You
Belong
in
berkeley
CA
berkeley's
finest
As a proud member of the Berkeley Police Department, you have an opportunity to protect and serve a community made up of diverse, hardworking, creative, and passionate people.
Join the men and women of the Berkeley Police Department because one person can make a world of difference. With many opportunities and police officer jobs available, apply to the Berkeley Police Department and start your law enforcement career today.
WE EMBRACE
NEW WAYS OF SERVING
There’s something special about working in law enforcement in Berkeley. Do you want to make a real difference? Come see how we are leading the way of change for our community.
WHO
WE ARE
The Berkeley PD has a culture of celebrating the men and women on our law enforcement team. Each person has different backgrounds, amazing talents, and ambitious goals. See who we are, and why you belong in Berkeley.
choose
your path
Patrol, Motor Officer, Bomb Disposal, Dispatcher, Crime Scene Technician, Detective, School Resource Officers… the list of jobs at Berkeley P.D. goes on! We have the specialties and training support to put your law enforcement career on point. Let’s get started!
FAQs
Application Requirement
Completion of 60 college semester units. Must also be a high school graduate, pass the GED or other equivalency test, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment.
Unlike some agencies that enforce a maximum age limit, we do not have an upper age restriction for applicants. However, all candidates must be physically capable of completing all testing requirements, successfully pass a medical evaluation, and complete the police academy training.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
POST Testing and Certification
The POST PELLETB (Peace Officer Standards and Training Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery) is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Yes, you'll need to take the POST PELLETB as part of the written exam. You can waive this exam by submitting a T-score of 43 points or higher from a test taken no more than two years prior to application.
You can find a study guide for this test with sample questions here: https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/Applicant_Preparation_Guide_for-the-POST_Entry-Level-Law-Enforcement-Test-Battery.pdf
Physical Requirements
You must pass a Physical Abilities Test (PAT), which includes a 6-foot solid and chain link fence climb, a body drag, an obstacle course and a 500-yard run. You can find a video with more details about the Physical Ability test here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaTE9D4rajU&t=48s
Yes, the City of Berkeley is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and work environment. Requests must be submitted in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
Background Investigation
Employment background/reference check including employment history, educational credentials, licenses, criminal history check, credit check, truth verification examination, and Live Scan fingerprinting.
There is no set limit to how far back a law enforcement background check goes in California—it can cover your entire adult life and, in some cases, relevant juvenile history. If you have a specific concern about your background, we recommend contacting a recruiter to discuss how it may be evaluated during the hiring process.
No, a prior arrest does not automatically disqualify someone from becoming a police officer in California. What matters most is the outcome of the arrest, the nature of the offense, and the applicant’s behavior since the incident. Whether or not an arrest led to a conviction, it is generally not a disqualifier, though it will still be reviewed during the background investigation. However, certain convictions, such as felonies and specific serious misdemeanors, do disqualify candidates under California POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) regulations. Even so, each case is evaluated individually, considering factors like time since the incident, evidence of rehabilitation, and overall character. Full honesty during the hiring process is critical — being transparent about your history can make a significant difference. Ultimately, departments assess applicants on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on integrity, personal growth, and suitability for a career in law enforcement.
Military and Veteran Applicants
At Berkeley PD, we have a policy that covers Veteran’s Preference (Policy 1000.4.1). Qualifying veterans of the United States Armed Forces who receive a passing score on an entrance examination shall be ranked in the top rank of any resulting eligibility list. The veteran’s preference shall also apply to a widow or widower of a veteran or a spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran (Government Code § 18973.1).
We’re happy to work with you if you’re currently on active duty and have an upcoming discharge date. Please note that you’ll still need to be available to travel to California to complete the POST-required testing, including the PELLETB and WSTB. Let us know your timeline, and we’ll do our best to support your application process.
Getting Started
Contact one of our Recruiters by emailing bpdrecruiting@berkeleyca.gov and requesting a phone call. We are happy to talk you through the process and how to start based on your specific circumstances.
If you have any questions, please email bpdrecruiting@berkeleyca.gov.
Yes, potential Berkeley Police Department employees and candidates in the hiring process are eligible for ride-alongs with expressed permission from the Personnel and Recruitment Sergeant.
The full hiring process generally takes approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as your application date, testing schedule, and the duration of the background investigation.
Yes, we host in-person information sessions, as well as Virtual Recruitment Events. You can find more information about our upcoming events here: https://www.joinberkeleypd.com/events
Application Requirements
You must be a high school graduate, have passed the GED or another equivalency test, have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have earned a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of appointment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
Typing Test Requirements
Minimum of 35 net words per minute.
You can complete a typing test online (e.g., typing.com), obtain a certificate from a recognized business school, or through an employment or temporary agency.
There are multiple free options available online to complete a typing test (e.g., typing.com).
Before submitting your application on governmentjobs.com, you must attach a PDF copy of your typing certificate that clearly displays your name.
POST Testing
The POST Dispatcher Test is designed to measure aptitude for performing public safety dispatcher work. It measures verbal ability, reasoning, memory, and perceptual ability. You'll need to take the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Test (written exam) as part of your application. For more information about the test, see this FAQ page: https://post.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Dispatcher-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs
You can find a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery Examinee Guide here: https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/Dispatcher_Selection_Test_Battery-Examinee_Guide.pdf
Background Investigation
There is no set limit to how far back a law enforcement background check goes in California—it can cover your entire adult life and, in some cases, relevant juvenile history. If you have a specific concern about your background, we recommend contacting a recruiter to discuss how it may be evaluated during the hiring process.
Employment background/reference check including employment history, educational credentials, licenses, criminal history check, credit check, truth verification exam, and Live Scan fingerprinting.
A prior arrest does not automatically disqualify someone from becoming a law enforcement dispatcher in California. What matters most is the outcome of the arrest, the nature of the offense, and the applicant’s behavior since the incident. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, it is generally not a disqualifier, though it will still be reviewed during the background investigation. However, certain convictions, such as felonies and specific serious misdemeanors, may disqualify candidates under California POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) regulations. Each case is evaluated individually, considering factors like time since the incident, evidence of rehabilitation, and overall character. Full honesty during the hiring process is critical — being transparent about your history can make a significant difference. Ultimately, agencies assess applicants on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on integrity, personal growth, and suitability for a career as a law enforcement dispatcher.
Getting Started
Contact one of our Recruiters by emailing bpdrecruiting@berkeleyca.gov and requesting a phone call. We are happy to talk you through the process and how to start based on your specific circumstances.
If you have any questions, please email bpdrecruiting@berkeleyca.gov.
The full hiring process generally takes approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as your application date, testing schedule, and the duration of the background investigation.
Yes, we host in-person information sessions, as well as Virtual Recruitment Events. You can find more information about our upcoming events here: https://www.joinberkeleypd.com/events
contact a recruiter
Interested in starting a career with the Berkeley Police Department. Use this form to get in touch and a recruiter will reach out to you.
