Entry-Level Police Recruit

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Start your law enforcement career with the Irvine Police Department—one of the most respected agencies in the nation. As a Police Recruit, you’ll receive top-tier training, mentorship, and support as you prepare to serve our diverse and vibrant community. This is your opportunity to build a meaningful career rooted in service, integrity, and professional growth from day one.

Written Exam (CTC) - City Hall	Oral Interviews	PAT
10/9/2025 9:00 a.m.	10/23/2025	10/24/2025
11/6/2025 9:00 a.m.	11/19/2025	11/21/2025
12/4/2025 9:00 a.m.	12/17/2025	12/19/2025
1/8/2026 9:00 a.m.	1/29/2026	1/30/2026
2/12/2026 9:00 a.m.	2/26/2026	2/27/2026
3/12/2026 9:00 a.m.	3/26/2026	3/27/2026
4/9/2026 9:00 a.m.	4/23/2026	4/24/2026
5/7/2026 9:00 a.m.	5/28/2026	5/29/2026
6/11/2026 9:00 a.m.	6/25/2026	6/26/2026
7/9/2026 9:00 a.m.	7/23/2026	7/24/2026
8/6/2026 9:00 a.m.	8/20/2026	8/21/2026
9/10/2026 9:00 a.m.	9/24/2026	9/25/2026
10/8/2026 9:00 a.m.	10/22/2026	10/23/2026
11/5/2026 9:00 a.m.	11/19/2026	11/20/2026
12/3/2026 9:00 a.m.	12/17/2026	12/18/2026

Salary

$37.80 hourly
$6,240 monthly

Benefits

96 Personal Sick Leave Hours Annually
120 Personal Leave Hours Annually
160 Hours Parental Leave (each birth/adoption of child)
PERS retirement: 2.0% at 62 while in the academy; 2.7% at 57 formula when hired as a Police Officer
Annual Health, Wellness, and Equipment Bonus $1300
Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
Paid Academy Fees and Equipment
Paid Military Leave

The Hiring Process

Not just anyone can join our team. We have to have the best candidates for consideration to be a member of our team. To facilitate this, applicants must complete a series of examinations (not all exams are required for some positions).

Submit Application

This is the first step in forging your law enforcement career with the Irvine Police Department.

Written Exam

The written exam is designed to evaluate your skills of comprehension, retention, and interpretation.

Oral Interview

We will be taking a closer look at who you are and what you are about. You should do the same for us!

Secondary Interview

During this meeting, you will discuss and review the Pre-Poly Questionnaire you completed previously.

Live Scan

Upon passing the Pre-Poly interview, front desk personnel will perform a free live scan by collecting your fingerprints.

Physical Agility Test

The test has specific elements which will require you to have the ability to sprint, run long distance, and incorporate upper body strength.

Polygraph

Honesty is one of the most valued traits of a law enforcement officer. It is valued in the law enforcement profession.

Background

This will be conducted along with a Personal History Statement (PHS) mandated by California POST.

Chief Interview and Conditional Job Offer

The Chief reviews every background file and interviews every employee of the Irvine Police Department.

Medical

Staff will perform a comprehensive exam to evaluate your fitness and health to perform the job.

Psychological Test

One of the last components of the hiring process is the completion of a psychological, or “pysch” exam. This is handled in two parts.

TOP 5 POLICE RECRUIT FAQ'S

How long is the police academy and where is it located?

Per the State of California, each police academy is required to have at least 664 hours. We currently utilize two local academies, both supersede that number and are much closer to six months: the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy, located at 15991 Armstrong Avenue, Tustin CA 92782 and the Golden West College Police Academy, located at 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach CA 92647.

Do I have to pay for my equipment or tuition?

The Irvine Police Department will pay for your tuition, uniforms, equipment, and range related expenses, all while earning an hourly wage.

Do I need to have police experience to apply?

No police experience is necessary to apply, although we do see greater success come from applicants who have taken some criminal justice courses, or who have worked for a law enforcement agency is some fashion, or have similar experience serving in a rank and file organization (i.e. military).

During the testing process, do you receive additional points for being in the military service?

We do not give extra points on any test for having military service. However, we do see a high success rate and performance for military applicants, recruits, and officers. Additionally, those with military service can utilize the GI Bill during the Academy to supplement their income.

How long is the hiring process?

It depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to: how many places you have worked, how many places you have lived, have you lived out of state, did you serve in the military. These can either expedite or delay the background portion of the hiring process. However, on average, from application to hire date, most candidates are appointed in about 5 months.

IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT