Entry Level Officer Minimum Requirements

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The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is the municipal police department in charge of the city of San Diego. It is one of several law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over San Diego. SDPD has a seven-step hiring process for entry-level police officers. Each step in that process introduces baseline requirements for applicants seeking a position with the SDPD. The seven-step process includes: (1) a written test; (2) a physical abilities test and pre-investigative questionnaire; (3) a background investigation; (4) a polygraph examination; (5) an interview with the appointing authority; (6) a psychological evaluation; and (7) a medical evaluation (SDPD, How to join, 2014). An applicant who meets the minimum requirements at each step will be eligible to proceed to the next step in the hiring process, and those who meet all of the minimums will be eligible for, but not guaranteed to receive, a job offer with the SDPD.

The written test is a pass/fail standardized test that does not focus on law-enforcement specific knowledge, but on general intellectual abilities. Section I consists of decision-making and cognitive-ability tests, while section II focuses on reading comprehension and report writing/written communication (SDPD, Written, 2014). "There are three pass points for this examination. Candidates must first pass Section II AND then Sections I and II combined to be placed on the eligible list" (SDPD, Written, 2014). Candidates who have graduated from a California P.O.S.T. approved Police Academy with a Basic Peace Officers course certificate or have a basic P.O.S.T. certificate are exempt from the written exam requirements (SDPD, Written, 2014).

The physical abilities test examines basic fitness for physical challenges an officer might encounter in the line of duty. Officers must run a 500 yard obstacle course while wearing a 3 pound vest. "This course, which simulates a suspect chase, will require you to dodge low hanging objects; climb ladders and stairs; run through a series of pylons; jump, step and/or climb over a 3-foot, 4-foot, and 6-foot fence; and partially lift and drag a 155 pound 'simulated victim'" (SDPD, Physical, 2014).

The background investigation focuses not only on an applicant's criminal history, but also on general character. It looks at employment history, credit status, driving record, and other information (SDPD, Background, 2014). The website did not provide information about cut-offs for each of these units, such as a minimum credit score for successful applicants or whether a misdemeanor conviction would prohibit employment.

The polygraph examination examines not only the veracity of information in the background report, but also applicant attitudes on a the Job Dimensions for Police Officers test (SDPD, Polygraph, 2014). While the website does not overtly state that dishonesty will eliminate potential candidates, it is implied. In addition to honesty in the background check, the polygraph is used to uncover "undetected criminal involvement, traffic history, illicit drug use, [and] illegal gambling habits" (SDPD, Polygraph, 2014). The appointing authority interview, like the polygraph, covers information assessed in other areas.