FAQ
Have questions?
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about joining the San Francisco Police Department. If you still have questions, contact a recruiter by scrolling to the form at the bottom of the page. If you are ready to join, click the Apply Now button.
- U.S. High School Graduate
- or have passed the General Educational Development (GED)
- or the California High School Proficiency Examination
- or have an AA or higher degree from an U.S. accredited college or university.
- Applicants must be at least 20 years old when they take the examination. 21 years of age by the time of appointment. There’s no maximum age limit.
- Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license to drive a car. You should have it when you apply and all the way through the selection process. Before you’re hired, you must also have a valid California Driver’s License.
- 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.
- A U.S. Citizenship is no longer required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law.
$112,398 to $164,164*
*Must possess the CA POST Advanced Certificate to reach the Top Step Salary
- Paid Academy training
- Paid vacation, leave and sick time
- Annual sick leave buyout
- 6.25% Night Shift differential pay
- 5% Specialty pay for Bomb Squad, K9, SWAT
- Longevity Pay after 5 years of service
- 80 hours of discretionary time annually
- Up to 120 hours of holiday pay at holiday rate
- 3 hours minimum court pay at overtime rate
- Countless overtime opportunities (Warriors and Giants games, concerts, etc.)
- Uniform pay and equipment provided
- Education compensation
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits for officers, spouses and dependents.
- Over 80 specialized units
- Pension – 3% of final compensation per year of service at age 58, with a maximum of 90% benefit based on years of service.
- Optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (SFDCP) to compliment your pension benefits
- Purchasable Service Credit
- Limited Employment during Retirement – Retired members may return to City employment without affecting retirement status, not to exceed 960 hours in any fiscal year
- For more info: https://mysfers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Plan-Provisions-Police-605-2023.pdf
Step 1 : Submit Application
Step 2: Schedule Written Test
Step 3 : Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Step 4: Oral Interview (OI)
Step 5: Eligibility List
Step 6: Background Investigation
Step 7: Academy
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Learn More: joinsfpd.com/hiring-process
- FrontLine National Law Enforcement Examination, administered by the National Testing Network (NTN)
- California POST PELLETB Exam.
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Learn More: joinsfpd.com/written-test
This administrated test will measure physical performance through a series of exercises. Scoring will be on a pass/fail basis.
Learn More: joinsfpd.com/physical-ability-test
Once a candidate has passed the written examination and the Physical Abilities Test. They move on to the Oral Interview phase. This will test the applicant’s interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Skills that are not tested by other exams.
Learn More: joinsfpd.com/oral-interview
- Identity
- Education
- Employment history
- Criminal record
- Credit history
Learn More: joinsfpd.com/background-investigations
Each member of the SFPD commits to excellence in law enforcement. Dedicates themselves to serving the people of our City. To being just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive in policing. That commitment begins at the SFPD Regional Training Center Basic Academy. Where our instructors provide all possible assistance to each recruit. This ensures their success in the Academy, Field Training Program, and in their career.
Learn More: joinsfpd.com/basic-academy
No, you do not need to be a resident of San Francisco or California to apply.
No, but you must be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law.
Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license to drive a car. You should have it when you apply and all the way through the selection process. Before you’re hired, you must also have a valid California Driver’s License.
One important application requirement is that you cannot have a felony conviction, even if it has been expunged.
The complete hiring process can range from 3–6 months. This can vary depending on various factors.
No. You are not required to complete it.
Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)
- NTN:
- Video: 65
- Writing: 70
- Reading: 70
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- PELLETB: T-score of 42 or higher
https://joinsfpd.com/written-test/
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- Physical Ability Test (PAT): total of 20 points across the four events and achieve at least 1 point on each event.
https://joinsfpd.com/physical-ability-test/
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- Oral Interview (OI): Pass or Fail
https://joinsfpd.com/oral-interview/
Yes, you can retake the PELLETB, PAT and OI every 30 days. The NTN can be retaken every 3 months.
The police academy is currently 37 weeks long.
No, the police academy is not a live-in academy and does not offer housing. The schedule for police academy is four 10-hour days/week.
Lateral Applicants don’t have to take the Written Test or Physical Ability Test (PAT). You only have to do the Oral Interview (OI).
Using narcotics won’t automatically disqualify you during the hiring process. Discuss this with your background investigator when you reach that stage. Honesty is crucial because each case is evaluated individually. Sworn SFPD members must follow federal law. Which allows them to use narcotics only when prescribed by a licensed medical doctor.
