Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Requirements, Application, Testing
For Police Trainee entry-level position for the Stockton Police Department, applicants must be at least 20 years old to apply. Applicants must possess a U.S. high school diploma, or a G.E.D. Applicants must have, or be able to obtain, a California driver’s license. Applicants must not have any felony convictions or misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
Visit https://www.acswasc.org/ to determine whether your out-of-country diploma meets the qualifications.
The Stockton Police Department requires that a Police Officer candidate be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. California P.O.S.T. background requirements require applicants to have a minimum of 10 years residency in the United States. In accordance with Government Code Section 1031, effective January 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. There are no specific citizenship requirements.
*This link provides info on the acceptable documents to show authorization to work in the US.
There are no age restrictions, or height/weight requirements. Every applicant who is processed will be required to pass the Physical Abilities Test.
You do not have to be a resident of the City of Stockton to apply for, or work as, a Stockton Police Department Officer. However, employees will be required to maintain primary residence within 45 minutes of City Hall in order to timely respond to emergencies and meet the health, safety and welfare needs of the City.
Click “APPLY NOW” at the top right corner of this screen.
You can also submit an application for a Police Trainee, Police Recruit, Academy Graduate or Lateral position by visiting the Open Job Opportunities page on the city web site. Click “Available Jobs”. Search for “Police”. Select the appropriate job you would like to apply for.
Please note that if you arrive late for any of the exams, you may be removed from the process and encouraged to reapply.
The Physical Abilities Test includes the following:
- 30 air squats in 1 minute, 30 seconds
- 15 pushups in 1 minute, 30 seconds
- Plank for 1 minute, 15 seconds
- 500-yard run in 2 minutes, 30 seconds
We accept the Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) test or the National Testing Network (NTN) test.
The test is primarily a language aptitude test. One must already possess proficient language skills to perform well on the test. The first two components of the PELLETB focus on language ability. The first component evaluates writing ability, and the second component evaluates reading ability. The writing component of the test measures clarity, vocabulary, and spelling. The reading component measures reading comprehension.
You must score, or submit a T-score, of 45.0 or greater.
The test incorporates a human relations test, focusing on using good judgment in enforcement, public relations, and teamwork. It was specifically designed for entry-level law enforcement. Candidates watch a video segment and then choose the best course of action in a multiple-choice format. Additionally, a report writing, and multiple-choice reading test will be incorporated.
*Visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com for more information
Please note that if you arrive late for any of the exams, you may be removed from the process and encouraged to reapply.
Stockton Police Department administers the test approximately once every 31 days. After you submit an application, it takes the City of Stockton Human Resources Department approximately 2-3 days to process the application. Once the application is processed, you will be contacted via email with your scheduled date, time, and location to take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and PELLETB test.
The City of Stockton Human Resources Department will notify you of your PELLETB results within approximately three weeks of you taking the PELLETB or NTN exam.
Yes, there is a 5-year contract. Should you choose not to complete the full contract term of five years, you will be required to repay a portion of the academy and hiring bonuses. The repayment amount will be calculated based on the length of time you have served, expenses incurred by the city for the academy, hotel, transportation, and other related costs.
Background
The Stockton Police Department Officers are entrusted with responsibility to keep our cities safe from crime and corruption. Therefore, a history of ethical and moral behavior is of the utmost importance. Your background will be looked at very closely. Candidates who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired. You will be subjected to an intensive background evaluation, pursuant to the City of Stockton Public Safety Background Standards.
The process can take approximately three to four months. There are no alternatives to expedite this process.
Any felony convictions as a juvenile or an adult, and any misdemeanor domestic violence convictions will automatically disqualify an applicant.
Even if a juvenile record has been sealed, any felony convictions are still disqualifying. Applicants must list all arrests and/or convictions.
Recent use of specific illicit drugs, several hazardous traffic violations, or any serious criminal offenses will be concerns when evaluating your viability. Applicants are expected to be 100% honest in these areas. All offenses will be evaluated by the Background Investigations Unit.
Generally no. Previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive in the process, but it will not shorten the process.
Yes. The SPD Backgrounds Unit will conduct their own thorough background investigation on every applicant who submits a personal history packet.
- Preliminary phone interview
- Personal history statement submission through ESOPH
- Interview to go over personal history statement packet
- Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) examination
- Psychological exam
- Medical screening
There are no age restrictions, or height/weight requirements. Every applicant who is processed will be required to pass a Physical Abilities Test which includes the following:
- 30 squats with two-minutes
- 15 push-ups within 90 seconds
- Plank for one-minute
- 500-yard (1 lap) within 2 minutes 45 seconds.
Benefits, Salary, Retirement
Starting salary for Police Trainee’s starts at $6,339.58 per month while in the academy and will reach the top step of $9,605.38 after their sixth year. This salary does not include incentives. Pay scales for ranks above patrol officer are higher depending on the rank achieved. * These figures are subject to change due to new contract negotiations.
The City of Stockton offers Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision. The city will pay the employee’s contribution.
Not initially. However, your degree will assist you with obtaining your intermediate and advance certificates earlier than officers who do not possess a degree. The intermediate certificate and advanced certificates come with a 3% pay increase for each certificate obtained.
Academy
The Stockton Police Department fully funds the academy, and most equipment and uniform fees, for anyone hired as a Police Officer Trainee. In the event that a trainee is sent to a non-local police academy, Stockton Police Department will pay for the employee to be housed in the vicinity of the academy. They will also pay the applicant a per diem check to assist with food.
Stockton Police Department Trainees will be paid while attending the academy, will have benefits, and are considered City of Stockton Employees.
The police academy is generally a six-month course. However, this is subject to change based on the academy you attend. Stockton Police Department utilizes several police academies, most of which take place during day shift hours. However, training times are subject to change based off the academy schedule and training needs.
In the academy, recruits will be required to run at least three-five miles, and circuit train, several times a week.
Upon graduation, Police Officer Trainees will be sworn in as an officer. Trainees are promoted to Police Officers and will be scheduled for a one-month introductory program. This will be followed by our six-month training program with a different Field Training Officer each month. Once training is complete, new officers will be assigned to one of six districts. The location and work schedule will be determined according to the needs of the Department.
Lateral Program, Out of State
Yes. However, California P.O.S.T. requires out-of-state lateral officers to obtain a California P.O.S.T. Certificate. Officers who do not have a California P.O.S.T. Certificate will be required to obtain the necessary certificate. Please visit the California P.O.S.T website at https://post.ca.gov/for additional information on P.O.S.T certification.
No, background investigations may be completed in as little as two months and can take up to four months.
The hiring process is the same for all applicants. The process will consist of a written and physical ability test, completing a preliminary investigative questionnaire and submitting a personal history statement packet. Once you have successfully completed the listed steps and are deemed to be a viable candidate, you will be contacted and instructed to complete a series of interviews, a voice stress analyzer, psychological evaluation, and medical screening.
On the Job, Assignment, Promotion
After completion of an 18-month probationary period, officers are eligible to apply for other specialized assignments. Examples of these assignments include: SWAT, Canine Handler, Detective, Motor Officer, etc.
If you have additional questions about Stockton Police Department Recruiting, email Stocktonpoliceinterest@stocktonca.gov.