Entry Level Police Officer
- Redding Police Department
- Redding, CA, USA
- Oct 23, 2026
Job Description
Description
*UPDATED: August 26, 2025
The City of Redding is accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Police Officer within the Redding Police Department. We are seeking motivated individuals with a strong commitment toward providing excellent service to the members of the community. The Mission of the Redding Police Department is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City.
The Redding Police Department has a reputation as a progressive agency offering excellent training and career development programs and providing our officers with modern equipment. Assignment opportunities include: Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics, Field Evidence Technicians, Field Training Officers, Investigations, Motor Unit, Canine, Bicycle Patrol and the Neighborhood Police Unit
The City of Redding provides an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance, paid time off and a CalPERS retirement program along with a great work environment.
Please Note:
- We are currently only considering candidates for the Entry Level Police Officer position who have already completed a 6 month law enforcement academy. If you have not yet completed a law enforcement academy, please apply for the Police Recruit position.
We are looking for someone to
Please view the job classification for Entry Level Police Officer to learn more about the duties performed.
Scan the QR code below to learn what the Redding area and Police Department have to offer!
What to expect from the Application and Exam Process
You will receive notifications pertaining to this recruitment at the e-mail address and text message number provided on your application. Email correspondence may go to your spam or junk mail folder.
Examination process: The examination process may include an oral board examination, a written examination, practical examination or any combination thereof.
This recruitment will be establishing an eligibility list and may be used to fill current and future Police Officer vacancies. This recruitment will be open until filled and may close at any time with little or no notice.
IMPORTANT: Applicants must meet minimum age requirement of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4
Selection Process: Final appointment is contingent upon:
- Positive past employment references
- Passing a city paid fingerprint criminal conviction check
- Passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug and alcohol screening test
- Successful completion of a polygraph examination
- Successful completion of a psychological evaluation
- Positions within the Police Department require applicants pass an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.
The City of Redding adheres to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/FEDERAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Qualifications
Qualifications we're looking for:
- Knowledge of practices and procedures of administration of justice and criminal law, City ordinances and regulations
- Knowledge of investigation and crime prevention methods
- Knowledge of rules of evidence and laws governing the apprehension, arrest, custody, and prosecution of law violators and effective public relations
- Ability to interact effectively with the public and employees
- Ability to read, understand, and carry out departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and regulations
- Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action
- Education and Experience: Typical education includes a high school diploma or equivalent
- Typical experience would be less than one year of "street" experience with a municipality, Sheriff's Office or equivalent
- Applicants must attach a copy of a Basic POST certification
- Special Requirements:
- Applicants must attach a copy of a California POST Academy certificate. POST Academy Certificates over three years require proof of completion of a POST Academy update course.
- Minimum age of 21 years at time of appointment as a peace officer per government code section 1031.4
- No felony convictions.
- Shall be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
- Possession of the appropriate California driver's license, or the ability to acquire one within ten days of appointment.
For the full job description click here:
Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Redding Police Department is Martin Rivera.
Qualifications
State
Immediate Fill
Job Reference
The City of Redding was incorporated on October 4, 1887, and the first “City Marshal” was elected with the first board of trustees. Redding became the county seat of Shasta County in 1888. The Municipal Code of 1898 prescribed the size of the police force, duties of police (peace) officers and, with the advice and consent of the police committee, authorized the City Marshall to adopt and enforce rules and regulations for the governing of the department.
In 1902, the first demonstration of the automobile was held in Redding, and by 1906, Redding had six vehicles in the entire incorporated area. In 1919, there were 43 saloons and 3,400 people in Redding. The most-often committed crime was listed as “dishonesty.” By 1920, the Redding Police Department consisted of three people – a captain, a deputy chief, and a night watchman. These three individuals handled everything from general police peace-keeping duties to acting as court bailiffs to routine nighttime alleyway patrols. In the summer of 1923, the first woman was deputized for the summer to provide police services at the local swimming resort.
California’s Governor signed a bill in 1929 abolishing “Hick Titles,” which decreed that “City Marshal” would henceforth be known as “Chief of Police.”
Traffic problems in 1933 were so bad that one officer had to be appointed as Traffic Officer, and City Council purchased a motorcycle for traffic enforcement. By 1939, with construction of nearby Shasta Dam underway, Redding had grown to a population of nearly 7,000 residents. The Police Department had expanded to include up to 7 police officers, 2 cars, 1 paddy wagon, and 1 motorcycle. As there were no police radios, when a police officer needed assistance, he was instructed to turn on his vehicle’s red light and call the Department from the nearest available telephone.
In 1957, juvenile problems had escalated, and the first Juvenile Officer position was created. In the late 1960’s, the Department purchased its first computer system, and in 1965 the first police dogs were put into service. The first police dispatchers were hired in 1965, freeing one officer each shift from handling dispatching and phone-related duties. In 1971, the Ride-A-Long program began, and the Explorer Post was formed. In 1972, the first police radar system was put into operation. The end of the 1970’s put the Department into the new — and current — building, a renovated auto dealership, on the corner of California and Shasta Streets.
The Redding Police Department is a highly professional organization that is committed to excellence in everything that we do. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, find innovative ways to solve neighborhood problems and enhance the quality of life in our city. We work to fulfill this mission daily by collaborating with our community to identify and creatively resolve problems.
Our success in meeting this mission is the result of the efforts of our remarkably dedicated sworn officers and civilian employees. We have made a commitment to hiring only the best, and we are very proud of the men and women of the Redding Police Department.
Whether you are here because you are seeking information as a resident, visitor, or business owner, or if you are here because you are interested in pursuing a career with our Department, I hope our website can provide you with the information you need. If not, or if there is anything else we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us. It would be our honor to serve you."
Brian Barner, Chief of Police