Peace Officer Candidate Selection Information
The Peace Officer Candidate Information is designed to assist candidates in preparing for a career with a California POST-participating law enforcement agency. Provided below are links to the peace officer hiring process, minimum eligibility requirements, and general basic training information. For more specific agency information, candidates should contact the many POST-participating law enforcement agencies.
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Process
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Process– outlines and defines each area of the hiring process from application to the medical and psychological examinations
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Standards
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 Requirements
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 an academy outside of California and have at least one year of general law enforcement experience
Reserve Peace Officer Program - The California Reserve Peace Officer Program (RPOP) 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.
Peace Officer Candidate Selection Requirements
POST regulations are intended to implement GC 1031 and set minimum selection and training standards for POST-participating agencies. Although participation in the POST program is voluntary, almost all California agencies do so. To be part of the program, agencies must agree to abide by POST standards.
The POST peace officer selection standards are contained in Commission Regulations 1950-1955. These standards require:
- Fingerprint and criminal history check of local, state, and national files,
- A background investigation to ensure good moral character [per GC§1031(e)],
- Medical and psychological suitability examinations [per GC§1031(f)],
- An oral interview by the department head or representative(s), and
- A measure of reading and writing ability.
Additionally, requirements regarding the conduct of the background investigation, and medical and psychological examinations, are detailed in Commission Regulations 1953, 1954, and 1955.
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