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Police Officer Recruit (Entry Level)

City of Berkeley Police Department
Berkeley, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/7/2026

Police Officer Recruit (Entry Level)

City of Berkeley Police Department | Berkeley, CA

Start Your Law Enforcement Career with One of the Nation's Most Progressive Police Departments

The City of Berkeley Police Department is seeking motivated, service-minded individuals to join our team as Police Officer Recruits. As a Recruit, you'll attend a California POST-certified Police Academy, receiving the training needed to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement. Upon successful graduation, you'll be sworn in as a Berkeley Police Officer.

Learn more about a career with Berkeley PD: https://www.joinberkeleypd.com/police-officer-career?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Recruit

What You'll Learn

  • Laws of arrest, search, and seizure
  • Crime prevention and community policing
  • Emergency response and first aid
  • Physical fitness and defensive tactics
  • Firearms and tactical skills
  • Report writing and investigations

Why Join Berkeley PD?

  • Earn up to $202,138 annually as a Top Step Officer with incentive pays
  • $12,000 hiring bonus
  • CalPERS retirement (2.7% @ 57 or 3% @ 55 for eligible members)
  • Employer-paid medical coverage (100% Kaiser / 99% Sutter Health Plus)
  • 15 paid holidays plus 3 floating holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave
  • 75% YMCA membership subsidy
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • No Social Security deduction (Medicare only)

Minimum Qualifications

  • 60 college semester units
  • Age 21 or older at appointment
  • Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Meet California POST standards for background, medical, physical, and psychological fitness
  • Willing to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts

Hiring Process

Applicants must submit a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. Qualified candidates will complete the POST PELLETB Written Exam and Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Waivers may be available for applicants with a qualifying POST T-score (43 ) and/or WSTB score (325 ) earned within the past year.

Final candidates will undergo a background investigation, Live Scan fingerprinting, medical examination, and psychological evaluation before being placed on the eligibility list.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are committed to public service, integrity, and community engagement. Experience in customer service, military service, healthcare, education, or other public-facing careers is valued, but no prior law enforcement experience is required.

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $123,504.00 - $202,138.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $123,504 - $202,138

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