Summary
Police Officer
At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer position would be an excellent opportunity. Expedited Process: as a Lateral or an Academy Graduate applicant, the written examination and physical agility test is waived. Out-of-State laterals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but are required, at a minimum, to complete the California POST Waiver course within the last 3 years.
The Irvine Police Department's geographic policing model ensures a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving. As a Police Officer, you will patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints while taking necessary action.
Incentive Pay - Specialty Pay
Shift Differential* Swing 2% * Graveyard 4% - SWAT, CNT, DRE, MAIT, EMT, Drone Team, and Mounted Unit 1.5%
Bilingual 2% - Field Training Officer 8%
Intermediate POST 5% - Detective, SRO, Traffic, and DARE 6%
Advanced POST 15.5% (Combined with Intermediate) - K9 Unit 7.2%
Annual Health and Wellness Benefit $1,000 - Annual Equipment Reimbursement $300
LONGEVITY PAY (for all law enforcement time) will be assigned at the following benchmarks: Completion of 9 years: 3% Completion of 14 years: 6.09% Completion of 19 years at 10.33%
Our Impact:
- Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.
- Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.
- Interface closely with all segments of the community.
- Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, regulations, and City procedures.
- Complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the City.
- Find additional information in the Police Officer job description.
Minimum Qualifications:
- You must be POST certified* or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.
- High school diploma or equivalent, completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.
*Please attach a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate if you are not currently working for a California law enforcement agency. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process.
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).
The selection process will include an expedited oral examination process, and background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Oral Interviews*
10/23/2025
11/19/2025
12/17/2025
1/29/2026
2/26/2026
3/26/2026
4/23/2026
5/28/2026
6/25/2026
7/23/2026
8/20/2026
9/24/2026
10/22/2026
11/19/2026
12/17/2026
*Oral Interview dates are subject to change.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.
The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.
Job Description
Police Officer
At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer position would be an excellent opportunity. Expedited Process: as a Lateral or an Academy Graduate applicant, the written examination and physical agility test is waived. Out-of-State laterals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but are required, at a minimum, to complete the California POST Waiver course within the last 3 years.
The Irvine Police Department's geographic policing model ensures a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving. As a Police Officer, you will patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints while taking necessary action.
Incentive Pay - Specialty Pay
Shift Differential* Swing 2% * Graveyard 4% - SWAT, CNT, DRE, MAIT, EMT, Drone Team, and Mounted Unit 1.5%
Bilingual 2% - Field Training Officer 8%
Intermediate POST 5% - Detective, SRO, Traffic, and DARE 6%
Advanced POST 15.5% (Combined with Intermediate) - K9 Unit 7.2%
Annual Health and Wellness Benefit $1,000 - Annual Equipment Reimbursement $300
LONGEVITY PAY (for all law enforcement time) will be assigned at the following benchmarks: Completion of 9 years: 3% Completion of 14 years: 6.09% Completion of 19 years at 10.33%
Our Impact:
- Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.
- Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.
- Interface closely with all segments of the community.
- Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, regulations, and City procedures.
- Complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the City.
- Find additional information in the Police Officer job description.
Minimum Qualifications:
- You must be POST certified* or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.
- High school diploma or equivalent, completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.
*Please attach a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate if you are not currently working for a California law enforcement agency. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process.
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).
The selection process will include an expedited oral examination process, and background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization. This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Oral Interviews*
10/23/2025
11/19/2025
12/17/2025
1/29/2026
2/26/2026
3/26/2026
4/23/2026
5/28/2026
6/25/2026
7/23/2026
8/20/2026
9/24/2026
10/22/2026
11/19/2026
12/17/2026
*Oral Interview dates are subject to change.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.
The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.
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