• Job Description

  Req#: 5010059
  The City of San Luis Obispo's Police Department is currently recruiting for the position of Police Cadet.
  
  
  
  CLICK HERE to learn more about joining SLOPD!
  
  
  THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
  
  
  This recruitment is open continuously. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time.
  It is strongly recommended that applicants take the PELLET-B Exam and achieve a score of 45 or higher before submitting their application. If you have taken and passed the PELLET-B exam with a score of 45 or higher within the last 6 months , please attach your results to your application .
  If you have not taken a PELLETB Exam, it does not automatically exclude you from the recruitment process.
  Selected applicants are required to attend the Allan Hancock College pre- academy on September 20-21, 2025 , in Lompoc, CA. If you have not taken a PELLETB exam but are selected to move forward in the process, the exam is offered during pre-academy . You can find more information on the pre-academy here .
  Upon conditional offer, candidates will be required to complete a Personal History Statement.
  
  
  THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
  The City of San Luis Obispo’s Police Department is looking for dedicated and driven individuals eager to build a career in law enforcement. Candidates must exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and reliability, demonstrating strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A successful cadet is a quick learner, able to adapt to various environments, multitask effectively, and stay calm under pressure. Essential qualities include resilience, humility, and the commitment to continuous growth, both mentally and physically, to support the demands of the role and serve the community effectively.
  
  Successful candidates are prepared to approach the extensive training the position involves with dedication, attentiveness to detail, and sound decision-making skills. They value teamwork, embrace a strong moral compass, and understand the importance of confidentiality and accuracy, as their work underpins criminal proceedings. As a trusted member of the department, candidates must uphold the highest standards, both on and off duty, and be committed to ongoing education, adapting to evolving policies and legal updates, to deliver the best service to the City of San Luis Obispo.
  
  
  JOB SUMMARY:
  This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the City's police service. Under direct supervision, attends Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) approved basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills, and physical capabilities required to perform police service. During training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and the police academy attended. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a one-year probation as a regular status employee.
  
  SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
  Works under the general supervision of a Field Training Officer.
  EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs non-safety duties.
  • Collects information and data.
  • Transports people and materials, etc.
  • Attends a California POST approved Basic Academy for training.
  Ability to:
  • Understand, interpret and apply State and local laws and regulations, departmental policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement.
  • React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt an effective course of action.
  • Observe and remember facts and details of incidents.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Learn to safely drive a motor vehicle in both non-emergency and emergency situations.
  • Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully.
  • Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation.
  • Write clear and accurate reports.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.
  • Work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • Pass psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission).
  • Pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references (in accordance with the minimum standards for employment issued by the California POST Commission).
  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;
  AND
  At least 20 years old at time of appointment; 20.5 years old at time of completion of the academy; and 21 years old at the completion of the FTO program.
  AND
  Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100. Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together. The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use. Normal color vision is required;
  AND
  Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.
  POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:
  • A valid California Class "C" driver's license at the time of hire.
  
  
  THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
  • Pre-employment Physical
  • Polygraph
  • Police Background Investigation
  • Credit Check
  • Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)

• About the company

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