Q&A
SDPD Frequently Asked Questions
"Ask A Cop"
SDPD Frequently Asked Questions
"Applicants"
"Ask A Cop"
- If I am having a problem with a neighbor, or any other issue that is not an emergency, is there a number other than 911 I can call for assistance? You can call our non-emergency number at 619-531-2000. They can direct you to the proper unit or department to address non-emergency matters such as noisy neighbors, barking dogs and abandoned vehicles.
Where can I get a fix it ticket signed off?
A fix it ticket can be signed off by any sworn officer from any agency upon verifying the violation has been corrected.
How can I request extra patrol in my neighborhood?
You can request extra patrol by using the online citizen request from located at http://www.sandiego.gov/police/forms. You can also visit your area sub-station and complete a written request.
Will the police department check on my house while I am on vacation?
You can arrange for your area sub-station volunteers from the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol to check on your house while you are away.
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"Applicants"
- What are the minimum requirements for police recruits?
Police Recruit is an entry-level position for the San Diego Police Department. Applicants must be at least 20 years old the day of the written test, must be a U.S. Citizen or in the process of acquiring permanent citizenship, and must have a high school diploma from the U.S. or a G.E.D. equivalent.
Where do I obtain an application?
There are no applications to fill out prior to taking the written test. Applications for the City of San Diego are filled out on test day. The hiring process starts after an applicant takes and passes the written test.
What type of questions are on the written test?
The 75 question multiple-choice test covers reading and writing skills at a high school level. There are no study guides specifically available for this test.
How often is the written test given?
The test is administered (3) three times a month. Entrance to the test is on a first-come, first-serve basis with a seating capacity of 150 applicants. Applicants must bring a government issued picture ID card with their photo and signature on it, and they must know their social security number. Applicants should plan on arriving at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to test times.
When do I find out if I was successful in passing the test?
City Personnel will notify you of your status on test day by telephone. If you pass the written test you are required to participate in the Physical Agility Test.
What will disqualify an applicant during a background check?
Any felony conviction as a juvenile or an adult, or any misdemeanor domestic violence conviction is an automatic disqualifier.
What if my juvenile records are sealed?
Even if a juvenile record has been sealed, felony convictions are still disqualifying. You must list all arrests and/or convictions on your questionnaire, even if your records were sealed.
What about drug use, traffic citations or arrest records?
Recent use of marijuana or illicit narcotics, substandard driving history, or any serious criminal offense will be concerns when evaluating your viability. Applicants are always expected to be completely HONEST during the background process.
If I have a background check done with another agency, or have a top secret clearance in the military, will SDPD still do a background check?
Yes. The SDPD Backgrounds Unit will conduct a thorough background investigation on every applicant who submits a personal history packet.
Are there any height or weight requirements?
There are no height or weight requirements. Every applicant who is processed will be required to pass a rigorous 500-yard obstacle course, which simulates a suspect chase. They must pass the obstacle course in 3 minutes 30 seconds or less.
Will I be paid more if I have a 4-year degree?
Not initially. Officers with a degree will see an increase in pay two to four years after academy graduation in accordance the Department’s Educational Incentive Pay Program.
Will a 4-year degree allow me to Join the Department as a detective?
All new officers start their careers in the patrol division. Officers are eligible to apply for an investigative position four years after Academy graduation. A college degree may help you obtain that position.
Do I have to work the jail system prior to working the streets?
No. San Diego Police Officers do not staff any jail facilities.
How long before I can work a specialized assignment?
Officers are eligible to apply for a specialized assignment after three to four years of patrol experience. Examples of these assignments include SWAT, Canine Handler, Motor Officer, etc.
Can police officers outside of California apply with your agency as a lateral officer?
No. The San Diego Police Department does not accept out-of-state lateral transfers. Any out-of-state applicant, regardless of experience, must apply as an entry level Police Recruit, per California State requirements.
Is there a faster process for out of state applicants?
No. Applicants will be required to travel to San Diego a minimum of three times, at their expense, to go through the hiring process. The process could take 3 to 4 months to complete.
How do I apply as an out of state applicant?
The written test is the first step for all applicants. Out of town applicants will be giving priority seating if they live 150 miles outside the city of San Diego. Call the Recruiting Unit at (619) 531-2677 a month prior to the test.
HOW long can the hiring process take?
The process takes approximately 3 to 4 months for all applicants. There are no alternatives to expedite this process.
Will the hiring process be shorter for applicants with previous law enforcement or military experience?
No. Though previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive, it will not shorten the process.
How long is the Police Academy?
The police academy is a six-month college course. Two thirds of the academy is academics and one third of the academy is physical training.
Is the academy a live-in, high stress environment?
No. Academy hours are generally 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with recruits going home at the end of each day. It is not structured as a high stress academy. Teamwork is highly encouraged.
HOW much running is required in the academy?
Recruits will be required to run at least 3 1/2 miles a day at the start of the academy. By the end of academy training, recruits will be running up to 7 miles.
What happens when I graduate from the academy?
Upon graduation, Police Recruits are promoted to Police Officers and will be scheduled for an additional four-month training program with a Field Training Officer. Once training is complete, new officers will be assigned to one of nine area commands. The location and work schedule will be determined according to the needs of the department.
Will I be paid while attending the academy?
Yes. San Diego Police Recruits are paid while attending the academy and are City of San Diego employees.
What is the salary range for new Officers?
Academy recruits earn approximately $3572.00 a month and will reach a top step of approximately $5600.00 a month by the fourth year of employment. These figures are subject to change with future contract negotiations.
What type of medical benefits are available?
The City of San Diego offers a "cafeteria-style" benefits plan. Yearly, each employee is provided a set dollar amount to be used to purchase an individual or family health care plan from a variety of selected providers. The plan also offers life, dental and medical insurance in addition to other options.
What about vacation And sick time benefits?
Officers receive 17 to 27 days of annual leave each year depending on their length of service. Annual leave is used for both sick time and vacation time with the number of hours accumulating yearly.
Can my time with the military be carried over for retirement?
No. San Diego Police Officers are covered under the City Employees Retirement System. Call 1-800-774-4977.
IS there a minimum Time commitment once I am hired?
There are no "service" contracts to sign if an applicant is hired by the San Diego Police Department.
What area does the San Diego Police Department patrol?
The San Diego Police Department patrols the city limits of San Diego, which is approximately 331 square miles.
