Lateral Entry Program

Salary

Salary $115,674 to $181,029/year*

$5,000 Signing Bonus**

Lateral police officers sworn picture


The San Francisco Police Department is seeking individuals who possess a current Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate to consider joining the premier law enforcement agency in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. San Francisco is a world-class city with a police force to match. From Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Park and from Nob Hill to Union Square, whether we’re on foot patrol, horseback, or in squad cars, investigating crimes, responding to emergencies, or leading classes on public safety, we’re working to help keep our community safe.

*Includes retention pay.
**$2,500 upon completion of Field Training Program (FTO); an additional $2,500 upon successful completion of the probation period.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with your POST Certificate and education. As of July 1, 2019, salaries are 6% higher for intermediate POST and 8% higher for advanced POST compared to basic POST. Salary will be consistent with the stipulations provided in the SFPD PPA Labor Agreement.
  • Retirement benefits: 3% of final compensation per year of service at age 58, with a maximum of 90% benefit based on years of service. 
  • Retirement reciprocity is available for some law enforcement agencies.
  • 10 paid vacation days a year during the first five years of service.
  • 15 paid vacation days a year during the next 10 years of service.
  • 20 paid vacation days a year after 15 years of service.
  • 4 floating holidays.
  • 13 paid sick days a year and several healthcare plans.
  • Bilingual pay and special assignment pay.

Retention Pay Program

Effective July 1, 2024, eligible employees receive:

  • 5 Years of Service: 5%
  • 7 Years of Service: additional 3% (8% total)
  • 10 Years of Service: additional 1% (9% total)
  • 15 Years of Service: additional 4% (13% total)
  • 20 Years of Service: additional 2% (15% total)
  • 25 Years of Service: additional 2% (17% total)
Career Development & Orientation/Training

Promotions & Career Development

Opportunities for promotions and career development via transfer to specialized units, including:

  • SWAT Team
  • Specialist Team
  • Plainclothes Work
  • Investigations
  • Canine Unit
  • Training Division
  • Motorcycle Enforcement
  • Explosives Ordnance Disposal
  • Mounted Patrol
  • Airport Bureau
  • Youth Programs
  • Marine Unit

Orientation/Training

Department Policy Orientation/Training: Lateral officers will receive a 2-week accelerated training program on the following topics:

  • Policies and Procedures for Juvenile Detention, Arrest, and Custody (SF Admin Code 96C, WIC §625.6 & 625.7)
  • Update on Domestic Violence Investigations
  • Update on DUI Investigations
  • Update on Narcotics Investigations
  • Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
  • Firearms Training
  • Refresher on Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)
  • Pursuit Policy
  • Refresher on Defensive Tactics (DT)
  • Legal Update/Search and Seizure Update
  • Use of Force/De-Escalation Training

  • Field Training Program (FTO): Lateral officers undergo a 10-week field training program divided into two phases, each lasting five weeks.

Contact

Contact the SFPD today!

Does this sound interesting? To learn more about the SFPD, we have a member of the SFPD Recruitment Staff who is available to answer your questions. If you are interested, he will collect your information and send you information material.

If you wish to be placed on the Lateral interest list, please send an e-mail with the following information:

  • Name
  • Your Current and any former agencies
  • Years of law enforcement experience
  • Personal cell/email address

Please call or email for lateral transfer test dates.

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Recruiter Javier Acosta 
Lateral Recruitment Liaison
1-415-575-5875
[email protected]

Out-of-State Laterals

For Out-of-State Laterals:

Completion of the Basic Course Waiver process is an option for meeting California’s Regular Basic Course training requirement for out-of-state applicants. The Regular Basic Course is the training requirement for POST-program city police officers, sheriff’s deputies, marshals, district attorney investigators, campus police officers, park police, Level I reserve peace officers and a few miscellaneous peace officer positions identified in the California Penal Code.

**Candidates must possess a P.O.S.T. Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced certificate(s) at the time of application submittal.

Basic Course Waiver Application

Basic Course Waiver Instructions and Process
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Have Questions?

Contact the San Francisco Police Department Recruitment Unit
1245 3rd Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone:1-415-837-7270
Email: [email protected]
Website: joinsfpd.com

Questions regarding the BCW process or application or the Specialized Basic Course Waiver (SIBC) process: 
Analyst Sarah Wilhelm
Phone: 1-916-227-4254.

San Francisco Police Department

Safety with Respect for All.
JOIN THE SFPD