FAQs • San Mateo • CivicEngage

If I’m a lateral and I have Internal Affairs complaints, am I disqualified?: Applicants seeking employment as a peace officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.

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Police Department Recruitment: Officer Laterals

1. Is there a lateral officer testing timeline to avoid multiple trips to San Mateo, California?: Yes. We work with laterals to ensure a streamlined process.

2. If my name is listed on the National Decertification Index, am I disqualified?: Yes.

3. If I’m a lateral and I have Internal Affairs complaints, am I disqualified?: Applicants seeking employment as a peace officer are evaluated on an individual basis. The totality of the background investigation is taken into consideration for disqualification or non-select purposes.

4. If I’m a lateral and I have an active Internal Affairs investigation, should I apply?: It is recommended you wait until your case is adjudicated before applying.

5. How does the testing process differ for laterals versus new police officers?: We have several laterals who work at the police department. Lateral applicants are treated with respect for the career they’ve had at previous agencies. From the initial interview to the job offer, laterals have found the process to be streamlined and efficient.

6. Does the police department issue uniforms and equipment?: Yes. The City of San Mateo purchases all required equipment and uniforms.

7. Can you tell me more about the exclusive hiring bonus?: We currently have two different lateral applications open. One is for laterals with less than three years of experience and the other is for laterals with more than three years of experience. In order to qualify for the $30,000 hiring bonus, you must be an active police officer, possess a basic POST certificate, and have at least three years of California law enforcement experience to patrol services with a municipality. If you have less than three years of experience, you qualify for the $1,500 hiring bonus.

8. Are there other lateral incentives?: Yes. Laterals typically start at a higher step. In addition, we frontload 40-hours of vacation time and 40-hours of sick-leave.

9. I’m a police officer in another state. Can I apply as a lateral officer?: We’ve hired people from other states! To see if your qualifications meet California POST standards, you should reach out to POST and have them do a basic course waiver assessment for you.