section must pass)
• POST PELLETB: Prior POST written within 2 years with T-score ≥ 42 satisfies the requirement
• Degree Waiver: Bachelor’s degree or higher waives the written exam

Next Steps

• Physical Ability Test (PAT): Measures strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, balance
• Oral Interview (OI): 100% of exam score; evaluates motivation, community focus, problem-solving, and communication
• Eligible List: Successful candidates placed on a list (valid up to 24 months)
• Retest Window: If not passed, you may retest in 90 days (PAT or OI)

Helpful Waivers

• Recent POST Academy Graduates: Completed a CA POST Basic Academy within the last 2 years? Written & PAT are waived; you’ll take the Oral Interview to be placed on the eligible list.

How to Apply

• Apply online: Click the “I’m Interested” button on the official posting and follow the instructions
• Questions? SFPD Recruitment Unit — 1245 3rd St, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158 | 415-837-7270 | JoinSFPD@sfgov.org

Keywords (for job-board discoverability)

Police Officer, New Recruit, Entry-Level, PELLETB, FrontLine National, Academy, Community Policing, San Francisco Police, SFPD

Details subject to City & County of San Francisco rules and updates. See the hiring process and benefits links on the official posting for the most current information.