Police Officer - San Francisco Police Department (Q002)

• Full-time
• Certification Rule: Rule of the List
• Job Code and Title: Q002-Police Officer
• Fill Type: Permanent Civil Service

Company Description

Clerically amended on March 1, 2024 to reflect changes for POST Academy graduates.

Join a highly respected Police Department and serve the citizens of one of the most beautiful cities in the country. San Francisco is a world-class city with a world-class police team. From Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Park and from Nob Hill to the Tenderloin, whether we’re on foot patrol, horseback, or in squad cars, responding to emergencies or leading classes on public safety, we’d love to work with you in keeping our community safe.

Application Opening: November 1, 2022 to Continuous

Here’s a Golden Opportunity, Become a San Francisco Police Officer!

San Francisco Police Officers perform a wide variety of essential duties to promote safety with respect. This is much more than a job; it is an opportunity to build a career of which you can be proud.

Essential Duties
According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

• Prepares for work; receives instruction from platoon commander regarding assignment (beat) and/or specific patrol targets during daily line-up; inspects patrol car, equipment and weapons to ensure proper operation.
• Patrols the district on foot or in patrol car; operates Mobile Video Terminal computer in patrol car; operates radio; detects criminal activity; and communicates with the public.
• Responds to call for service; resolves disputes; admonishes individuals; responds to accidents; and provides emergency first-aid.
• Conducts investigations; conducts a preliminary investigation at the scene of a crime; searches area for suspects or evidence; interviews suspects, witnesses and victims; obtains case numbers; and obtains background information from dispatch or the computer.
• Promotes community policing; speaks to merchants regarding potential problems in the area; explains to citizens laws, ordinances, and their rights in resolving disputes; speaks to citizens in sector while on patrol; attends community meetings; and participates in community-based programs.
• Makes arrests and/or detains suspects.
• Pursues suspects; chases suspects; sets up perimeters; and communicates with partner to coordinate chase.
• Enforces traffic and parking violations.
• Writes reports; keeps records; draws accident scene diagrams; competes forms and maintains logs.
• Interacts with superiors, peers, and other department personnel.
• Prepares and participates in planned events; stands and directs traffic at accident scenes, demonstrations, or planned events; controls crowds; cooperates with other city and state agencies to secure area at planned event or crime scene.
• Prepares for and attends court; reviews reports and other related documents; testifies in court; meets with the Assistant District Attorney to discuss cases.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (please note that the following eligibility Requirements will be verified during Background Investigation)

• Education: Applicants must be a U.S. High School Graduate or have passed a G.E.D. or the California High School Proficiency Examination or have an AA or higher degree from a United States accredited college or university.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old when they take the examination and at least 21 years of age by the time of appointment. (Civil Service Rule 210.10)
• Driver’s License: Applicants must possess and maintain a valid driver license to operate an automobile at the time of application and throughout the selection process. Possession of a valid California Driver License is required prior to the date of hire.
• Judicial Record: Applicants must NOT have been:
  • Convicted of a felony;
  • Convicted of an offense involving domestic violence;
  • Convicted of any misdemeanor that carries a penalty of prohibiting ownership, possession or control or a firearm; or
  • Restricted from employment with the City and County of San Francisco.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (the stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring).

• Experience in the United States Military
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to San Francisco communities

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.

Written Exam (Pass/Fail)
For this recruitment, applicants may use either the a) FrontLine National Law Enforcement Examination administered by the National Testing Network (NTN) or the b) California POST PELLETB Exam. Either exam is pass/fail with the minimum scores posted below.

a) FrontLine National Law Enforcement Examination (NTN)

You will need to establish an account with NTN. A fee is required to take the FrontLine National examination. Candidates with demonstrated financial hardship may submit a request to have the fee waived prior to test registration.

There are three components to the FrontLine National exam: a video-based human relations test, a reading ability test, and a written language ability test. The passing scores are:

Candidates must pass each test independently. The scores are not averaged.

Please note that the Public Safety Job Suitability Assessment on the NTN website is a two-component online test and you must complete both parts.

b) Post Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
The PELLETB exam developed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and measures reading comprehension and writing abilities.

Applicants who have taken the POST written within the last two years and have achieved a t-score of 42 or higher will also be exempt from the written examination.

Candidates that attain passing scores on the FrontLine National Exam or the PELLETB will be notified to take a Physical Ability Test (PAT) and an Oral Interview (OI).

Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail)
The PAT will assess physical abilities needed to perform essential police officer tasks and successfully complete academy training through four events.

Oral Interview (100%)
The OI will assess community involvement, interest and motivation, interpersonal skills, problem solving, oral communication skills and abilities not tested by other examination components.

Candidates will be notified via email of their pass/fail status on the PAT and OI.

In accordance with Civil Service Commission Rule 211.16.1, candidates may appeal the administration of the examination components.

Candidates must pass each of the selection components unless otherwise noted on the announcement. The Department reserves the right to waive selection components for individuals based on prior experience or certification.

POST Academy Graduates who have completed a certified California POST Basic Academy within the last two (2) years are waived from the written exam and physical ability test.

Eligible List / Certification Rule
Candidates that pass all test components will have their names added to the eligible list. Candidate names will remain on the list for a maximum period of 24 months.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Click on the "I’m Interested" button on the top or bottom of this page.

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date.

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the Public Safety Team by email at

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.