Police Cadet
Salary
$93,782.00 Annually
Location
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type
Regular Full Time
Department
Patrol
Opening Date
06/08/2026
Closing Date
6/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispos 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.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
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 Citys 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.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the general supervision of a Field Training Officer.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ability to:
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
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:
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.
Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
02
Will you be 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?
03
Have you taken the PELLETB Exam within the last year?
04
Did you receive a score of 45 or higher on your PELLETB Exam?
05
Have you attached your PELLETB score to this application?
06
Have you been convicted and/or arrested for any violent felonies, serious felonies, and/or crimes involving dishonesty or obstruction of legal processes, such as theft, embezzlement, fraud, forgery, perjury, and bribery.
07
What attracted you to apply for a position in the San Luis Obispo Police Department?
08
How many times have you visited San Luis Obispo?
09
Why do you want to work in Law Enforcement?
10
Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license?
11
If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?
12
I understand that if I am successful in the selection process for this position and receive a conditional offer, I must pass a thorough background investigation, which will include a criminal history check, polygraph test, fingerprinting, credit check, driving record, drug use history, and medical examination.
Required Question
Employer City of San Luis Obispo
Address 990 Palm St
San Luis Obispo, California, 93401
Phone 805-781-7250
Website http://www.slocity.org