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1. What does the hiring process consist of?

• Apply online at www.joinipd.com.  Applications are screened and you will then receive an email inviting you to one of our test dates.  
• Written Test consists of Reading Comprehension, Spelling, Vocabulary, Situation Reasoning and Situational Reasoning.  If you pass the written test, you will complete the Physical Agility Test the same day.  
• Physical Agility Test consists of four exercises: Sit-ups, Push-ups, 1 1/2 mile run and Pull-ups.  The minimum passing score is 282 points of a total maximum score of 565 points.  
• Pre-Investigative Questionnaire must be completed and turned in before the Oral Interview.  Click here to download. 
• Oral Interview will evaluate the applicant's interpersonal and problem solving skills.  
• Background Investigation determines whether an applicant meets the requirements to become a police officer.  The applicant is responsible for gathering all the necessary documents for the background investigation.  The list of documents can be found here. 
• Medical Examination and Chief's Interview are the final processes.  

2. I submitted my application, how long until I get a response?

The majority of invitations to participate in our testing processes are conducted via email. It is incumbent that applicants regularly check their email so as to not miss invites to participate. Please ensure that your email is legibly written on your application or your invitation to participate in our processes might not be received.

3. What are the test dates?

The test dates and times are set for the year and are located here

4. What are the minimum qualifications?

A high school diploma or equivalent; be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment to the position of Police Officer; vision corrected to 20/20; weight proportionate to height; be able to obtain U.S. Citizenship within three years of application with the City, and possess a valid California Driver’s License at the time of appointment.

5. What are the physical requirements for police officer?

Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to stand, sit in a patrol car for long periods, walk, lift, carry, push and pull a grown adult; climb walls, fences, stairs, and ladders, stoop, twist, squat/kneel, crawl, run, grasp, repeatedly bend and move wrists, use both hands, legs, and feet; speak, hear and understand radio communications, touch, feel, see at a distance and up close. Candidates must also meet POST color perception and hearing standards.

6. What does the written test consist of?

The Written Examination consists of the following:

100 total questions, 2 hour time limit.

Questions 1-20 Reading Comprehension. Answer questions based on the information contained in the passage, not based on what you know or think you know.

Questions 21-60 Language Skills. Spelling; identify correctly spelled words, synonyms and antonyms.

Question 61-80 Inductive and Deductive Reasoning. Deducing versus inferring and conclusion versus premise. Questions ask the candidate to draw inferences from general and specific statements.

Question 81-100 Name and number matching.

7. Is the written test a Pellet B?

We do not administer or accept a Pellet B test score.

8. Can I take the Pellet B test or another Police Entry Test and submit that score?

No. You must take and pass our written exam.

9. What is the passing score for the written test?

You must get 70% on each section to pass. Applicants could get 75% overall but if you have under 70% in each section, it is considered a FAIL.

10. When will I receive my written score?

Applicants will receive their score on the day of written exam.  

11. What if I fail the written test?

Applicants who fail the written test may reapply three months after the date of the written test.

12. How many times can I retake the written test if I fail?

There is no limit, you can retake the test until you pass.

13. What does the Physical Agility Test consist of?

The Physical Agility Test consists of four exercises designed to measure strength and endurance. The examination consists of

Pull-ups

Sit-ups

Push-ups 

1 ½ mile run

Each event is scored and a minimum passing score is 282 points of a total maximum score of 565 points. For more information, click here.

14. What if I fail the Physical Agility Test?

Applicants who fail the Physical Agility Test have to wait three months to retake the test.  

15. I’m an academy graduate. Do I still need to take the written and physical agility tests?

Yes, you will still be required to take both tests but you will not have to repeat the academy if your POST certificate is valid.

16. I’m a lateral applicant. Do I still need to take the written and physical agility tests?

Lateral applicants are those who possess a valid POST certificate AND are currently employed by a POST-certified agency. The written test will be waived for lateral applicants, but you must still pass the Physical Agility Test.