The Palo Alto Police Department is currently seeking applications for the positions of Police Officer - Trainee, Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate, and Reserve Police Officer. We are not currently seeking applications for Public Safety Dispatchers. We are looking for men and women from all backgrounds who welcome a challenge, and who will uphold our mission statement, "To proudly protect and serve the public with respect and integrity." To those who accept this challenge, we offer great pay and benefits, ample opportunities for specialty assignments and advancement, outstanding training, and the privilege to serve the community of Palo Alto.
Applications are accepted on a continual basis, and the application process is conducted in a personalized, one-on-one fashion. There are no established "testing dates" as with other agencies. We will work with your schedule. Police academy classes start every three months.
Application Process
To begin the application process, contact the Personnel & Training Unit at (650) 329-2601, or apply online:
For questions, contact Sergeant Zach Perron of the Recruiting Team at (650) 617-3100 x1394.
Requirements
To be considered for an entry-level position (Police Officer - Trainee) with the Palo Alto Police Department, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application
- Must either be a U.S. citizen or have applied for citizenship within the past year
- Must possess a California driver license
- Must not have any felony convictions
Note: Lateral applicants will require successful completion of, or current enrollment in, a California P.O.S.T.-certified Basic Academy, or be currently employed as a full-time police officer as defined under Penal Code Section 830. A copy of your Basic Academy certificate or proof of current employment at the time of application is also required. Qualified lateral applicants may receive a $10,000 hiring bonus to join our Department (see the "Salary & Benefits" section below for additional information).
Selection Process
Our selection process is similar to that of most other agencies. Once you meet our minimum criteria as outlined in the "Requirements" section above, you must pass each step of the application process as listed below. Prior to applying with us, though, please check our Disqualification Policy.
Police Officer positions (Trainee, Lateral / Academy Graduate, and Reserve):
- Please first check our Disqualification Policy
- P.O.S.T. reading comprehension exam for police officers
- Applicants who have completed a P.O.S.T.-certified Basic Academy are exempt from this exam
- P.O.S.T. physical agility test
- Writing skills test
- Oral interview with a panel of police employees
- Background investigation (includes polygraph and drug and alcohol screening)
- Interview with Police Chief
- Psychological exam and medical exam
Civilian Positions:
- Please first check our Disqualification Policy
- Public Safety Dispatcher positions only: P.O.S.T. reading comprehension exam for dispatchers
- Staff interview with a panel of police managers or supervisors
- Background investigation (includes polygraph and drug and alcohol screening)
- Interview with Division head and/or Police Chief
- Public Safety Dispatcher positions only: psychological exam
- Medical exam
Salary & Benefits
Police Officer positions:
- NEW! Lateral Officer Hiring Incentive
- Qualified lateral officers may receive a $10,000 hiring incentive to be paid according to the following schedule: $5,000 upon completion of the first year of employment, $2,500 upon completion of the second year of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of the third year of employment.
Make $36.34/hr while in the Academy as a Police Officer - Trainee
Make $40.37/hr to $48.00/hr as a Police Officer - Lateral / Academy Graduate
- 5% additional pay for each of the following: night differential pay, Field Training Officer pay (while training) and Bilingual Incentive pay
Rotating 4/11 work schedule while in patrol (4 days on, 4 days off; 11 hour shifts)
Optional on-duty workout, fully paid
100% Retirement medical coverage! (90% for dependents!)
Incentive pay at 5% for Intermediate POST and 7.5% for Advanced POST certificates (depends on time in position, but obtained faster with bachelor's degree and/or master's degree)
Uniform and equipment fully paid, including dry cleaning
If you choose, ability to remain involved in your investigations from time of initial crime report to time of criminal filing and ultimate arrest of suspect
All non-management positions (sworn and non-sworn):
Tuition reimbursement program of $1000 per year
Deferred Compensation: two of the top-rated plans are available
Top-quality health care plan for you and your dependents, including: medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. All are fully paid by the City of Palo Alto.
Retirement system (PERS): The City pays 100% of your annual contribution (equal to 9% of your base salary):
