Job Details

The Richmond Police Department is currently accepting applications for Police Officer Trainee, Lateral Police Officer and Police Dispatcher.The City of Richmond Police Department, located in the East Bay Area in Contra Costa County (California), proudly protects and serves our Richmond community 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.Police Officer TraineeIf you are currently attending or have not yet attended the police academy.Graveyard Differential: +7.5% of baseLongevity: +2% of baseBilingual: +2% of baseIf you are currently employed as a sworn peace officer in the State of California and have completed your probationary period, or if you are an academy graduate looking to start your career in law enforcement, Richmond PD welcomes your application.Police Officer LateralCurrently employed as a police/peace officer in California.Completed probation as a peace officer in another jurisdiction, comparable to Richmond's classification.Communications Dispatcher IKnowledge of local geography (Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Kensington).Ability to dispatch public safety units, follow procedures, communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure.Typing: 30 WPM (certificate required; no online tests accepted).Completion of a POST‑certified 120‑hour Basic Complaint/Dispatcher course within one year of hire (condition of employment).Must meet COVID‑19 vaccination policy and pass full background screening.POST Pellet B score of 48 or higher.Desired qualification: Knowledge of local geography (Richmond, El Cerrito, San Pablo, Kensington).Communications Dispatcher IIIncludes all Dispatcher I requirements, plus:18 months of full‑time experience in public safety dispatch.Deeper knowledge of customer service principles and communication systems.Ability to interpret, prioritize, and relay complex information during emergencies.Skill to assist/mentor Dispatcher I's and Call Takers.Must have already completed the POST 120‑hour Basic Dispatcher course or passed the POST Equivalency Exam (proof required).Positions AvailableWe are actively hiring for Police Officer (entry level and lateral) positions, as well as Communications Dispatcher (entry level and per‑day) positions. Recruitments for police support staff positions (Records Specialists, Property Technicians, and Crime Scene Technicians – just to name a few!) are posted as the positions become available.Do I Need a College Degree to Apply?No – a college degree is not required to apply for many of the positions here at RPD. Several positions, however, do require completion of some college credits. If you have prior military service (DD214), the college requirement is waived.Police Officer Trainee (Entry‑Level): 10 semester or 15 quarter units, or completion of basic and advanced military training with honorable discharge (must provide DD214). No felony convictions.Lateral Police Officer: 30 semester or 45 quarter units, plus completion of a POST‑certified Basic Academy (or equivalent, verified and approved by California POST).Minimum QualificationsPolice Officer TraineeHigh school diploma or equivalent.At least 21 years of age.One of the following:10 semester or 15 quarter college units, orCompletion of basic and advanced military training with honorable discharge (must provide DD214).No felony convictions.One of the following (proof required):POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET‑B) T‑Score of 48+ (within 12 months).Current enrollment in a California POST‑affiliated Police Academy.Valid California driver's license with satisfactory driving record.Vision: uncorrected 20/100; corrected to 20/30 in each eye.Normal color vision and hearing.Police Officer LateralCurrently employed as a police/peace officer in California.Completed probation as a peace officer in another jurisdiction, comparable to Richmond's classification.Hiring ProcessFirst, make sure you meet the minimum qualifications of the position you are applying for. (Trainees – you need a T‑score before you apply.) Next, submit an application through the official careers portal. Once your application is received and a testing date is scheduled, you will be invited to attend our testing process.Applicants selected to proceed may anticipate the following:Oral Board Interview and Physical Agility Test.Personal History Statement (PHS) for review.Polygraph Examination.Background Investigation.Interview with the Chief of Police or designated hiring authority.Psychological and Medical Examination.Police Officer Lateral candidates may anticipate a similar hiring process, with a modified Physical Agility Test.What is a Pellet‑B Exam and T‑Score?The California POST Pellet‑B Exam is a multiple‑choice written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. A T‑Score is a standardized score result that is calculated based upon your test answers (midpoint average of 50, standard deviation of 10). If you are applying for a Police Officer Trainee (entry‑level) or Communications Dispatcher I (entry‑level) position, you must submit a T‑Score result of 48 or higher dated within one year from the date of your application.#J-18808-Ljbffr