***This is an open continuous recruitment***
***Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately***
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants to one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
About the Oakland Police Department
Mission Statement
The Oakland Police Department’s mission is to provide police service focused on public safety and the sanctity of life, to hold ourselves accountable to a high standard of conduct, efficiency, and efficacy, and to promote mutual respect between the Department and the Communities of Oakland.
Vision
We will work in partnership with our Community, recognize the successes of our staff, build a team of professionals who are trained and developed to provide top quality Service, hold ourselves and each other accountable, and continually seek to be the exemplar for 21st Century Constitutional Policing, Community engagement, and positive employee morale within the police profession.
Core Values
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Fairness: We value fairness in our dealings with our community and with each other. Fairness is the opportunity to deliver services to our community and make decisions that are impartial, equitable, and just.
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Integrity: Though it includes a consistency between our statements and our actions, integrity is more than service to the truth. Integrity encompasses a transparency and accountability that are born from a desire to do the right thing, even when times are difficult.
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Respect: Mutual respect begins at home; we value respect throughout our organization, both up and down the chain of command. How we treat each other will be reflected in the way every staff member will be expected to treat every member of our community.
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Service: Our decisions are constantly guided by our mission of providing services focused on public safety and quality of life, while also ensuring that our services are provided in an efficient and effective manner
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Teamwork: Purpose of mission and adherence to values are best drawn out from employees who are supported, valued, and developed. Whether through peer, supervisory, or command support and mutual respect, OPD expects that our staff all work together to achieve our common goal.
The Oakland Police Department extends a special opportunity to students interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement with one of the best police agencies in the State. We are currently recruiting to fill Police Cadet, part-time vacancies.
Cadets are assigned and rotated through a variety of divisions to provide exposure to many aspects of law enforcement. Cadet assignments may include, traffic, recruitment and background investigations, training, community policing, youth services, and the identification unit. Experienced Police Officers and civilian supervisors will provide extensive supervision, counseling, training, and evaluation for each Cadet. Cadets may work up to 19.5 hours per week, but individual schedules are dependent on department needs and school schedules.
We are looking for someone who:-
has the ability to act promptly, logically, and decisively;
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can communicate clearly;
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is able to read, comprehend and retain information;
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will maintain a calm and professional demeanor even under stressful situations;
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has the ability to adapt to changing situations;
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is able to multi-task;
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is highly self-motivated;
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will display a high level of integrity.
What you will typically be responsible for:-
Memorizing radio and penal codes to be tested every three months
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Learning to write reports, performing filing, and sending out letters to victims
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Participating in weekly Physical Training and monthly assessments of physical strength
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Assisting with Patrol procedures such as preparing the police vehicles and participating in role playing for Police Academy
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Participating in community events
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Assisting with weekly Emergency Vehicle Operation Course
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Assisting the Range department by organizing various equipment and moving ammunitions
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Assisting the K-9 unit by wearing a protective suit and acting as a decoy
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Participating in various training opportunities, such as Defensive Tactics, to learn how to protect self
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Participating in searches for missing person(s), including ride along with Argus (Helicopter) and on foot
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Assisting with servicing police vehicles such as coordinating car washes, gas fill up, cleaning, and maintenance
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Participating in interviewing and mentoring new Police Cadets
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Attending high school and college expos to recruit for Police Cadet Program and/or Police Officers
A few reasons why you might love a career as a Police Cadet:
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You directly impact the public and residents of the City of Oakland through the work you do.
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You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your honesty, integrity, and ethical decision-making skills.
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You will find many opportunities for growth within the City of Oakland.
A few challenges you may face as a Police Cadet:
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You must remain calm to effectively handle high-stress situations
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This position requires that you are careful about details and thorough in completing tasks
Competencies Required:
Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
Establishing Credibility: Doing what one commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
The Selection Process
Note: This is a continuous recruitment process; eligible candidates may be considered for 2 years from the date of application.
This recruitment is open to all qualified candidates.
This position is an at will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You’ll have 5 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. Please see the tentative exam dates listed below.
Candidates will also participate in a departmental oral interview and physical ability test administered by the Oakland Police Department, which will take place at the Police Administration Building Auditorium located at 455 7th Street, Oakland, CA 94607 in the lobby. The oral interview will evaluate oral communication, interpersonal skills, and judgment. Candidates should come prepared with gym clothes and shoes, to participate in the Physical Ability Test (PAT). The PAT test consists of job-related physical tasks performed in an "obstacle course" that must be completed. Visit www.opdjobs.com for additional information and practice workshop dates.
A hiring list will be developed by Human Resources Management (HRM). Candidates must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the hiring list for further Oakland Police Department consideration.
TENTATIVE EXAM DATES
For applications received between 5/26/26- 6/28/26
HRM Online Multiple-Choice Written Exam: 7/1/26- 7/8/26
OPD Oral Interview and Physical Ability Test: 7/25/2026
For applications received between 6/29/26- 7/26/26
HRM Online Multiple-Choice Written Exam: 7/29/26-8/5/26
OPD Oral Interview and Physical Ability Test: 8/29/2026
For applications received between 7/27/26- 8/30/26
HRM Online Multiple-Choice Written Exam: 9/2/26- 9/9/26
OPD Oral Interview and Physical Ability Test: 9/26/2026
Additional Information
Candidates who pass the Online Multiple-Choice Written Exam, physical ability test, and oral interview must successfully complete a
background investigation prior to being hired.
The Oakland Police Department reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
The City complies with all Federal, State, and local laws mandating Equal Employment Opportunities. All qualified applicants will be considered in accordance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user on the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the Oakland Police Department Background and Recruiting Office at (510) 238-3338 for information.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Sherry Chhom -
[email protected]