Entry Level Police Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Redding, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Status 3)
Job Number: 660ENT 1402 082025
Department: Police Department
Division: 1402 Police - Field Operations
Opening Date: 08/22/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: RPOA
Description
*UPDATED: August 26, 2025
The City of Redding is accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer within the Redding Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals with a strong commitment toward providing excellent service to the members of the community. The Mission of the Redding Police Department is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City.
The Redding Police Department has a reputation as a progressive agency offering excellent training and career development programs and providing our officers with modern equipment. Assignment opportunities include: Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics, Field Evidence Technicians, Field Training Officers, Investigations, Motor Unit, Canine, Bicycle Patrol and the Neighborhood Police Unit
The City of Redding provides an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance, paid time off and a CalPERS retirement program along with a great work environment.
Please Note:

• We are currently only considering candidates for the Entry Level Police Officer position who have already completed a 6 month law enforcement academy. If you have not yet completed a law enforcement academy, please apply for the

We are looking for someone to
Please view the job classification for Entry Level Police Officer to learn more about the duties performed.
Scan the QR code below to learn what the Redding area and Police Department have to offer!
Qualifications we're looking for

• Knowledge of practices and procedures of administration of justice and criminal law, City ordinances and regulations.
• Knowledge of investigation and crime prevention methods.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and laws governing the apprehension, arrest, custody, and prosecution of law violators and effective public relations.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public and employees.
• Ability to read, understand, and carry out departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action.

Education and Experience:

• Typical education includes a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Typical experience would be less than one year of "street" experience with a municipality, Sheriff's Office or equivalent.
• Applicants must attach a copy of a Basic POST certification.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants must attach a copy of a California POST Academy certificate. POST Academy Certificates over three years require proof of completion of a POST Academy update course.
• Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4
• No felony convictions.
• Shall be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
• Possession of the appropriate California driver's license, or the ability to acquire one within ten days of appointment.

For the full job description click here
What to expect from the Application and Exam Process
You will receive notifications pertaining to this recruitment at the e-mail address and text message number provided on your application. Email correspondence may go to your spam or junk mail folder.
Examination process: The examination process may include an oral board examination, a written examination, practical examination or any combination thereof.
This recruitment will be establishing an eligibility list and may be used to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies. This recruitment will be open until filled and may close at any time with little or no notice.
IMPORTANT:Applicants must meet minimum age requirement of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4
Selection Process: Final appointment is contingent upon:

• Positive past employment references
• Passing a city paid fingerprint criminal conviction check
• Passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug and alcohol screening test
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination
• Successful completion of a psychological evaluation
• Positions within the Police Department require applicants pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.

Veteran's Credit: Applicants who attach a copy of the DD-214 to their application indicating "Honorable Discharge" from military service and receive a passing score on the examination process will have two (2) additional points added to their final examination score.
The City of Redding adheres to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/FEDERAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
NOTE: This is a summary of benefits and is provided as a courtesy. For specific benefit information, refer to the labor agreements (MOUs) of each bargaining unit.
To view the Peace Officers Association of Redding MOU,
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYEES OR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.
Holidays:
An average of thirteen and a half per year. Fire Association covered employees receive a payment in lieu of holidays. Holiday compensation for Redding Peace Officers Association and Redding Police Managers Association employees has been converted to base pay.
Vacation:
Two weeks per year up to the fourth year of service, three weeks up to nine years of service, three and a half weeks up to fourteen years of service, four weeks up to nineteen years of service, four and a half weeks up to twenty-four years of service, five weeks after twenty-four years of service. For accrual rates for Fire Department shift employees, refer to MOU. Part-time and temporary employees may be eligible for some vacation/paid time off benefits.
Sick Leave:
Twelve working days of sick leave are accrued each year. Unused sick leave may be credited toward retirement. For accrual rates for Fire Department shift employees, refer to MOU.
Health Insurance:
Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life for employee and dependent, and long-term disability for employees.
Retirement:
Full-time employees are covered by CalPERS (formula is dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS) and are not covered under the Social Security System.
Administrative Leave:
Management positions are eligible to receive 40 hours of administrative leave per calendar year as authorized by the department director; additional leave up to 40 hours may be granted by the City Manager.
Deferred Compensation Plans:
Available for interested employees.
Agency Shop Requirements: Some job classifications are represented by collective bargaining units, the employees of which may choose to join and pay union dues.
Part-Time Retirement Benefit Program:
Part-time, seasonal, and full-time temporary employees either participate in the Social Security System or the PARS Alternate Retirement System depending upon bargaining unit assignment.
SDI:
Redding Peace Officers Association represented positions do not participate in SDI.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
Did you attach either a California POST Academy certificate or proof of completion of a POST Academy update course, if POST Academy Certificate is over three years?

• Yes
• No

Required Question