Join the Sacramento Police Department

Applications are submitted electronically through the City’s website. Read the directions closely and accurately complete the application. Any questions about the application should be directed to Human Resources 916-808-5726.

For more information, please watch the first video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

City of Sacramento HR
Employment, Classification & Development
916-808-5726

Before the oral panel interview, you will be required to pass a physical ability test. The passing score is 384 points. 

For more information about the physical ability test, please watch the second video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

The Oral Panel interview is the first time you will meet with a police department representative. You will spend about thirty (30) minutes answering a series of questions designed to evaluate your suitability for the position.

For more information, please watch the second video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

The background investigation is thorough and comprehensive. An average background investigation can take up to fifty hours to complete. You will be expected to provide your investigator with any and all needed documentation in a timely and complete manner. Dishonesty or omission of information will be cause for disqualification.

For more information, please watch the third video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

As part of your background investigation, you will be required to submit to a polygraph examination. The examination is another tool used to verify an applicant’s truthfulness through the process.

For more information, please watch the fourth video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

After clearing a background investigation, you may be invited to an interview with the hiring authority, usually a Deputy Chief. This is a formal job interview, after which a conditional job offer may be extended.

For more information, please watch the fourth video in our Hiring Workshop series below:

Applicants with a conditional job offer will be sent for a psychological examination with a doctor prior to employment.

Applicants with a conditional job offer will be sent to a doctor for a medical screening prior to employment.

Applicants with a conditional job offer who pass the psychological and medical exams, and who do not already have a California Basic POST academy certificate, may be offered a pre-hire position until the next academy begins. They will be paid at the police recruit rate while performing a variety of non-sworn tasks around the Department.

Employees hired as police recruits will attend the department's paid 24-week police academy. Academies begin twice a year, in January and July, and provide the knowledge, skills, and physical fitness necessary for a career in law enforcement. Upon successful completion of the academy police recruits who meet the requirements will be sworn in as police officers.

For more information, please watch this video about the Sacramento Police Department’s Academy: