What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entry-Level Police Officer position at San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)?
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Salary Information
This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). Note that successful candidates will start at the base salary while in the Academy.
$7,782.66/ Monthly (Step 20/ Base Salary – While in Academy)
$8,819.73/ Monthly (Step 21 /Base Salary – Upon Academy Completion)
$10,376.16/ Monthly (Step 1/ Base Salary – Upon FTO Completion)
Who May Apply
All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.
Reports To
Police Sergeant or Lieutenant
Days Off
As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Department
BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.
Current Assignment
Are you ready to launch a purpose-driven career in modern policing—one built on service, innovation, and community trust? Join the BART Police Department and become part of a forward-thinking public safety team protecting one of the nation’s most advanced transportation systems. We’re looking for motivated, community-minded individuals who want to make a difference. No prior law enforcement experience is required—we will train you in a POST-certified Police Academy after hire and provide you with the skills, confidence, and leadership tools to succeed.
The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:
- Observe and accurately recall details
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with diverse groups
- Think critically, remain calm, and make sound decisions
- Learn and apply complex laws, procedures, and technology tools
- Build positive relationships with passengers and colleagues
- Maintain detailed records and prepare clear, professional reports
- Operate vehicles and radio communications safely and effectively
If you’re passionate about public service, committed to fairness, and excited by the idea of contributing to a transformational transportation system, we want you on our team.
Selection Process
This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications and pre-screening criteria are met. Those applicants who meet the required qualifications will move forward in the selection process. Candidates must successfully pass each phase to advance further. The selection process will include the following five (5) phases:
Phase 1
Pre-Screening Application Background Questionnaire
Phase 2
POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam and Physical Agility Test
(Note: Testing is scheduled for March 12 and March 26)
Phase 3
Review and Evaluation of Personal History Statement
Phase 4
Oral Board Interview
Phase 5
Investigative Background Check
** Please note that the entire selection process may take several months to complete. **
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as requested and/or required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).
Selected candidates will be required to successfully complete a CA POST-mandated Basic Police Academy, a Field Training Officer (FTO) Program and successfully complete a one-year probationary period (from the date of graduation from the Academy). Following the completion of the probationary period, patrol shift assignments are made on a seniority basis. Officers may be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays.
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Eligibility to Reapply
Candidates that are unsuccessful in the written, physical agility and/or oral board process can immediately reapply online for future openings. However, candidates that are unsuccessful in the investigative background process must wait at least 6 months before reapplying.
- Patrols a designated area in a radio vehicle or on foot to protect life and property and deter crime.
- Responds to suspicious activities and answers emergency calls for services.
- Enforces District, city, county or state and federal laws and ordinances.
- Assists in settling disputes, calming angry patrons and providing crowd direction and control.
- Makes presentations to community and employee groups regarding personal safety and criminal activities.
- Secures information from the parties at an incident scene and collects, documents and prepares evidence for court.
- Prepares affidavits for arrest and/or search warrants, files criminal complaints and coordinates investigative activities with other law enforcement agencies.
- Transports prisoners to booking facilities and processes them.
- Maintains accurate records and writes incident and crime reports.
- Works with investigative and legal personnel and presents testimony in court.
- Enforces traffic and parking regulations, investigates traffic accidents and directs traffic.
- Serves warrants and subpoenas.
Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent college credits, military or customer service experience highly desirable.
Other Requirements:
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Must be physically able to drag a body weighing up to 165 pounds.
Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to meet physical, psychological and background standards.
Must obtain required P.O.S.T. certification.
Must remain firearm qualified.
Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime.
Knowledge of:
- Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
- Techniques for dealing with varied groups of people.
- Standard record keeping and report writing procedures and techniques.
Ability to:
- Observe and accurately recall places, names, faces and incidents.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions. Interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies.
- Analyze situations and make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
- Use two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
- Drive a motor vehicle safely.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and competent reports.
Salary : $105,837 - $149,410