What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Recruit position at City of Pleasanton?
Are you ready to launch a career that makes a real difference? The City of Pleasanton is looking for motivated and driven individuals to join our Police Department as Police Recruits! In this hands-on, action-packed role, you’ll attend a state-certified Police Academy where you’ll train in everything from defensive tactics and firearms to community policing and critical decision-making. You’ll push your physical and mental limits, build lifelong skills, and prepare to step into the role of a sworn Police Officer upon graduation. If you’re ready for a challenging, rewarding, and fast-paced journey that puts you on the front lines of serving and protecting the Pleasanton community, this is the opportunity for you!
We’re Looking For Someone Who Is
The Pleasanton Police Department is committed to protecting life, preventing crime, and enhancing the quality of life in our community. The department is organized into three divisions. The Operations Division, the Investigations Division, and the Support Services Division. The Operations Division includes patrol, the Traffic Unit, and the Alternate Response Unit (ARU). The Investigation Division manages the Criminal Investigations Unit, Youth and Community Services, Personnel and Training, Special Enforcement Unit as well as our Community Outreach and social media. This division is also responsible for in-service training and certified courses to ensure compliance with Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and applicable educational mandates for all sworn and civilian police personnel. The Support Services Division includes Dispatch, Records and is responsible for public records management.
The department also offers numerous collateral assignments including SWAT, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and many others.
For more information about the Pleasanton Police Department, visit the Pleasanton Police Department website in the following link: Join Pleasanton!
For information about the City of Pleasanton, visit the City website in the following link: City of Pleasanton.
CONTACT A RECRUITER: if you would like to schedule a ride-along, have questions, or would like to learn more about the process of joining the City of Pleasanton Police Department:
(925) 931-5210
ppdrecruiting@cityofpleasantonca.gov
If you recently graduated from the Academy, apply here: Academy Graduate.
If you are a lateral from another agency, apply here: Police Lateral.
Applicants are required to submit, with their application, a California P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Agility Test (WSTB) score report, with a T-score of 42 or higher, issued within the past twelve (12) months.
Please see the following link for upcoming testing dates: South Bay Regional Public Safety Training.
Competitive Pay
Education: Qualified applicants must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Certification: Must possess of a Basic Certificate from P.O.S.T. at the time of appointment to Police Officer.
Vision/Hearing:20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye, correctable to 20/30 or better. Must have normal color vision as established from an established color vision test, and no hearing loss over 25 db in the 500, 1000, 2000 frequency range. No loss over 45 db in the 3000 or 4000 range as revealed by standard auditory test.
License: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license and proof of auto liability insurance is required.
Background Investigation: Satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation. Must have not been convicted for a crime which could have resulted in state or federal imprisonment.
Pre-Employment Testing: Successful completion of drug screen, medical, psychological, and polygraph examinations.
POST Examination: Applicants must possess or acquire a California P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Agility Test (WSTB), P.O.S.T-score of 42 or higher issued within the last twelve (12) months.
Recruitment Process
THIS IS A NEW CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination may last approximately one year. This examination may be reopened as necessary; additional eligible candidates merged onto the existing list will merge according to examination score.
This examination has been assembled for candidates who are not currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T academy.
Deadline For Filing
First Review Deadline: July 31, 2026
Second Review Deadline: August 31, 2026Review of Minimum Qualifications
First Review: August 1, 2026
Second Review: September 1, 2026Structured Oral Interview
TBD
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.
What is your highest level of education completed?
The City of Pleasanton will not be offering the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) or Physical Agility Test (WSTB). This recruitment requires you to submit a T-score and Physical Agility Test (WSTB). Your T-score must be on the administering agency or academy letterhead. You must attach the T-score and WSTB to your application. I acknowledge the following: 1) I have taken the PELLETB and WSTB administered by a California law enforcement agency or academy and have attached the results to my application. 2) The test results are dated within 12 months prior to my application submittal date. 3) I have achieved a T-Score of 42 or higher. 4) I understand that if I do not provide my PELLETB and WSTB, I will be disqualified from the selection process. WSTB must include the mile and a half in under 14 minutes which is scored separately.
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?
Will you be at least 21 years or older at the time of appointment to Police Officer?
Do you have prior experience in law enforcement? By answering "No", you will not be disqualified from the process.
Have you successfully completed college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field? By answering "No", you will not be disqualified from the process.
We’re Looking For Someone Who Is
- Motivated to serve the Pleasanton community.
- Able to meet the physical and mental demands of academy training.
- Honest, ethical, and able to maintain high personal and professional standards.
- Able to work well in a team environment and follow instructions from trainers and supervisors.
- Committed to learning and growing in a challenging, dynamic profession.
- Attend and successfully complete a state-certified Police Academy program.
- Participate in classroom instruction, physical training, and scenario-based exercises.
- Learn foundational policing skills, including defensive tactics, firearms, traffic enforcement, and community policing.
- Prepare to transition into the role of Police Officer upon graduation.
- Develop strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under supervision.
- You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Pleasanton community.
- You will receive comprehensive training and professional development.
- You will join a supportive team environment with experienced officers and mentors.
- You will have the opportunity to experience career growth and advancement opportunities within the Police Department.
- You will begin a rewarding career that blends public service, problem-solving, and community engagement.
- Rigorous physical and academic demands of the Police Academy.
- Learning to manage high-stress situations and critical decision-making.
- Adapting to a structured, disciplined training environment.
- Balancing personal commitments with the time and energy required for training.
- Resilient, disciplined, and able to handle stress effectively.
- Committed to ethical behavior and public service.
- Eager to learn, grow, and embrace the responsibilities of a Police Officer.
- Physically and mentally prepared for the demands of academy training and police work.
- Able to work collaboratively with diverse communities and team members.
The Pleasanton Police Department is committed to protecting life, preventing crime, and enhancing the quality of life in our community. The department is organized into three divisions. The Operations Division, the Investigations Division, and the Support Services Division. The Operations Division includes patrol, the Traffic Unit, and the Alternate Response Unit (ARU). The Investigation Division manages the Criminal Investigations Unit, Youth and Community Services, Personnel and Training, Special Enforcement Unit as well as our Community Outreach and social media. This division is also responsible for in-service training and certified courses to ensure compliance with Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and applicable educational mandates for all sworn and civilian police personnel. The Support Services Division includes Dispatch, Records and is responsible for public records management.
The department also offers numerous collateral assignments including SWAT, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and many others.
For more information about the Pleasanton Police Department, visit the Pleasanton Police Department website in the following link: Join Pleasanton!
For information about the City of Pleasanton, visit the City website in the following link: City of Pleasanton.
CONTACT A RECRUITER: if you would like to schedule a ride-along, have questions, or would like to learn more about the process of joining the City of Pleasanton Police Department:
(925) 931-5210
ppdrecruiting@cityofpleasantonca.gov
If you recently graduated from the Academy, apply here: Academy Graduate.
If you are a lateral from another agency, apply here: Police Lateral.
Applicants are required to submit, with their application, a California P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Agility Test (WSTB) score report, with a T-score of 42 or higher, issued within the past twelve (12) months.
Please see the following link for upcoming testing dates: South Bay Regional Public Safety Training.
Competitive Pay
- Base Salary Range: $126,152 – $153,254 annually
- Special Assignment Pay: Up to 5% (depending on assignment; not limited to one assignment)
- POST Pay: Up to 7% (depending on certification: 5% for Intermediate and 7& for Advanced)
- Holiday In-Lieu Pay: 7.5%
- Education Incentive: up to 5% (depending on degree: 2.5% for AA, 5% for BA/BS/MA/MS)
- Bilingual Pay: $100 per pay period
- Longevity Pay: 2% at 8 years, 4% at 12 years, minimum 2 and 4 years with Pleasanton PD
- Shift Differential Pay: 3% for select shifts
- Specialty Assignment Pay for Select Assignments: 5% per Assignment, up to 10%) Qualifying assignments: Field Training Officer, SWAT, Hostage Negotiation Team, Motors, Detective and Crime Scene Investigator
- On-Call Pay: 15% of base salary while on-call
- Health Coverage: Generous medical, dental, and vision plans with City contributions, four health plans to choose from
- Retirement: CalPERS Pension of 2.7% at 57, 3% at 55 for Classic Members
- Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage: $50,000
- Short/Long Term Disability Plan
- Deferred Compensation: City contribution of 0.5% to 457(b)
- Vacation: Starts at 80 hours/year (up to 200 hours), increases with tenure. Two weeks Paid Time Off in addition to vacation hours
- Sick Leave: 96 hours/year, 8 hours per month
- Vacation Sell Back Program: Up to 120 hours annually
- Uniform Allowance: $1,500 annually, initial uniforms fully paid
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to annual registration fees levied by CSUEB
- Training Opportunities: Paid professional development and certifications
- Flexible Scheduling: 3/12 and 4/10 shifts available
- Wellness Support: Employee Assistance Program and peer support
Education: Qualified applicants must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Certification: Must possess of a Basic Certificate from P.O.S.T. at the time of appointment to Police Officer.
Vision/Hearing:20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye, correctable to 20/30 or better. Must have normal color vision as established from an established color vision test, and no hearing loss over 25 db in the 500, 1000, 2000 frequency range. No loss over 45 db in the 3000 or 4000 range as revealed by standard auditory test.
License: Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license and proof of auto liability insurance is required.
Background Investigation: Satisfactory completion of a thorough background investigation. Must have not been convicted for a crime which could have resulted in state or federal imprisonment.
Pre-Employment Testing: Successful completion of drug screen, medical, psychological, and polygraph examinations.
POST Examination: Applicants must possess or acquire a California P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Agility Test (WSTB), P.O.S.T-score of 42 or higher issued within the last twelve (12) months.
Recruitment Process
THIS IS A NEW CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION. The eligible list resulting from this examination may last approximately one year. This examination may be reopened as necessary; additional eligible candidates merged onto the existing list will merge according to examination score.
This examination has been assembled for candidates who are not currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T academy.
- Effective January 1, 2023, all candidates for peace officer are not required to be a US citizen but must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. (SB 960)
Deadline For Filing
First Review Deadline: July 31, 2026
Second Review Deadline: August 31, 2026Review of Minimum Qualifications
First Review: August 1, 2026
Second Review: September 1, 2026Structured Oral Interview
TBD
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN
- Choice of One of Four Comprehensive Health Plans
- Dental and Vision Plan Coverage
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education completed?
- Less than High School Graduate
- High School/GED equivalent
- Some College
- Technical College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
The City of Pleasanton will not be offering the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) or Physical Agility Test (WSTB). This recruitment requires you to submit a T-score and Physical Agility Test (WSTB). Your T-score must be on the administering agency or academy letterhead. You must attach the T-score and WSTB to your application. I acknowledge the following: 1) I have taken the PELLETB and WSTB administered by a California law enforcement agency or academy and have attached the results to my application. 2) The test results are dated within 12 months prior to my application submittal date. 3) I have achieved a T-Score of 42 or higher. 4) I understand that if I do not provide my PELLETB and WSTB, I will be disqualified from the selection process. WSTB must include the mile and a half in under 14 minutes which is scored separately.
- Yes
- No
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
Will you be at least 21 years or older at the time of appointment to Police Officer?
- Yes
- No
Do you have prior experience in law enforcement? By answering "No", you will not be disqualified from the process.
- Yes
- No
Have you successfully completed college course work in criminology, police sciences or a related field? By answering "No", you will not be disqualified from the process.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $126,152 - $153,254