FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question What are the requirements for a Carlsbad police officer?
Answer The basic requirements for the Carlsbad Police Department are:
  • A citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship
  • Possess a valid California Class C drivers license
  • At least 21 years of age at time of appointment A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution
  • Free of any felony convictions and most misdemeanor convictions.
Question What are the requirements for a peace officer in California?
Answer The basic requirements to be a police officer in California are set in POST Regulation 1002 as:
  • A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
  • Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
  • A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution
  • Free of any felony convictions

Further information can be obtained at: http://www.post.ca.gov/selection/standards.asp
Question What is the Carlsbad Police Department hiring process for a recruit?
Answer

Your first step is to fill out the on-line information card. This information will be held until the next written exam date is determined. At that point, you will be notified to submit an application for police recruit.

If you meet the minimum requirements to be a Carlsbad police officer, you may be considered for employment upon completion of the following:
  • Submit City of Carlsbad application
  • Written examination
  • Panel interview
  • POST physical agility test
  • Thorough background investigation
  • Captains' interview
  • Executive review
Question What is the Carlsbad Police Department application process for an academy graduate or lateral transfer?
Answer The written examination is not required of academy graduates or lateral transfers. Otherwise the hiring process is the same as for recruits.
Question How can I apply for other positions with the police department?
Answer Applications are accepted for positions as necessary. To review the open police department positions visit the City of Carlsbad Employment Opportunities Page.
Question What is included in a background investigation?
Answer There are several components to a police department background, including:
  • Completion of the POST Personal History Statement
  • Polygraph examination
  • Credit history check
  • Criminal history check
  • Driving history check
  • Medical examination
  • Psychological examination
Question What are the pay and benefits for police department employees?
Answer All City of Carlsbad job descriptions, pay and benefits can be reviewed on the City of Carlsbad Employment Opportunities Page.