What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Recruit position at City of Irvine?
Police Recruits will start at $37.80 per hour.
At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer Recruit position would be an excellent opportunity.
As a Police Officer Recruit, you must complete a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. After successful completion of a six-month P.O.S.T. academy, you will be promoted to the position of Police Officer.
Salary Upon Academy Graduation
Police Officer Salary
$47.93 - $65.98 Hourly
$8,307.87 - $11,436.53 Monthly
$99,694.40 - $137,238.40 Annually
Your Impact
The City
Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime.
Your Team
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Irvine is committed to a full community oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community.
The Process
The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.
This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Written Exam
Candidates will be offered the written exam online (proctored through CPS) or in-person at the station. In-person testing is offered on a monthly basis.
The City of Irvine’s written exam is not the POST exam and t-scores from other agencies are not accepted as a substitute.
If you have previously taken the City of Irvine’s written exam, you will be eligible to retest 3 months after the previous exam date. Feel free to check your previous exam date by logging in to www.governmentjobs.com.
2026 Calendar
Written Exam (CTC) - City Hall
Oral Interviews
PAT
5/7/2026 9:00 a.m.
5/28/2026
5/29/2026
7/9/2026 9:00 a.m.
7/23/2026
7/24/2026
9/10/2026 9:00 a.m.
9/24/2026
9/25/2026
11/5/2026 9:00 a.m.
11/19/2026
11/20/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.
E-Verify
The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.
At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer Recruit position would be an excellent opportunity.
As a Police Officer Recruit, you must complete a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. After successful completion of a six-month P.O.S.T. academy, you will be promoted to the position of Police Officer.
Salary Upon Academy Graduation
Police Officer Salary
$47.93 - $65.98 Hourly
$8,307.87 - $11,436.53 Monthly
$99,694.40 - $137,238.40 Annually
Your Impact
- Ensure a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving.
- Complete a 20-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the city.
- Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.
- Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.
- Interface closely with all segments of the community.
- Find additional information in the Police Recruit job description.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.
The City
Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime.
Your Team
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Irvine is committed to a full community oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community.
The Process
The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.
This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Written Exam
Candidates will be offered the written exam online (proctored through CPS) or in-person at the station. In-person testing is offered on a monthly basis.
The City of Irvine’s written exam is not the POST exam and t-scores from other agencies are not accepted as a substitute.
If you have previously taken the City of Irvine’s written exam, you will be eligible to retest 3 months after the previous exam date. Feel free to check your previous exam date by logging in to www.governmentjobs.com.
2026 Calendar
Written Exam (CTC) - City Hall
Oral Interviews
PAT
5/7/2026 9:00 a.m.
5/28/2026
5/29/2026
7/9/2026 9:00 a.m.
7/23/2026
7/24/2026
9/10/2026 9:00 a.m.
9/24/2026
9/25/2026
11/5/2026 9:00 a.m.
11/19/2026
11/20/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.
E-Verify
The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.
Salary : $99,694 - $137,238