About the Department
Candidates are being screened for the Regional Police Academy:
Physical Abilities Test (PAT)/POST PELLETB Exam (T-Score 42) is scheduled for the following date:
May 30, 2026
The Opportunity:
The City of El Cajon is looking for motivated individuals who want to make a direct impact to the community of El Cajon, to join their Police Department as a Police Recruit.
The City of El Cajon is looking for motivated individuals who want to make a direct impact to the community of El Cajon, to join their Police Department as a Police Recruit.
The Community:
As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is recognized as a wonderful location to live, work and play. El Cajon boasts a diverse and vibrant community, safe and attractive neighborhoods, many parks and recreation centers, award-winning schools, libraries, and other amenities. El Cajon is a full service City, with first-class police and fire departments. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset.
As the sixth largest city in San Diego County, El Cajon is recognized as a wonderful location to live, work and play. El Cajon boasts a diverse and vibrant community, safe and attractive neighborhoods, many parks and recreation centers, award-winning schools, libraries, and other amenities. El Cajon is a full service City, with first-class police and fire departments. Ultimately, El Cajon is a shining example of a local government that provides exceptional municipal service with an innovative mindset.
El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities. Through the vision of the El Cajon City Council, El Cajon is able to balance new growth and development while preserving a rich and honored heritage. The City staff is professional, knowledgeable, and focused on providing exceptional customer service.
The Police Department:Mission Statement: Committed to a safe and secure community through service, mutual cooperation and respect.
•Active Police Department that responds to an array of calls for service while building partnerships and focusing on Community Oriented Policing
•Sworn Divisions include Patrol, US Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Traffic, Crisis Negotiation Team, Investigations, and K9 Unit
•Special assignments with the DEA Narcotics Task Force and FBI Safe Streets Task Force
•Support Divisions include Records, Communications Center, Property, and ISO Accredited Crime Laboratory
•Police Officers work three 12.5 hour shifts
•New Police Recruits are provided all equipment
Position Duties
Police Recruit New Hire Process:
1. Application Period and Review
•Applications and attachments, such as valid outside PELLETB score, or college degree, must be submitted by the application deadline.
•Valid outside PELLETB score
•T-Score must be from PELLETB exam taken within 6 months of PELLETB test date (on or after November 30, 2025).
•T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
2. Examination Phase
•Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
•Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) – T-Score must be 42.0 or higher.
3. Eligibility List and Pre-Employment Process
•Candidates who successfully complete the examination phase will be placed on the eligibility list and referred to the department for further processing: Personal History Statement, Panel Interview, Polygraph, Pre-Investigative Questionnaire, Captain’s Interview, Background Investigation, and Chief’s Interview.
4. Additional Information
•All candidates are required to undergo a psychological examination and pre-employment medical examination in addition to the aforementioned steps.
Minimum Qualifications
Please visit our website for the full job description: Police Recruit
Other Qualifications
Contact our Background Coordinator for more information on the new hire process, team interactions, and morning workouts: (619) 441-1590.