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How to Become a San Francisco Police Officer

1) Start by earning an associate's or bachelor's degree (required) The most common degree for a police officer to hold is a criminal justice degree request free information today
2) Review the additional requirements below and make sure you qualify
3) Contact the SFPD to request application information, call 415-575-6325

San Francisco Police Officer Job Description

As a Police Officer with the San Francisco PD one's job is to patrol a given geography and respond to calls and make San Francisco a safe city for citizens to reside.  Many times the job requires meeting the citizens of San Francisco, the directing of traffic, investigating a crime or aiding a victim of an accident or crime.  In local, state and federal police related departments a police officer’s career description includes maintaining law and order, collecting evidence and conducting investigations.

San Francisco Police Academy Training, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer with the San Francisco Police

Request free information from University of Phoenix Online , Everest University Online and Kaplan University Online. Compare these schools and learn more about how a degree can help you succeed in a San Francisco Police Officer career.

The SFPD requires applicants to be 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, GED or equivalent, 2-year or 4-year college degree, valid driver's license, no "class A" misdemeanor or felony, no "b class" misdemeanor in last 10 years and to pass an intense background investigation and physical testing. Earning an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree will set you apart from other candidates.  State and Federal agency jobs require applicants to possess a 4-year college degree.  Being able to speak a second language fluently is a definite plus for applicants.  Once accepted to the San Francisco Police Department you will attend training at the academy for 28 weeks and will earn a full salary.  After successfully completing your training at the academy you will be in the field with an SFPD field training officer where all skills learned at the academy will be applied.

Keep in mind that the higher paying SFPD police officer jobs are in more affluent areas of San Francisco and are therefore much more competitive jobs to apply for.  Make sure you can set yourself apart from the competition by earning a college degree before applying or during the application process.  A college degree will also start you off at a higher salary in any area, affluent or not with the SFPD.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually states that those applicants with college training in criminal justice or police science should have the best opportunities with the SFPD.

San Francisco Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

The San Francisco Police Department pays very well with entry level police officers earning between $64,347 and $84,513 depending on prior experience and education. Promotional opportunities with the SFPD are available. Again, holding a degree will set an officer apart in the testing for promotional positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that there will be a continued high demand for police officers through 2012.

There are many career paths to pursue once you become a San Francisco police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more.  Most of these SFPD promotions or specialties require advanced education.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below and see how a degree in criminal justice can help you succeed in a SFPD police officer career.

Criminal Justice Degrees

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Short on time? Click Here to request free information from all Criminal Justice Degree Programs.

University of Phoenix: Request information from our campus and online programs today.

San Francisco Area Campus Locations: Concord, Livermore, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Novato, San Francisco, Pleasanton

University of Phoenix Online:

Kaplan University:

AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

Request Free Information about these and Kaplan University's other Criminal Justice Programs

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