Hiring Process & Minimum Qualifications

Hiring Process

STEP #1: Submit APPLICATION via CalOpps (if you meet the qualifications)
The Selection process will first consist of a review of application materials, responses to supplemental questionnaire, and POST Entry-level Law Enforcement Test Battery Written Exam and WSTB/1.5 Mile Run certificates. Applications without the necessary certifications WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process and placement on the eligible employment list.

STEP #2: Oral Board Interview
The oral board interview is a panel interview. Candidates will be asked 8-10 questions. 80% or higher is passing.

STEP #3: Personal History Statement
You will be provided instructions and a Personal History Statement (PHS) to complete and submit to the FCPD. Your PHS will be reviewed by the Department to determine job suitability. The top candidates selected will move onto the Background Investigation Process and will be notified with additional details.

STEP #4: Background Investigation
Before a conditional employment offer is made, a thorough background investigation will be done, including a polygraph and fingerprint check.  If successful, candidates are then required to successfully pass a psychological, medical examination, a drug screen, and must be able to furnish proof of legal right to work in the United States. The City's standards must be met before the final appointment is made.  Candidates may be disqualified at any point in this process.

STEP #5: The Police Academy
A full-time, 888-hour intensive course satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for California entry-level peace officers <https://www.post.ca.gov/basic-course-training-requirements.aspx>.  The course typically meets Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m, is approximately six months in duration and is designed for employed or aspiring peace officer recruits who can dedicate their full attention and efforts towards completing the program. The Academy has various locations around the Bay Area. The FCPD will determine which & when you will attend the Police Academy.

STEP #6: Foster City PD Field Training Program
The Field Training Officer (FTO) program is the "street" training for officers just graduating from the academy. This is a period where newly graduated Police Recruit Officers will take what they learned in the academy and apply it to the street. For Lateral Police Officers this is a period of preparation, training transition and integration into the Foster City Police Department. New officers in the FTO program will be assigned to experienced Foster City Field Training Officers. Daily evaluations are given to document progress through this training period. Those who successfully complete the Field Training Program are assigned to the Patrol Division as a solo beat officer.

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