How to Become a San Jose Police Officer

1) Start by earning an associate's or bachelor's degree (The San Jose Police Department requires their Police Officers to have 40 to 60 quarter college units) The most common degree held by police officers is a criminal justice degree
2) Review the additional requirements below and make sure you qualify
3) Request application material from the San Jose Police Department, call 408-277-8900

San Jose Police Officer Job Description

As a Police Officer with the SJPD one's job is to patrol a given geography and respond to calls and make San Jose a safe city for citizens to reside. Many times the job requires meeting the citizens of San Jose, 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 Jose Police Academy Training, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer with the SJPD

The San Jose Police Department requires applicants to be 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, 40 to 60 quarter college units, valid driver's license, not to have been convicted of a felony in California, not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude or the unlawful use, possession, or sale of a controlled substance, no conviction of physical violence 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 SJPD 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 Jose PD you will attend training at the San Jose Police academy and will earn a full salary. After completing training at the SJPD academy you will be in the field with a SJPD field training officer where all skills learned at the SJPD academy will be applied.

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 Jose Police Officer career.

Keep in mind that the higher paying SJPD police officer jobs are in more affluent areas 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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually states that those applicants with college training in criminal justice or police science should have the best opportunities.

San Jose Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

The San Jose Police Department salaries are comparable to the national average. Promotional opportunities with the San Jose PD are available. Again, holding a degree will set an officer apart in the testing for SJPD 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 SJPD police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more. Most of these 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 SJPD police officer career.

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