General Questions
What are the minimum requirements to become a police officer with Sac PD?
- 60 college units from an accredited university. 26 units will be granted at the completion of the academy which can be included in the required 60 units. Therefore, 34 units are needed prior to starting the police academy.
- No felony convictions
- 21 years old by time of academy graduation
- Valid California driver’s license
- U.S citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States
Do I have to be a US Citizen to become a Police Officer with Sac PD?
Senate Bill 960 removed the provision that requires peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship, and would instead require peace officers be legally authorized to work in the United States, and make conforming changes.
Is the Academy live in?
No, the academy is not live in. The Sacramento Police Academy is a POST intensive format and is 24 weeks in length. It is generally a 4-10 work week (four days per week, ten hours per day), for a total of 942 hours of training. The schedule may change slightly during some weeks to accommodate training needs (range, emergency driving course, etc.). The academy is held during daytime hours, generally beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Can I still apply if I have used recreational drugs?
Instances of drug use are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending upon the substance, circumstances, frequency, and amount of time elapsed since the last use, applicants may be considered for employment. As a general rule those interested in a career in law enforcement should avoid using prohibited substances, or stop use as early as possible.
Can police officers use marijuana?
No. Although the passage of Proposition 64 (the Adult Use of Marijuana Act) has made the recreational personal use of marijuana legal in California under state law, the possession and/or sale of marijuana remains prohibited by federal law under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) (21 U.S.C. §§ 841-846.)
City of Sacramento Police Officer Recruit Exam FAQs
How do I apply for the Police Officer Recruit Position with the City of Sacramento?
All candidates must apply through www.govermentjobs.com to be considered.
Is the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam the POST PELLET-B Exam?
The City of Sacramento administers a City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement online exam. This is not a POST exam.
Do I need to take City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam in person?
The online testing option is now the only option available to complete this examination.
What if I do not have access to a computer to take the online exam?
Candidates invited to take the online exam will be provided an opportunity to schedule an appointment for use of a City of Sacramento computer.
Do I need to take the POST PELLET-B Exam?
The POST PELLET-B Exam is not required. Candidates who apply for the position and meet the minimum requirements will be invited to take the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Online Examination or may be exempt from taking the exam.
I have already taken the POST PELLET-B Exam. Do I need to take the City of Sacramento’s exam?
If you have taken the POST PELLET-B Exam within two years of the final filing date and earned a T-Score of 45 or higher, you may apply for test exemption.
I have already taken the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam. Do I need to take the City of Sacramento’s exam again?
If you have taken the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam within two years of the final filing date and earned passing score, you may apply for test exemption. NOTE: Passing candidates are be placed on a Pass (Eligible) List for a period of two (2) years. **It is unnecessary to reapply for this position while you are on an active Pass (Eligible) List**
Do I need to take the City of Sacramento’s Online Exam?
All candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and do not qualify for test exemption must take the online exam.
How do I know if I can be considered for test exemption?
If you have previously taken one of the following exams within two years of the final filing date and earned a passing score as listed below, you may be considered exempt from the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam.
- POST Certified Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) exam and earned a T-Score of 45 or higher
- City of Sacramento Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam and earned a passing score
How do I submit my previous POST PELLET-B Exam results to be considered for test exemption?
To receive consideration for exemption, submit a copy of your result letter to the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department by the final filing date using one of the following methods:
- Attach your valid result letter to your online application.
- Fax it to 916-596-1556, Subject: Police Officer Recruit
- Email it to employment@cityofsacramento.org and include "Police Officer Recruit " in the Subject Line.
Your result letter must have the following items/information listed:
- The result letter must be issued on agency letter head OR by email with the agency logo
- The test date must be clearly visible on the result letter
- The candidate’s first and last name must be listed
- The reading, writing and final T-score must be listed
- The result letter must be a legible, clear copy
How do I submit my previous City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Online Exam results to be considered for test exemption?
To receive consideration for exemption, submit a copy of your result letter to the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department by the final filing date using one of the following methods:
- Attach your valid result letter to your online application.
- Fax it to 916-596-1556, Subject: Police Officer Recruit
- Email it to employment@cityofsacramento.org and include "Police Officer Recruit " in the Subject Line.
Your result letter must have the following items/information listed:
- The result letter must be issued on agency letter head OR by email with the agency logo
- The test date must be clearly visible on the result letter
- The candidate’s first and last name must be listed
- The letter must state “You have passed they City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement online examination”
- The result letter must be a legible, clear copy
I submitted my previous exam results for test exemption, do I still need to submit an application?
Yes, candidates that have not submitted applications will not be considered further in the hiring process.
I am not able to complete the online exam by the deadline. Can I reschedule the exam?
The City of Sacramento does not offer rescheduled or make-up exams. If you did not complete the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam you are welcome to reapply for the Police Officer Recruit position for another opportunity to take the exam. There is no waiting period required to reapply or retake the exam.
What is a confirmatory exam?
A confirmatory exam is secondary in-person exam, which tests on similar information presented on the online exam. The confirmatory exam is used to validate the candidates’ results of the online exam. Candidates who pass the online exam may be invited to take a confirmatory exam at the hiring departments discretion.
I just completed the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam? When will I receive the results?
The results of the online examination will be sent out by email within two weeks of the deadline to complete the exam.
Can I receive my score from the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam?
The City of Sacramento does not provide the test scores-only if a candidate has passed or failed the exam.
I passed the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam. Do I need to apply again to be considered?
Candidates who pass the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level law Enforcement Exam will be placed on a Pass (Eligible) List for a period of two (2) years. **It is unnecessary to reapply for this position while you are on an active Pass (Eligible) List**
What is the next step after I pass the exam?
Candidates who pass the exam will have their application forwarded to the Sacramento Police Department. The Police Department will select and contact candidates as necessary to continue the screening process in approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks.
I did not pass the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam. Do I need to wait 30 days to apply again?
If you did not pass the City of Sacramento’s Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam you are welcome to reapply for the Police Officer Recruit position. There is no waiting period required to reapply or re-take the exam.
I have additional questions regarding the Police Officer Recruit position, who should I contact?
If you have specific questions regarding the Police Officer Recruit position, hiring process, Police Academy, etc.:
- Go to the Sacramento Police Department website at http://www.joinsacpd.org/
- Send an email to police_recruiting@pd.cityofsacramento.org
- Call the Police Officer Recruiting Office at 916-234-6112
I have additional questions regarding the Job Announcement and application process, who should I contact?
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:
- Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/HR/Career-Opportunities.
- Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org
- Call the Human Resources Department at 916-808-5726.