The City of San Luis Obispo's Police Department is currently recruiting for the position of Police Cadet.
CLICK HERE to learn more about joining SLOPD!
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Candidates must submit an online application by 5:00 pm on Monday, June 29th, 2026, to be considered for the Physical Agility Test scheduled tentatively for Monday, July 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. All applicants will be provided a status update after the position is closed.
For those invited to complete the physical agility test, your results, as well as your application and application materials, will be evaluated. Top-scoring candidates will be invited for panel interviews on Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Please plan to attend the two-day Allan Hancock College Pre-Academy on September 26th & 27th in Lompoc, CA. Candidates who have not previously taken the PELLETB exam and are selected to continue in the hiring process will be required to complete the exam during the Pre-Academy. You can find more
information on the pre-academy here.
Please note: Do not enroll in the Pre-Academy or Academy on your own. If you are selected to move forward, the department will complete the enrollment process on your behalf.
It is strongly recommended that applicants take the PELLET-B Exam and achieve a score of 45 or higher before submitting their application. If you have taken and passed the PELLET-B exam with a score of 45 or higher within the last 6 months, please attach your results to your application.
If you have not taken a PELLETB Exam, it does not automatically exclude you from the recruitment process.
Upon a conditional offer, candidates will be required to complete a Personal History Statement (Download PDF reader).
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Police Department is looking for dedicated and driven individuals eager to build a career in law enforcement. Candidates must exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and reliability, demonstrating strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A successful cadet is a quick learner, able to adapt to various environments, multitask effectively, and stay calm under pressure. Essential qualities include resilience, humility, and the commitment to continuous growth, both mentally and physically, to support the demands of the role and serve the community effectively.
Successful candidates are prepared to approach the extensive training the position involves with dedication, attentiveness to detail, and sound decision-making skills. They value teamwork, embrace a strong moral compass, and understand the importance of confidentiality and accuracy, as their work underpins criminal proceedings. As a trusted member of the department, candidates must uphold the highest standards, both on and off duty, and be committed to ongoing education, adapting to evolving policies and legal updates, to deliver the best service to the City of San Luis Obispo.
JOB SUMMARY:
This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the City's police service. Under direct supervision, attends Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) approved basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills, and physical capabilities required to perform police service. During training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and the police academy attended. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a one-year probation as a regular status employee.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
AND
At least 20 years old at time of appointment; 20.5 years old at time of completion of the academy; and 21 years old at the completion of the FTO program.
AND
Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100. Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required;
AND
Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
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A valid California Class "C" driver's license at the time of hire.
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
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Pre-employment Physical
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Polygraph
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Police Background Investigation
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Credit Check
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Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)
