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 the day of the written test. Applicants must possess a high school diploma from a U.S. high school, or a G.E.D. 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.
The Stockton Police Department requires that a Police Officer candidate be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. P.O.S.T. background requirements require applicants to have a minimum of 10 years residence in the United States.
*This link provides info on the acceptable documents to show authorization to work in the US.
You do not have to be a resident of the City of Stockton to apply for, or work as, a Stockton Police Department Officer.
You can 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.
We accept the Post Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) test or the National Testing Network (NTN) test. Additionally, we accept a four-year college degree from an accredited institution in lieu of the PELLETB or NTN exams.
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 component evaluates reading ability. The writing component of the test measures clarity, vocabulary, and spelling. The reading component measures reading comprehension.
The test incorporates a human relations rest, 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.
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 and time to take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and PELLETB test. The Stockton Police Department determines the location and the times of the written exam.
The City of Stockton Human Resources Department will notify you of your PELLETB results within three weeks of you being administered the PELLETB or NTN exam.
The process can take approximately three to four months. There are no alternatives to expedite this process.
Generally no. Previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive in the process, but it will not shorten the process.
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
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.
Yes. The SPD Backgrounds Unit will conduct their own thorough background investigation on every applicant who submits a personal history packet.
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 $5,863.46 a month while in the academy and will reach the top step of $8,884 after their sixth year. This salary does not include incentives. Pay scales for ranks above patrol officer are higher depending on 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 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.
Academy
The Stockton Police Department fully funds the academy for anyone hired as a Police Officer Trainee.
The police academy is a six-month course. Our agency utilizes several academies; most of which are scheduled during day hours. However, times are subject to change based on training needs.
At the start of the academy, recruits will be required to run at least three-five miles several times a week and circuit training twice a week or more depending on the academy.
Upon graduation, Police Officer Trainees will be sworn in as an officer by Chief S. McFadden. Recruits are promoted to Police Officers and will be scheduled for an additional two–week 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 area commands. The location and work schedule will be determined according to the needs of the Department.
Stockton Police Department Trainees will be paid while attending the academy and are considered City of Stockton Employees.
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, and Motor Officer, etc.
If you have additional questions about Stockton Police Department Recruiting, email Stocktonpoliceinterest@stocktonca.gov.
