Lateral applicants must possess a California POST Basic Certificate and have completed a POST-approved Field Training Program. Lateral applicants not currently employed with a law enforcement agency must have worked for a California police department within the last three years or must successfully complete the POST recertification course prior to employment.

Lateral applicants from outside the state of California must complete the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process prior to employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• At least 21 years of age at time of appointment
• 20/100 uncorrected in both eyes corrected to 20/20
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship
• Free of any felony convictions and most misdemeanor convictions

The California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has extensive information on selection standards for police officers. City of Carlsbad Police Department recommends that lateral applicants take the time to review this site.

Hiring Process

If a candidate meets the minimum requirements, they may be considered for employment upon completion of the following:

• Oral interview
• Physical ability test
• Background investigation including:
  
  • Polygraph
  • Criminal history
  • Credit check
  • Driving history
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical examination

All lateral applicants are required to complete a Personal History Statement at the onset of the background process.