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Police Department Recruitment: Officer Applications

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1. I’m in college right now. What degree should I get to prepare me for a career in law enforcement??

We recommend you follow your passion. When you pick your degree, and you’re likely to find a correlation to law enforcement. Just to give you an example, some of our officers have degrees in communication, psychology, public administration, sociology, business, criminal justice, accounting, digital forensics, law, etc. 

2. I’m not ready to apply yet. Are there certain jobs I should work at to prepare me to be a police officer?

Recruiters are looking for well-rounded individuals from diverse backgrounds. Be deliberate in what jobs you choose and ensure they include a team atmosphere, service to the community, problem solving, and communication. 

3. I’m interested in becoming a police officer. Where do I start?

Everyone should start the hiring process with a ride along. Come meet the team you could potentially be working alongside! In addition, ensure you have enough college credits to apply. We require the equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college. Lastly, be sure you’ve completed the PELLETB and WSTB exams. Additional requirements are listed in the application. 

4. Can I go on a ride along to meet your officers?

Yes. Please visit our Ride Along Program website for further details.

5. What are the minimum requirements to apply for police officer trainee?

• Free of felony convictions or other disqualifying conduct (GC 1029).
• Age not less than 21-years-old at time of appointment to the rank of police officer. 
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California driver’s license. 
• Equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college. 
• Possession of a POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) PELLETB written examination certificate with a preferred T-Score of 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination. Or possession of a National Testing Network Law Enforcement written examination certificate with a preferred score in the 90th percentile and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.
• Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass a background investigation.
• Must meet all department, medical, physical, and psychological standards.

6. What examinations do I have to take before applying?

We require you to complete the PELLETB and WSTB prior to applying for the position. 

The POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) measures skills that are associated with successful performance as a California peace officer. Because the PELLETB is an aptitude test, the skills measured are acquired gradually over a long period of time (usually years). There is no quick or easy way to improve these skills in preparation for the exam. The only way to predictably improve scores on an aptitude test is through extensive learning and practice (e.g., coursework, training).

The POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) measures your fitness level to perform the duties of a peace officer. The examination includes a 99-yard obstacle course, 32-foot body drag, fence climbing, 500-yard spring, and 1.5 mile run.

7. Do you require the PELLETB and WSTB examinations to apply?

Yes. The preferred PELLETB T-Score is 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination. 

8. Where do I sign up for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?

• PELLETB Link
• WSTB Link

9. What are your minimum scores for the PELLETB and WSTB examinations?

The preferred PELLETB T-Score is 52 or higher and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.

10. Do you accept scores from the National Testing Network (NTN)?

Yes. The preferred score would be in the 90th percentile and a passing score for the WSTB physical agility examination.

11. Is there a minimum or maximum age to apply?

The minimum age is 21 years of age per Government Code 1031.4. There is no maximum age.

12. What are the education requirements?

Our minimum education standard is the equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college.

13. Do I have to live in San Mateo to apply?

No. If you don’t live in San Mateo, you should consider it. The city of San Mateo is a great place to live, work, and play. We also have a great school system if you are raising children.

14. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

Effective January 1, 2023, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. There are no specific citizenship requirements per Senate Bill 2. California Government Code Section 1031(h) limits employment authorization documents to those consistent with Section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Specific documentation requirements can be found on the I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Government Code section 1031(g) permits departments to adopt additional and/or higher standards.

15. Where do I apply?

If you meet the minimum requirements, visit our recruiting page for current job openings. 

16. Is there a minimum time commitment once I’m hired?

No.

17. How many police officer vacancies are there?

We currently have a handful of vacancies. This is a great time to apply!

18. Do veterans get preferential hiring?

Although we do not have a preferential hiring program, several veterans work for the City of San Mateo and are thriving in their duties.

19. Can active, reserve, or military veterans apply?

Yes.