Lateral / certified officer · Posted Sep 24, 2026
Police Officer - Academy Graduate
Pay
$139,740 to $161,766$139,739.83 - $161,766.32 Annually
Closes
ContinuousContinuous
Bonus
None stated
Laterals
Not stated
In the posting's words
The sentences our figures come from.Must be at least 21 years of agePossession of a US high school diploma or US G.E.D. equivalent is requiredMust possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police AcademyMust possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police AcademyThe posting
From GovernmentJobs.com · read Oct 1, 2026 · originalCalling all recent Police Academy graduates! Join our team as an officer and contribute to the City of Los Altos Police Department's commitment to excellence. Apply now to be a part of our dynamic and dedicated department.
Police Officers play a dynamic role in law enforcement, combining crime prevention and public service. This position involves engaging in diverse assignments such as traffic enforcement, community-oriented policing, and specialized roles like Investigative Services, SWAT, and K-9 Officer positions. Entry-level applicants will undergo training at a POST-approved academy and transition into a field training program upon graduation, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful start to their law enforcement career.
Academy Graduate applicants will enter into the field training program immediately upon appointment.
ABOUT THE LOS ALTOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Los Altos Police Department is a progressive organization consisting of 33 sworn officers and 18 professional staff dedicated to providing a high level of service to the community. The department is committed to the concept of community-oriented policing and continually strives for excellence, taking pride in themselves, the community they serve and their dedication to making a positive contribution to the field of law enforcement.
Learn more about our Los Altos Police Department
RECRUITMENT PROCESS The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a Live Scan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination. This applicant pool may be used to fill other vacant positions on an as-needed basis. Please ensure the required passing test scores are attached with your application. Once your application is reviewed you will be asked to complete a personal history statement as the next step in the process. Please review and sign the release of information authorization found here and attach the signed copy to your application. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Patrols the City in a radio car and on foot
Answers calls for protection of life and private property and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws
Participates in criminal investigations
Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses
Conducts physical arrests of criminal suspects
Follow this link to view the entire job description: Police Officer
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
EXPERIENCE:
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
Must be able to successfully complete a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes or fewer
EDUCATION:
Possession of a US high school diploma or US G.E.D. equivalent is required
An Associate Degree or completion of sixty (60) semester units of college level courses is highly desirable
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
Must possess a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
Must possess certificate of completion or diploma from a POST-approved Police Academy
Must provide verification of the following test results: (Verification must be provided on agency letterhead where test was administered, must include test results, and tests must have been completed within 1 year of application date and submitted prior to background process): Must have successfully completed the California POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 47 or higher. National Testing Network Exam Scores can be submitted in-lieu of PELLETB. Passing score is Video Score: 55, Writing Score: 65, Reading Score: 65.
City of Los Altos will sponsor the cost to take the PELLETB! After you apply, please contact HR@losaltosca.gov for more information on how to schedule your PELLETB.
Must have successfully completed the California POST physical agility test (known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)) with a score of 320 or higher
<
About Los Altos PD
Full department page- Starting pay$139,740
- Top of scale$161,766
- Sworn officers (2025)31
- Open jobs3
Similar jobs in California
All California jobs- $105,968starting
- $8,645/mostarting
- $109,803starting
- $100,652starting
