Be the sound of something better.
At the Bakersfield Police Department, we’re passionate about the work we do and the community we serve. As one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the state, we believe in hiring people who possess the qualities and characteristics that make us unique. If you’re looking to have a rewarding career in law enforcement, the Bakersfield Police Department is the agency for you.
Application
Once applied, applicants will go through a series of evaluations, tests, and interviews to determine their potential as a law enforcement officer.
The academy
Hired recruits will begin a law enforcement academy where they learn the basic skills and knowledge needed to be a law enforcement officer.
FTO program
Recruits who successfully graduate from the academy will go on to continue their training under a field training officer.
Probation
Once a recruit completes the FTO program, they will perform the duties of a police officer under the monitoring of department supervisors.
Featured Benefits
Additional benefits include optional participation in a deferred compensation program, employee assistance program (EAP), health maintenance program, college tuition reimbursement program, supplemental insurance, and credit union membership.
Sworn personnel will also be given a take-home vehicle upon completion of probation through our personal patrol vehicle program.
Holidays
13 paid holidays per year and 10 days of vacation per year after one year of employment
Retirement
Benefits are provided by participation in CalPERS Retirement System
Sick Leave
One working day per month of service with a maximum of 120 days
Insurance
City contribution towards health and life insurance premiums
Education
The City offers education reimbursement for for related educational courses
Employment and Benefit Information
Employment and Benefit Information
hiring incentives
- P$4,500 HIRING BONUS
- P UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINEES
- P PAID ACADEMY
hiring incentives
- P$4,500 HIRING BONUS
- P UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINEES
- P PAID ACADEMY
Qualities we look for in Candidates
At bakersfield pd we look for those who have Integrity Passion Accountability Professionalism Compassion Communication Skills Drive
Qualities we look for in candidates
At bakersfield pd we look for those who have
Integrity Passion Accountability Professionalism Compassion Communication Skills Drive
Special Assignment Opportunites
- PK-9
- PSWAT
- PBomb Squad
- PTraffic
- P Bicycle Patrol
- PVice/Narcotics
- PImpact Unit
- PSpecial Enforcement Unit
- P Police Activites League (PAL)
- PState and Federal Task Forces
- PCommunity Relations
- PCriminal Investigations
- PCrisis Negotiations Team
Applicant Requirements
We are looking for applicants with the ability to unite and interact with a diverse population and are committed to serving all members of our community with sensitivity, empathy, and impartiality.
Must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment
Have U.S. high school diploma or G.E.D.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and applied for citizenship
Possess a valid “Class C” California’s drivers license
Are you a lateral or academy graduate?
For those who are already police officers, or who have graduated from another P.O.S.T. academy, we have a separate recruitment process that bypasses certain steps of the entry-level trainee hiring process. Click the link below to contact our recruiting team for further details.
Hiring Process
Hiring Process
Initial Application
Go to the City of Bakersfield website (Human Resources) and apply online. Once the application is accepted and minimum qualifications met, the applicant will be notified of the written exam date, time and location. Please make note of any special requirements when submitting your application: some positions require certain certificates or are limited to a certain number of applicants. Be as thorough and correct as possible to increase your chances of advancing to the next step.
Written Exam
The California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET – B) written exam is the first phase of the examination process for the Police Trainee position. The exam measures reading and writing ability. A minimum T – Score of 42 is required. (NOTE: If you have already taken the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET – B) exam administered within twelve months of application submission by the City of Bakersfield or with another agency/academy and achieved a T-Score of 42 or higher you are not required to retake the PELLET – B exam. To see a Practice Pellet-B Test, click here. To self-schedule for the next Pellet -B Exam, click here.
Physical Agility Test
The physical agility exam is designed to measure the job-related physical characteristics of strength, agility and stamina required of a Police Officer. Candidates are required to successfully pass each testing event. Testing events are timed individually. With the exception of the 500-yard timed run, each test is administered twice, and the time for the fastest trial is used as the candidate’s score. The physical agility test includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 165-pound body drag, 6-foot chain link fence jump, and 500-yard timed run.
Oral Interview
Applicants who successfully pass the written exam and physical agility test will be invited to participate in the Oral Board / Interview Panel. The interview panel minimally looks for and evaluates an applicant’s existing job knowledge, job preparation, ability to verbally communicate, and interpersonal skills. Applicants who pass this portion of the process are placed on an eligibility list and may or may not be invited to participate in the background investigation process, depending on the number of current vacancies and needs of the organization.
Background Investigation
The applicant will be assigned to a Background Investigator. A comprehensive, in-depth background investigation will be conducted into all aspects of the applicant’s recent past and current life. This process includes an investigation of their personal history and background which includes a polygraph to determine suitability for the position of Police Officer with the Bakersfield Police Department.
Conditional Offer
Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may be invited for a Captain’s Interview for consideration of a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who accept the conditional offer of employment are still required to successfully pass two final steps prior to hire and entry into the Police Academy. These conditions consist of a medical examination and a psychological evaluation by licensed professionals.
INITIAL APPLICATION
INITIAL APPLICATION
Go to the City of Bakersfield website (Human Resources) and apply online. Once the application is accepted and minimum qualifications met, the applicant will be notified of the written exam date, time and location. Please make note of any special requirements when submitting your application: some positions require certain certificates or are limited to a certain number of applicants. Be as thorough and correct as possible to increase your chances of advancing to the next step.
PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
The physical agility exam is designed to measure the job-related physical characteristics of strength, agility and stamina required of a Police Officer. Candidates are required to successfully pass each testing event. Testing events are timed individually. With the exception of the 500-yard timed run, each test is administered twice, and the time for the fastest trial is used as the candidate’s score. The physical agility test includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 165-pound body drag, 6-foot chain link fence jump, and 500-yard timed run.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The applicant will be assigned to a Background Investigator. A comprehensive, in-depth background investigation will be conducted into all aspects of the applicant’s recent past and current life. This process includes an investigation of their personal history and background which includes a polygraph to determine suitability for the position of Police Officer with the Bakersfield Police Department.
WRITTEN EXAM
WRITTEN EXAM
The California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET – B) written exam is the first phase of the examination process for the Police Trainee position. The exam measures reading and writing ability. A minimum T – Score of 42 is required. (NOTE: If you have already taken the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET – B) exam administered within twelve months of application submission by the City of Bakersfield or with another agency/academy and achieved a T-Score of 42 or higher you are not required to retake the PELLET – B exam. To see a Practice Pellet-B Test, click here. To self-schedule for the next Pellet -B Exam, click here.
ORAL INTERVIEW
ORAL INTERVIEW
Applicants who successfully pass the written exam and physical agility test will be invited to participate in the Oral Board / Interview Panel. The interview panel minimally looks for and evaluates an applicant’s existing job knowledge, job preparation, ability to verbally communicate, and interpersonal skills. Applicants who pass this portion of the process are placed on an eligibility list and may or may not be invited to participate in the background investigation process, depending on the number of current vacancies and needs of the organization.
CONDITIONAL OFFER
CONDITIONAL OFFER
Upon completion of the background investigation, applicants may be invited for a Captain’s Interview for consideration of a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who accept the conditional offer of employment are still required to successfully pass two final steps prior to hire and entry into the Police Academy. These conditions consist of a medical examination and a psychological evaluation by licensed professionals.
Professional Staff Opportunities
Contact a recruiter
Do you think you would be a good fit? Ready to start the process of becoming a part of our team?