Police Cadet

If you would like to schedule a ride along with the department, please contact Amanda Siegel at asiegel@slocity.org or 805.594.8034.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Police Department is looking for dedicated and driven individuals eager to build a career in law enforcement. Candidates must exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and reliability, demonstrating strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A successful cadet is a quick learner, able to adapt to various environments, multitask effectively, and stay calm under pressure. Essential qualities include resilience, humility, and the commitment to continuous growth, both mentally and physically, to support the demands of the role and serve the community effectively.

Successful candidates are prepared to approach the extensive training the position involves with dedication, attentiveness to detail, and sound decision-making skills. They value teamwork, embrace a strong moral compass, and understand the importance of confidentiality and accuracy, as their work underpins criminal proceedings. As a trusted member of the department, candidates must uphold the highest standards, both on and off duty, and be committed to ongoing education, adapting to evolving policies and legal updates, to deliver the best service to the City of San Luis Obispo.

• Performs non-safety duties.
• Collects information and data.
• Transports people and materials, etc.
• Attends a California POST approved Basic Academy for training.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret and apply State and local laws and regulations, departmental policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement.
• React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• Observe and remember facts and details of incidents.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn to safely drive a motor vehicle in both non-emergency and emergency situations.
• Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully.
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation and observation.
• Write clear and accurate reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.
• Work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Pass psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission).
• Pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references (in accordance with the minimum standards for employment issued by the California POST Commission).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma from a recognized American accreditor or G.E.D.;

AND

At least 20 years old at time of appointment; 20.5 years old at time of completion of the academy; and 21 years old at the completion of the FTO program.

AND

Must have uncorrected vision of 20/100.  Corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other.  For individuals wearing soft contact lenses, the "uncorrected" acuity standard does not apply, but vision must be corrected to 20/30 when both eyes are tested together.  The wearer of soft lenses must have at least one year of successful use.  Normal color vision is required;

AND

Must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California Class "C" driver's license at the time of hire.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Polygraph
• Police Background Investigation
• Credit Check
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)

Salary : $90,168