Police Officer Trainee

*** This is an open continuous recruitment**
* *** Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately

The City of Oakland is an equal-opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone.

Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

The Oakland Police Department is hiring Police Officer Trainees. The ideal candidate will have the education and experience that demonstrate personal motivation, interest in others, and the ability to deal effectively and fairly with residents and co‑workers. The ideal candidate will be able to identify problems and resolve them quickly while under pressure, and want to work in a fast‑paced, urban environment.

After successful completion of the academy, Police Officers receive step increases on an annual basis and may reach the top step after five years. Immediate benefits include city‑paid health and dental insurance for employees and dependents. Upon graduation from the academy, the benefits package includes a pension provided by the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS); vacation leave, sick leave, and holidays;

education tuition reimbursement; life insurance; employee assistance program; and deferred compensation plan.

• Education:
  
  Diploma from an accredited U.S. high school or G.E.D. certificate.
• Age:
  Candidates must be 21 years of age upon graduation from the academy, which is six months in duration.
• Driver’s License:
  Candidates must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License to operate an automobile at the time of application.
• Criminal Record:
  Candidates may not have any felony convictions or other misdemeanor convictions that would prevent carrying a firearm.
• Citizenship:
  Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
• Screening:
  Candidates may be screened out at any point in the process on the position requirements.
• Waiver:
  The Oakland Police Department reserves the right to waive selection components of individuals based on prior experience or certification.

Step 1:
Submit Application – Online Application Only

Our online application system is provided by NEOGOV. Click on the link below to apply. You may be required to copy the link and paste it into your browser.
Police Officer Trainee Application

You must apply online prior to the close of the job announcement. If you do not have access to a computer, computer stations are available at any City of Oakland Public Library. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NEOGOV’s Live Candidate Support at  between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm Pacific Time, Monday – Friday.

Once a candidate has submitted an online application via NEOGOV, any changes to contact information (name, address, phone number, etc.) should be updated immediately. To update contact information, send a detailed e‑mail to opdjobs listing your full name and all new information that needs to be updated. Failure to maintain current contact information may result in loss of eligibility.

Step 2:
Self‑Schedule Virtual Written Exam

The exam must be completed no later than January 9, 2026. The In‑Person National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Examination is scheduled to be administered on various days and locations. Written test scores must be submitted to the OPD Recruiting and Background Unit by January 9, 2026. If you prefer a virtual test, review the Virtual Testing Frequently Asked Questions page on the NTN website.

If your computer system will not support virtual testing, notify the office via e‑mail at opdjobs.

Step 3A: OPD Physical Ability Test

When:
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Where: TBD

Step 3B:
Oral Exam

Successful candidates will…