Peace Officer Candidate Information
The Peace Officer Candidate Information is designed to assist candidates in preparing for a career with a California POST-participating law enforcement agency. State law and POST regulation require that candidates meet specific selection and training standards prior to appointment as a peace officer. Many departments have additional and/or higher standards than those required by law and POST regulation.
Below are links to the peace officer selection process, minimum eligibility requirements, and basic training information. For more specific agency information, candidates should contact the many POST-participating law enforcement agencies and/or review the law enforcement job opportunity announcements.
Peace Officer Candidate Selection
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Process– outlines and defines each area of the hiring process from application to the medical and psychological evaluations
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Requirements (pdf) – this table outlines California and POST minimum eligibility requirements for becoming a peace officer
Peace Officer Local Agency Policy – contains information about local agency policies in relation to California GC and POST requirements
Peace Officer Candidate Training
Basic Training – contains general information on the basic academy, including academy formats and descriptions of affiliated and non-affiliated students
Out of State Applicants - provides information for applicants who have completed a general law enforcement basic academy and have at least one year of out of state law enforcement experience
Reserve Peace Officer Program - offers information about the California Reserve Peace Officer Program (RPOP), which is composed of members of our society who choose to dedicate a portion of their time to community service by working as part-time employees or volunteers with law enforcement agencies
FAQs