Navigating a Career with the UCLA Police Department: Requirements and Opportunities

The UCLA Police Department (UCPD) offers various career paths for individuals interested in law enforcement and public safety. Serving a diverse community within an academic environment, the UCPD seeks dedicated individuals who are committed to upholding a standard of excellence. This article outlines the requirements, application process, and opportunities available within the department.

Application Process: Your First Step

The first step toward a career with the UCLA Police Department is completing an online application. Here's how:

Creating an Online UCLA Employment Application

There are two ways to create an application:

Using the UCLA Career Opportunities Tutorial:
- Visit mycareer.ucla.edu.
- Click the "How to Apply Tutorial" on the left-hand menu and follow the instructions.
Without the Tutorial:

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- Visit mycareer.ucla.edu.
- Click "Create Application" on the left-hand menu.
- Create a username, password, and security question.
- Complete all seven sections of the application, starting with "Personal Information."
- Click "Save" after completing each section, then "Save and continue to Next." Avoid using browser buttons like "Back" or "Refresh."
- Certify that all information is correct in the "Agreement" section.

Applying for a Specific Position

Before searching for jobs, it's recommended to complete or update your UCLA Employment Application. A cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format are also helpful.

Visit mycareer.ucla.edu and click "Search Jobs."
To sort by job type, scroll to the bottom of the page and use the search mechanism.
The easiest way to search is by using the "Posting Category."

Available Positions

The UCLA Police Department offers two primary entry-level positions: Police Officer and Police Trainee.

Police Officer

This posting is for applicants who have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy or are currently or formerly employed as a deputy/police officer. Sworn police officers are expected to perform law enforcement duties including: foot, bicycle, motorcycle and vehicle patrol of University of California properties (campus, medical centers on campus and in Santa Monica, university housing on campus and off campus including the University Apartments North and the University Apartments South, university properties in Westwood, West Los Angeles and Santa Monica, and nearby residential areas), investigate and prepare preliminary investigation reports, issue citations, make arrests, assist in the prosecution of violators of law, provide crime prevention information, develop partnerships with the community and serve as a proactive resource to a uniquely diverse community. Officers may work as part of a security detail for University and athletic events including events working with other law enforcement agencies for dignitaries visiting the campus. Officers have the opportunity to participate in a number of assignments such as Patrol Officer, Bicycle Team, Motorcycle Program, Detectives, Field Training Officer, Force Options/Defensive Tactics Instructors, Range Instructors, ECD Instructors, Background Investigator, Crime Prevention Officer, Traffic Collision Investigator, Mentors and various Lead Officer assignments.

Police Trainee

This posting is for applicants who have not completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy. Non-sworn police trainees perform the entry level functions of the position under direct supervision of a police officer of higher rank except those duties requiring Peace Officer status or requiring the use of firearms. Incumbents will be required to be enrolled in and successfully complete an accredited CA Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy offering POST course requirements at the basic level. Applies campus policies and procedures to resolve routine police issues. Works on problems of limited scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. During training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to all the policies and procedures of the University of California, the University of California Police Department, and the police academy attended. Trainees may be assigned non-safety duties in the Police Department such as assisting in prevention, collecting information and data, and transporting people and materials. Upon successful completion of the academy, Police Trainees will be eligible to fill vacant Police Officer positions. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, the selected incumbent must successfully complete a Field Training Program (FTP) and a probationary period of no less than 12 months.

Requirements and Qualifications

Minimum Standards

The minimum Police Officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Applicants must be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect their ability to perform the duties of a peace officer.

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Basic Knowledge and Skills

Basic knowledge in First Aid / CPR, campus streets, buildings, and parking lots, general law enforcement procedures, vehicle laws, use of firearms.
Ability to observe situations analytically, impartially, and objectively, and to record pertinent information accurately and completely.
Demonstrated verbal and written skills and the ability to interact with a diverse community.
Must complete an accredited CA Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy and obtain certification as a police officer.

Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Applicants must take and pass the POST Work Sample Test Battery, also referred to as the Physical Ability Test. The PAT consists of five individually timed events:

Obstacle Course: Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
Body Drag: Lift and drag a 165-pound lifelike dummy 32 feet.
Chain Link Fence Climb: Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
Solid Fence Climb: Run 5 yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
500-Yard Run: Run 500 yards.

With the exception of the 500-yard run, all tests must be attempted twice and successfully completed at least once.

Background Investigation and Other Examinations

A thorough background investigation will be conducted to ensure the applicant is of good moral character and that nothing in their background is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties. Every peace officer applicant who continues the process will be given a polygraph exam, medical examination and psychological evaluation.

The Hiring Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

The hiring process for UCLA Police Department positions is comprehensive and designed to select the most qualified candidates. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

Written Examination (PELLETB): This exam assesses your writing abilities, reading comprehension, and overall aptitude for law enforcement work.
Physical Ability Test (PAT): As described earlier, this test evaluates your physical fitness and ability to handle the physical demands of the job.
Oral Interview: A panel interview to assess your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the position.
Thorough and Comprehensive Background Investigation: A detailed review of your personal history, employment records, and criminal background.
Polygraph Examination: This test is used to verify the accuracy of information provided during the application process.
Chief's Interview: A final interview with the Chief of Police or a designated representative.
Medical Examination: A physical examination to ensure you meet the medical requirements for the position.
Psychological Evaluation: An assessment of your psychological fitness for law enforcement work.

Lateral Transfers

Lateral applicants currently employed as full-time peace officers with another California Police Department or Sheriff's Department are eligible to waive the written portion of the hiring process.

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Military Veterans

The UCLA Police Department encourages candidates to emphasize military experience to demonstrate quality work and life experience that comes with service in the military.

Training and Development

Pre-Academy

The UCLA Police Department Pre-Academy prepares Police Trainees for the 26-week Regular Basic Course at the Police Academy. This intensive program covers all topics discussed in the Basic Training Academy at an accelerated pace. Police Trainees participate in academic and physical training and may be disqualified if they are deemed incompatible with a career as a Police Officer.

Police Academy

The UCLA Police Department will pay for trainees to attend a Basic Training Academy, which must be successfully completed prior to being sworn in as a Police Officer.

Special Assignments and Promotions

The UCLA Police Department offers many specialty assignments. After a Police Officer completes his/her probationary training period, he/she is eligible to compete for assignment to one of the following specialty assignments: University North Housing Lead Officer, University South Housing Lead Officer, Ronald Reagan Medical Center Lead Officer, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center Lead Officer, Traffic Investigator, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer, Bike Officer, Range Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Crime Prevention Officer, Background Investigator and Detective.

Police Officers meeting the requirements can participate in the selection process for Police Sergeant. Police Sergeants meeting the requirements can participate in the selection process for Police Lieutenant.

Salary and Benefits

Current Salary Ranges

Police Trainee: Approx. \$90,850/year (effective June 22, 2025)
Police Officer: Approx. \$100,900 - \$170,300* (effective June 22, 2025)

*Includes Longevity Pay, Advanced POST Certificate Pay, Specialty Pay (x2), Systemwide Response Team Pay, Nighttime Shift Differential Pay, Education Pay, Bilingual Pay, and Uniform and Fitness Allowances

A higher salary may be available to individuals who have experience as a sworn Peace Officer.

Benefits

UCLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Several medical plans offered; dental & vision paid for by the University
\$50,000 life insurance provided automatically.
\$1,000/year uniform allowance.
13 paid holidays
Start at 3 weeks vacation/year with increases based on years of service
12 sick days per year with unlimited accrual
Vesting after 5 years of service in the UC Retirement Plan; 3% at 50. (PERS reciprocity)
Sick leave converted to service credit upon retirement
Employees pay only 1/3 of tuition fees at any UC campus.
POST Certification pay; up to an additional 8% of base salary
Specialist Assignments including Field Training Officer, Detective, Lead Officer, Traffic Collision Investigator, Range Instructor; up to 10% of base salary specialty pay dependent on assignment

Hiring Bonus

The Police Officer position is eligible for an $8,000 hiring bonus after successful completion of a background check and an accepted offer letter. Candidates who have been employed by UCLA or another UC campus during the 12 months prior to the proposed rehire date are not eligible for the hiring bonus.

Additional Opportunities

Community Service Officers (CSOs)

Applications and information regarding opportunities as a student Community Service officer with the UCLA Police Department may be obtained in person at our office or via download here. CSOs are trained to use radios to pass along information from their own observations or from the community to ensure that the proper response gets to the proper location in a minimum amount of time. CSOs have the opportunity to participate in a number of assignments such as evening escorts, bicycle patrol, residence hall patrol, library patrol, building security and access, and various special events, including concerts and football games. Promotional positions include bike patrol, dispatcher, field training officer and supervisor. The application is graded on a standard point scale. Applicants who score high enough on the application will be invited to an interview. The interview is likewise scored and judged on the basis of the following criteria:possession of analytical and decision making skills to identify problems, weigh solutions, recognize alternatives and their implications independently and quicklypossession of interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse public consisting of students, faculty, staff, visitors and immediate surrounding communitiesskill in speaking clearly using appropriate vocabulary to provide information to the public or via radio to responding emergency personnelSuccessful interviewees will be checked for a criminal history, valid driver's license and appropriate references.Candidates are assembled into hiring classes and hired as a group.

Important Considerations

Criminal History and Drug Use

Each applicantâs circumstances are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, felony convictions will make you ineligible. It is possible to be considered for employment with a prior, non-felonious arrest and/or conviction. It is also possible to be considered for employment with prior drug use.

Ride-Alongs

If a candidate is selected to participate in the oral interview, they are highly encouraged to go on a ride-along to improve their opportunity for successfully completing the process. Participants must arrive dressed in casual business attire (collared shirt, dress pants or Docker type pants (no jeans or shorts), shoes) and must present a valid driver license. A criminal history and driving history check will be conducted on all participants upon arrival at the Police Station. Any participant with a disqualifying background will not be allowed to participate.

To schedule a ride-along, contact the Watch Commander at (310) 825-1526.

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