Police Officers (Entry-Level)
about the position
The Cadet is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn police officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T. training within the required timeframe and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet will be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.
The primary responsibility of the Cadet is to attend the prescribed training sessions to learn the principles, practices and theory of criminal and civil law enforcement, as well as codified and case law. The cadet also receives training in report writing, physical fitness techniques, firearms use and maintenance, arrest and control techniques, de-escalation techniques, community policing strategies, as well as other law enforcement related skills. Under close supervision, the Cadet may assist other police officers in the performance of their duties.
Role of a Police Officer
Our police officers are authorized per section 830.2 (c) of the California Penal Code and therefore may enforce laws and make arrests anywhere in the State. Our primary responsibility is to the SDSU community. Police officers work 3/12 shifts and are expected to police our community using vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and on foot.
Officers are first responders to all calls for service on campus including crimes in progress, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and quality of life issues. They are expected to utilize a wide range of community policing skills to address the unique needs of our community. Our officers embrace the spirit of community policing and realize the value of our community partnerships.
Officers provide preventative patrol; receive, process, and investigate complaints by citizens; respond to emergencies such as crimes, accidents, injuries, illness, and fires; protect persons and property through crime prevention; arrest offenders; appear in court; provide traffic control and enforcement; attend community meetings; perform miscellaneous services related to public health and safety; and safeguard the custody and disposal of evidence and lost and found property.
In addition, officers typically work a variety of overtime assignments including NCAA Division I sporting events, concerts at Viejas Arena, the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, the Snapdragon Stadium, college and high school graduations, and dignitary security. In addition, officers regularly work with federal, state and local allied agencies in combined enforcement and special detail activities. We also enjoy a positive working relationship with the San Diego Police Department, with whom we share concurrent jurisdiction.
eligibility
Eligible police officer candidates must be United States citizens or permanent resident aliens who have applied for U.S. citizenship. You must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and a valid California driver’s license.
All applicants must pass a panel interview, a physical agility exam, comprehensive physical exam including drug testing, a psychological evaluation, polygraph exam, and a thorough background investigation.
Entry level applicants must also be 21 years of age by date of graduation from a California POST certified academy and must pass a written test measuring reading and writing abilities.
