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Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Completed City of Pacific Grove Application Resume Certificates showing applicant has passed POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLTB) AND POST Physical Agility Test WSTB. To register ...

APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE FOR THE POST ENTRY LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT TEST BATTERY IS AVAILABLE BY CLICKING THE FOLLOWING LINK: poWrittenPracticeTest.pdf (ca.gov) Step 3: Oral Interview: Qualified ...

Police Officer Recruit

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $99K/yr

Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery. Applicant Frequently asked questions link: The City of Vernon will accept POST exam scores from other agencies. The ...

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Entry Level Law Enforcement information

See salary details

$33.5K

$49.3K

$69.5K

How much do entry level law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level law enforcement in the United States is $49,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, strong observational skills, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, composure under pressure, and sound judgment help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective enforcement of laws, community trust, and safety in challenging and dynamic situations.

Can I work in law enforcement without being a cop?

Entry level law enforcement jobs typically require being a sworn police officer, which involves completing police academy training and obtaining certification. However, there are support roles such as crime scene technicians, administrative staff, or community service officers that do not require police certification but still contribute to law enforcement agencies. These positions often require relevant skills, background checks, and sometimes specialized training.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Entry level law enforcement positions often accept candidates in their late 20s and beyond, as age requirements typically focus on physical fitness and background checks rather than age. Many agencies value life experience and maturity, making 27 a reasonable age to start a law enforcement career if you meet the qualifications and pass the necessary training and exams.

What is the easiest law enforcement job to get into?

Entry-level law enforcement positions such as police officer or sheriff's deputy are generally considered the easiest to enter, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a basic background check, and completing a police academy training program. These roles typically have the most accessible entry requirements compared to specialized or higher-ranking law enforcement jobs.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level law enforcement officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level law enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning to manage stressful or unpredictable situations, and building effective communication with both the public and colleagues. Many new officers also need to quickly become proficient with departmental procedures, report writing, and legal protocols. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training are crucial in helping new recruits navigate these challenges and develop confidence in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Law Enforcement vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level Law EnforcementCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, patrols, community interactionsPrisons, jails, detention facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Law Enforcement officers primarily focus on patrolling, crime prevention, and community policing, working in the field and interacting with the public. Correctional Officers supervise inmates within detention facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work in criminal justice, their environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within law enforcement.

What are entry level law enforcement jobs?

Entry level law enforcement jobs refer to positions such as police officers, sheriff's deputies, or corrections officers that require minimal prior experience in the field. These roles typically involve enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies. Candidates often need to meet basic requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level positions provide foundational training and experience for those starting a career in law enforcement.

Can you apply to be a police officer with no experience?

Entry level law enforcement positions typically do not require prior experience, but applicants must meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Some agencies may prefer or require related skills like communication, physical fitness, or problem-solving abilities.
More about Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Law Enforcement jobs? The most popular types of Law Enforcement jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,343 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Police Recruit Trainee and Academy Attendee

Police Recruit Trainee and Academy Attendee

City of San Leandro

San Leandro, CA

$7.5K - $9.2K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Position Your search stops here. If you're looking for a demanding, rewarding career with a department committed to integrity and community partnership, the San Leandro Police Department is the place to be. We lead with innovation, prioritize professional growth, and value team members who bring forward creative, effective solutions.

If our core values of teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and service align with yours, explore https://wearourblue.org/ to learn more about joining our team as a Police Recruit Trainee. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED FOR THE CURRENT ROUND OF TESTING

To be considered for this testing process, applicants MUST submit a California PELLETB "T-score" of 45 points or higher dated within one year or application or an NTN score for the written exam requirement. A California POST physical agility certificate, known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), with a score of 384 or higher and a 14-minute maximum time for the 1.5-mile run dated within one year of application MUST be submitted with your application. For information on how to take the NTN written exam, please visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm

For information on how to take the California POST PELLETB and/or WSTB, please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests. WHAT WE OFFER YOU: Get paid to learn. Earn a full-time salary while attending a Police Basic Academy ($7,310 - $8,885/month) Onsite gym and fitness amenities available* City contribution towards deferred compensation up to 2% of base salary Up to $2,627.75 monthly City contribution toward medical and dental benefits (you pay only $312.29/month for Kaiser family coverage) *Upon graduation from the Police Academy Duties and Responsibilities Supervision Exercised and Received: Receives direct supervision and tutorage from Academy training staff, as well as training staff from the San Leandro Police Department

Essential Functions: The functions of the classification may include, but are not limited to, the functions below and are subject to changes in operational necessity. Attends and successfully completes a certified police training academy designed to provide an overview of the Criminal Justice System which includes training in various laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid, weapons, and physical fitness; Understands and can carry out oral and written directions; Meets standards of physical stature, endurance, and agility established by the City; Observe and accurately remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places; Uses and cares for firearms; Learns, understands, and interprets laws and regulations; Prepares accurate and grammatically correct written reports; Learns standard broadcasting procedures of a Police radio system; and Performs related duties as assigned. For detailed information about the job classification, visit: Police Recruit Trainee.

SELECTION PROCESS: NTN or PELLETB* Candidates must take and pass either the NTN or PELLETB test. POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)** Candidates must take and pass the WSTB test with a score of 384 or higher and a 14-minute maximum time for the 1.5-mile run. Apply through the City's website Click on "Apply" above

Upload your PELLETB (if applicable) and WSTB test scores with your application. Application Review Ongoing Panel Interview Candidates who meet minimum standards will be invited to a Panel Interview. Interviews are held on an ongoing basis.

Command Interview Candidates who pass the Panel Interview will be invited to an interview with San Leandro Command Staff. Personal History Statement (PHS) Candidates who pass the Command Interview will be contacted to submit their PHS. Polygraph Candidates who successfully pass the PHS will be scheduled for a polygraph.

Background Investigation Candidates who pass the polygraph will undergo a background investigation. Medical exam and psychological evaluation Candidates who pass the background investigation will be given a conditional offer and then be scheduled for a medical exam and psychological evaluation. Final Job Offer Those candidates who successfully pass the medical and psychological evaluations will be given an official job offer.

Welcome to the City of San Leandro. Candidates must submit ONE of the following in order to be considered: *California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) "T-score" of 45 points or higher dated within one year of application. NOTE: California POST "T-scores" from other agencies will be accepted if it has been taken within one year of the date you submit your City of San Leandro application.

Applicants must submit, on agency letterhead, a letter that states that the individual has taken the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam. The letter must contain the total "T-score" and the date of the test. For information on where the PELLETB test is offered, please visit www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests

OR *A passing NTN score. For information on where the NTN test is offered, please visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm. ALL candidates must submit the following test certificate in order to be considered: *California POST physical agility test certificate, known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), with a score of 384 or higher and a 14-minute maximum time for the 1.5-mile run, dated within one year of application

For information on where the WSTB test is offered, please visit www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests. Qualifications TO QUALIFY AS A POLICE RECRUIT/ACADEMY ATTENDEE, AN APPLICANT MUST: Possess a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Have equivalent work experience, other education, or training that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities OR have completed 60 (semester) college units

Be 20.5 years of age or older to attend a POST Basic Police Academy. Possess and maintain a valid class "C" California driver's license. Have a record must be free from any felony convictions, or any convictions that would bar the applicant from legally possessing a firearm

Be in good physical condition. Weight must be in proportion to height. Vision and physical condition must satisfy established POST medical standards.

Please refer to https://post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual.aspx for additional information. Additional Information Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The City of San Leandro is an Equal Opportunity Employer

For more information regarding ADA accommodations or Veteran's preference, please visit https://www.sanleandro.org/Faq.aspx?TID=54.