Job Details

Police Officer Trainee

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.

Minimum Requirements for Application

Minimum Qualifications 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. Candidates may be screened out at any point in the process based on the position requirements. The Oakland Police Department reserves the right to waive selection components of individuals based on prior experience or certification.

Application and Selection Procedures 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 (855) 524-5627 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 email to opdjobs@oaklandca.gov. List 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 Self-Scheduled Virtual or In-Person National Testing Network (NTN) Written Exam must be scheduled by September 18, 2026. The In-Person National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Examination is scheduled to be administered on various days and locations. You can also complete National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Written Examination virtually. Please review the Virtual Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page at: If your computer system will not support virtual testing, please notify our office via e-mail at opdjobs@oaklandca.gov.

Step 3A: OPD Physical Ability Test. The written exam must be submitted or scheduled no later than September 18, 2026, to participate in the Physical Ability Test. When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Where: TBD

Step 3B: Oral Exam Successful candidates will be invited to participate in an exam that is designed to evaluate job-related skills and abilities such as oral communication, interpersonal skills, and judgment. In addition to general questions, candidates will be presented with hypothetical scenarios and asked to explain how they would respond to each situation. The Oral Exam is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, the same day as the Physical Ability Test.

Step 4: Background Investigation Process and Chief's Character Review & Interview Eligible candidates selected for a background investigation will be contacted by a background investigator who will assist them through the process. Candidates will also be required to submit to a polygraph examination. The Police Department reserves the right to disqualify individuals who have previously been rejected for hire based upon conditions that are not subject to change, e.g., non-correctable medical conditions or felony convictions. In addition, the Department may reject individuals who have previously been rejected for hire based on psychological testing or background factors. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, a Chief's Character Review Panel will make employment selections. Candidates selected will be scheduled for a Chief's Interview and if approved, will receive a conditional job offer of employment, contingent upon successfully passing a medical and psychological examination.