Oceanside Police Department

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Look no further than the Oceanside Police Department, serving the City of Oceanside, a beach community located 39 miles north of San Diego. With an authorized budgeted strength of 219 sworn and 115 professional staff members, the Oceanside Police Department handles approximately 110,000 calls for service each year. Our team is organized under the Chief’s office and three divisions: Patrol, Support Operations and Investigations. Our motto, "Service with Pride," speaks to our focus on quality customer service and efficient service. We are committed to public safety and to implementing innovative crime-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and healthy community.

Lateral Officer Opportunities

Current Employment Opportunities

Candidate Interest Form

 

If you are interested in a job for which we are not currently advertising, please contact a Recruiter and complete a Candidate Interest Form for the class specification title(s) in which you are interested.

Oct 26, 2026
Full time
$88,584 - $120,372 yearly
Oceanside Police Department Oceanside, CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   The City of Oceanside is accepting application for current and future vacancies for the position of Police Officer - Academy Graduate. This position will be assigned to the Field Operations Division. Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Look no further than the Oceanside Police Department, serving the City of Oceanside.  The City of Oceanside, CA (population 178,000) is a thriving beachfront community centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline.  Located just 35 miles north of San Diego and 83 miles south of Los Angeles, Oceanside offers a unique combination of outstanding location, affordable housing, excellent schools, and multiple community resources. The City enjoys proximity to all major Southern California destinations, while maintaining its coastal beauty and unique character. With an authorized budgeted strength of 228 sworn and 84...
Oct 26, 2026
Full time
$46,596 - $62,364 yearly
Oceanside Police Department CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Community Services Officer. This position will be assigned to the Oceanside Police Department. Virtual Written Examination Date: Open December 3 - 8, 2026 Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation. Incumbents in this class assist in a variety of non-sworn responsibilities supporting law enforcement functions that are limited to duties of a routine nature such as clerical duties and/or field work. This class is distinguished from Community Safety Specialist Supervisor, which is a supervisory class responsible for directing a group of employees on an assigned shift. The work involves frequent public contact with all segments of society regarding a wide variety of civil and criminal issues. Situations encountered are often emotionally tense requiring the exercise of...
Oct 05, 2026
Full time
$64,932 - $86,928 yearly
Oceanside Police Department Oceanside, CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   The City of Oceanside Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Lateral Public Safety Dispatcher. This is a crucial role in ensuring public safety, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. To qualify as a lateral dispatcher, candidates must be employed as a Dispatcher by a public safety agency, have successfully completed probation with their current agency with at least one year of experience, and possess a California P.O.S.T. certificate.  Those not currently working as a Dispatcher for a public safety agency are encouraged to apply for the Entry-level Dispatcher position. **LATERAL INCENTIVE:** $2,500 at time of hire  $500 upon completion of probation period $1,000 anniversary payment – year 2 $1,500 anniversary payment – year 3 $2,000 anniversary payment – year 4 $3,500 anniversary payment – year 5 Up front leave bank of 400 hours to...
Oct 05, 2026
SkillBridge
Oceanside Police Department CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The City of Oceanside's SkillBridge program offers eligible service members an exceptional opportunity to transition into a career in law enforcement by gaining valuable hands-on experience as a Police Officer. Participates will receive comprehensive training, working across various divisions such as:  Investigations Patrol SWAT Traffic Investigations Crisis Negotiations UAS Program (Unmanned Aerial Support/Drone Team) Neighborhood and Homeless Outreach K-9  Beach Team This initiative is designed to prepare candidates for the challenges and responsibilities of public safety while equipping them with skills and experience critical for a future in law enforcement.  This is an unpaid Volunteer/Intern position for Active Duty Service members participating in the SkillBridge program prior to completion of military service. To learn more about the Oceanside Police Department,...
Oct 05, 2026
Full time
$88,584 - $120,372 yearly
Oceanside Police Department CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER   The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Police Officer - Lateral. This position will be assigned to the Patrol Division. Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis. Applicants must be currently employed as a Peace/Police Officer and possess a California Basic POST certificate OR a California POST Waiver (Out of State Applicants only). Are you interested in a career in law enforcement or looking to work for an organization and municipality that supports our Public Safety professionals? Look no further than the Oceanside Police Department.  The City of Oceanside, CA (population 177,000) is a thriving beachfront community centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline.  Located just 83 miles south of Los Angeles, Oceanside is among the region's best places to escape the hustle-and-bustle...
Oct 05, 2026
Full time
$17.62 hourly
Oceanside Police Department CA
Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Police Cadet. This is a part-time, non-benefited, civilian position. The Oceanside Police Department has the opportunity to use or access grant funding to award an internship and a scholarship to those selected.  Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the Police Department, each selected individual will receive a scholarship for tuition and expenses up to $2,500 annually for a period not to exceed two (2) years.  Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.  The selection process could take up to 90 days. Examples of Duties The Police Cadet provides assistance to the Police Department by performing a variety of duties...