Respected and Valued
If you’re a current law enforcement officer or recent academy graduate, the Irvine Police Department offers a unique opportunity to advance your career with a forward-thinking, community-focused agency. We value your experience and are committed to supporting your continued growth through professional development, specialized assignments, and a culture built on trust, accountability, and innovation.
We offer an expedited hiring process for lateral police officer applicants.
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.
*waived for lateral officers.
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.
*waived for lateral officers.
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 LATERAL FAQ'S
What is a "Lateral Transfer"?
This classification is for experienced police officers who have graduated from a P.O.S.T. certified basic academy, completed a probation period of full-time sworn police experience and be in possession of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate at the time of filing the employment application. Applicants who completed the Academy but did not make training, will be eligible to apply under the classification of “Academy Graduate.”
Do you accept police officer lateral transfers?
Yes. We accept applications for lateral transfer and screen them every month or as needed. There is some flexibility on the education, depending on your experience.
What is the process for an out of state lateral officer applicant?
Out of state applicants are reviewed on a case by case basis, ultimately at the discretion of the Chief of Police. At a minimum, out of state applicants will have to obtain a Basic Course Waiver by completing the 161 hour California POST Requalification Course (https://post.ca.gov/post-requalification-course). Those with minimal police experience, outside of the West Coast, may be required to complete a California P.O.S.T. academy, regardless of whether they have attended a police academy in another state. In addition, the applicant is required to possess an AA/AS or 60 units.
During the testing process, do you receive additional points for being in the military service?
No. However, military service, education, training and/or work experience will be included in your background file for review by the administration during the selection process.
Do you have to live in Irvine?
No. You do not need to be a resident of the City of Irvine, but you do need to be a resident of the State of California.