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How to Apply

YOUR PATH
TO THE BADGE

The Brentwood Police Department is accepting applications on a continuous basis. Here's everything you need to know, step by step.

Before you apply

AM I ELIGIBLE?

✓

U.S. Citizenship/Permanent Resident

Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship.

✓

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum education requirement. Associate's degree and college coursework in law enforcement are highly desirable.

✓

CA POST Academy

Graduating from a California Basic P.O.S.T. Academy is not required to apply. If you're already certified or currently enrolled, even better. If not, the department can sponsor qualified candidates through the academy.

✓

Valid Driver's License

Must possess a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment.

✓

No Felony Convictions

Candidates with felony convictions are not eligible. Other records are reviewed individually during the background investigation.

✓

Medical & Psychological Fitness

Must be physically and psychologically fit for the full duties of a police officer. Evaluated after conditional offer.

Open to

WHO CAN APPLY?

01

Lateral Officers

Currently certified California peace officer? BPD has a long, successful history of welcoming laterals seeking better work-life balance. Bring your experience.

02

Academy Graduates & Students

Already graduated from a CA Basic POST Academy, or currently enrolled? BPD is actively recruiting. Apply now, whether you've completed the academy or are still in training, and we'll be ready to put your training to work.

03

Academy Sponsorship

Not yet POST-certified? BPD will sponsor qualified candidates as Police Officer Trainees and put you through a California Basic POST Academy. We invest in your training from day one, so you can start your career with us.

Submit a Job Interest Card →
The process

THE 8-STEP HIRING PROCESS

1
Step One

Submit Your Application

Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/brentwoodca. Complete every field. Incomplete applications are rejected. Resumes may be attached but don't replace the application. If you've graduated from a POST Academy, attach your certificate.

2
Step Two

Application Review

Applications are reviewed to confirm minimum qualifications. Postmarks, faxes, and incomplete applications are not accepted. If your application is complete and you meet the requirements, you advance to the next step.

3
Step Three

Eligible List Placement

Qualified candidates are placed on the Eligible List, valid for at least 6 months and extendable up to 18 months. BPD uses this list to fill all current and future openings while it remains active.

4
Step Four

Physical Assessment

Candidates must complete 25 sit-ups in 1 minute, 25 push-ups in 2 minutes, 50 air squats in 2 minutes, and a 500-yard run in under 2 minutes. The Physical Assessment is waived for lateral and POST Academy graduates.

5
Step Five

Panel Interview

Top candidates are invited to interview with the BPD leadership team. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, values, and commitment to the community. Prepare thoroughly. First impressions matter.

6
Step Six

Polygraph Examination

A standard pre-employment polygraph is conducted to verify the accuracy of information in your application and background. Honesty and accuracy throughout the process is essential.

7
Step Seven

Captain's Interview

The most qualified panel candidates advance to a Captain's Interview, a deeper conversation about your background, goals, and fit with Brentwood PD's culture and mission.

8
Step Eight

Background Investigation

A comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including employment history, references, financial records, criminal history, and character interviews. This typically takes several weeks. Stay available and responsive.

Brentwood Police badge

Conditional Offer → Final Hiring

After a successful background investigation, you'll receive a conditional job offer. You'll then be scheduled for a medical evaluation and psychological evaluation. Final employment is contingent on passing both. Congratulations. You're part of the Brentwood PD family.

Pro tips

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Complete every single field in the online application. Partial applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
  • Attach your POST Academy graduation certificate.
  • Monitor your email diligently. All correspondence comes from governmentjobs.com, neogov.com, or brentwoodca.gov. Add these to your safe senders list and check spam folders.
  • Apply now. This recruitment is continuous but can close at any time without advance notice. Don't delay.
  • Be honest throughout every stage. Inconsistencies between your application, background, and polygraph are disqualifying.
  • Questions? Contact Sergeant Brian Lodge: (925) 809-7748.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Take the first step. The official application is submitted online. It's the only method accepted.

Apply on GovernmentJobs → View Resources