How to Become a Police Officer Handbook
Testing will take place on a rolling basis. Testing dates will be announced via e-mail. Notices will only be sent once a date is scheduled. Application status updates will not be provided outside of test invitation notices.
Law enforcement is at its finest here at the City of Paso Robles Police Department. With state of the art equipment and a community-oriented proactive approach to crime, the City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a work environment unlike any in San Luis Obispo County. If you are interested in working with exceptional individuals in a tight knit community, we encourage you to apply.
Please note this recruitment is intended for those applicants who are not yet certified law enforcement officers and will require training at a police academy or are currently enrolled in a certified academy. If you have already graduated from a certified police academy, please apply to the Police Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level) recruitment.
Wage Range
Academy: $38.63 per hour
Starting Officer: $46.16 per hour
About Paso Robles
Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
The Organization
The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities
The Position
This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the Police Department. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority. Incumbents will assume non-sworn duties within the department and attend a six-month P.O.S.T. Certified Academy. A housing allowance is available for qualified candidates. The academy is intense and requires a high degree of discipline.
Upon graduation and award of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy certificate, incumbents will be appointed to the position of Police Officer, assigned step 1 of the wage range (which is currently $46.16 per hour), and assume the benefits associated with the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA) bargaining unit. After six months at step 1, incumbents will be eligible for evaluation to step 2 (which is currently $48.96 per hour). Details of the POA benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Knowledge of:
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Basic principles and practices of law enforcement, public safety, and community service.
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Department policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
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Fundamental concepts of criminal law, traffic laws, and the criminal justice system.
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Principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.
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Basic investigative, observation, and problem-solving techniques.
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Principles of effective customer service and public relations.
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Report writing, recordkeeping, and documentation practices.
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Effective oral and written communication techniques.
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Basic computer systems and software applications used in law enforcement training and operations.
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Safe work practices and personal safety principles.
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Physical fitness principles, conditioning techniques, and defensive tactics fundamentals.
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English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation
Ability to:-
Successfully complete a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course, Requalification Course, or other required POST-approved training program.
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Learn, understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
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Learn and demonstrate proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, communications, and other law enforcement skills.
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Successfully complete academic coursework, written assignments, examinations, practical exercises, and physical fitness requirements.
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Observe, learn, retain, and apply technical information, instructions, procedures, and training concepts.
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Analyze situations, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions within established guidelines.
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Remain calm, focused, and effective in stressful, emotionally charged, or rapidly changing situations.
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Observe, recall, and accurately report facts, events, names, locations, and other details.
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Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports and written materials.
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Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
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Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with instructors, peers, supervisors, department personnel, and members of the public.
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Interact tactfully, professionally, and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
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Provide courteous, responsive, and professional customer service.
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Maintain physical fitness and successfully perform the physical requirements of academy and law enforcement training.
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Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to public service.
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Operate computers and standard office software applications related to assigned duties.
Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires minimal contact beyond immediate co-workers and direct supervisor.
Analytical Skills and Complexity
Applies a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents and uses moderate analytical ability to adapt standard methods to specific facts and conditions
Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
Experience involving public contact, customer service, military service, volunteer service, or other activities demonstrating responsibility, integrity, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse individuals is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of the following:
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A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
Other Requirements:
Must meet or exceed all Peace Officer selection requirements pursuant to 11 CCR § 1950 and all qualifications necessary for attendance at a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course or Requalification Course.
The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.
Selection Components:
1. PELLETB Written Exam
A score of 39 or above on the PELLETB is considered passing.
Testing for the PELLETB more than once in a 30-day period is prohibited.
Your participation in the PELLETB written exam may be waived if you have taken the PELLETB test within one year from the scheduled test date and received a score of 39 or above; documentation of your test score on agency letterhead must be provided with your application. The Academy (South Bay Regional Public Safety Training) holds PELLETB exams at various locations that can be used to waive our exam. Additional testing opportunities can be found here.
2. Physical Assessment Test (PAT)
Your participation in the physical assessment may be waived if you have taken and passed a Physical Assessment Test (PAT) from another agency or academy within a year from the scheduled test date; documentation on agency letterhead must be provided with your application.
Candidates that pass both the PELLETB written exam and the PAT may be invited to interview.
3. Interview
Application process:
To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record.
City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment as a Police Officer Recruit, a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process. Upon graduation and award of the Academy Basic Certificate, the incumbent may be appointed to and sworn in as a Police Officer and begin a new 18-month probationary period.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at
[email protected].
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
