No prior experience or police academy training required.

If you’ve already graduated from or are currently attending a POST-certified police academy, apply for the Police Officer (Academy Graduate or Participant) position instead.

Entry Level

Police Officer
Earn up to $93,454/year + Hiring Bonus

Position Overview

This is a civilian trainee position while attending a POST-certified police academy (approx. 6 months). After graduation and if positions are available, you'll be sworn in as a Police Officer.

As a trainee, you'll:

  • Receive paid training at a POST-certified academy

  • Learn law enforcement procedures, laws, first aid, physical fitness

  • Gain understanding of real-world police duties through field training

Ideal Candidate

You are someone who:

  • Cares about community service and public safety

  • Has strong integrity and accountability

  • Wants to make Hayward a better place

  • Continuously seeks improvement

  • Treats everyone with professionalism and respect

Minimum Qualifications

  • Experience: None

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent

  • License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License

  • Special Qualifications:

    • Free of any felony convictions.

    • Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law.

    • Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.

    • Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.

    • Must pass a background investigation and polygraph exam.

    • Must meet all Department medical, physical, and psychological standards.

    • Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Benefits & Perks

  • 3-day work week

  • 15.5 paid holidays

  • 80+ hours vacation

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life & disability insurance

  • CalPERS pension plan (no Social Security deductions)

  • Tuition & wellness reimbursements

  • Deferred compensation plans (457)

  • Professional development support

Step 1

Fill Out the Form Below

Start by completing the short form at the bottom of this page. After submitting it, you’ll receive a text and email with a few quick questions to confirm that you meet the basic requirements for the role. This helps us determine your eligibility before moving forward.

Step 2

Complete the Full Application

Once you pass the pre-screening, we’ll send you a direct link to complete the official application for the Deputy Sheriff position.

Step 3

Pre-Background Survey

Complete a short survey via SurveyMonkey.

Step 4

Job-Related Testing (1-Day Process)

Schedule:

  • 8:30 AM: Check-in begins (bring photo ID)

  • 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Physical Agility Exam (WSTB) + 1.5-mile run

  • 11:30 AM – 2:45 PM: PELLETB written exam

OR

Submit valid WSTB and/or NTN scores (dated within 12 months) instead.

Step 5

Eligible List

Qualified candidates will be placed on a ranked list for potential hire.

Step 6

Background Investigation

Includes fingerprinting, credit/criminal check, drug test, polygraph, and psychological/medical exams.

Start Your Application

Fill out the form below and start your application for a position in Law Enforcement with Hayward PD.

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