Police Officer I

City of San Diego, CA • San Diego, CA

217d • $6,867

About The Position

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is seeking dedicated individuals for the position of Police Officer I. This role is not entry-level and is designed for recent California P.O.S.T. approved Police Academy graduates or individuals with current California Basic P.O.S.T. certificates. Police Officer I positions involve working under immediate supervision in a training program to perform law enforcement and crime prevention duties, respond to emergency calls, patrol assigned areas, investigate suspicious conditions, make arrests, and testify in court. The position offers a competitive base salary, great benefits, and opportunities for additional pay. SDPD values community-oriented policing and seeks officers who can build strong relationships with diverse communities.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Must be a United States citizen or have the current legal right to work in the United States.
• Must have graduated from a High School located within the United States or a United States territory, or passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (C.H.S.P.E.) or General Education Development (G.E.D.).
• Must possess a two or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must have graduated from a California P.O.S.T. approved Police Academy with a Basic Peace Officers Course Certificate dated within the last one year, or possess a California Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate dated within the last one year.
• Must have a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual skills are preferred and may provide additional pay.
• Experience as a paid sworn peace officer with a city police, county sheriff, state or federal law enforcement agency performing correction duties, patrol functions, or traffic enforcement within the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the team effort of maintaining a presence in the community that helps to deter crime and provide support to citizens.
• Collaborates in building strong relationships with community members, upholding best practices of Community Oriented Policing.
• Acts as a police presence at major public events to ensure public safety.
• Identifies potential criminal activity or other hazardous situations and takes proper actions to protect citizens and property.
• Helps to secure crime scenes and process evidence.
• Responds to calls for service; observes violations; makes arrests and citations when necessary.
• Conducts criminal investigations by gathering evidence and interviewing victims and witnesses.
• Documents observations and actions by radioing information; completing reports.
• Fulfills court orders by testifying in court regarding criminal investigations and citations.
• Maintains safe traffic conditions by monitoring and directing traffic; enforces laws and ordinances; investigates collisions; reports unsafe streets and facilities.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of approximately $6,867.00 monthly.
• 4% general wage increase effective 7/1/25.
• Automatic enrollment in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS) for eligible benefitted employees hired on or after July 10, 2021.
• Annual uniform allowance of $900 after one year.
• Bilingual pay (3.5% of base pay) for qualified officers.
• Additional pay opportunities may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees