Police Officer Lateral or Academy Graduate

Do you have the desire to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and diverse community? Join a collaborative workforce committed to serving the City of Irvine.

Pay Range:

About the Opportunity:

**You must be POST certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered as a Police Officer Lateral**

Hourly Base Pay - $51.33 - $82.36

Incentive Pay

• Shift Differential: * Swing 2%, * Graveyard 4%

• Bilingual 2%

• Intermediate POST 5%

• Advanced POST 15.5% (Combined with Intermediate)

• Annual Health and Wellness Benefit $1,000

Specialty Pay

• SWAT, CNT, DRE, MAIT, EMT, Drone Team, and Mounted Unit 1.5%

• Field Training Officer 8%

• Detective, SRO, Traffic, and DARE 6%

• K9 Unit 7.2% 

• Annual Equipment Reimbursement $300

LONGEVITY PAY (for all law enforcement time) will be assigned at the following benchmarks: 
    Completion of 9 years:  3%
    Completion of 14 years: 6.09%
    Completion of 19 years at 10.33% 

Retirement

CalPERS 2.7% at 57 formula for new and “PEPRA” CalPERS members who joined on or after 1/1/2013. CalPERS 3% at 50 formula for “classic” CalPERS members who joined before 1/1/2013 and have never had more than a six-month break in service. Note: CalPERS will make the ultimate determination of retirement formula tier.

At the City of Irvine, we strive to make a difference within a progressive, forward-thinking organization in an environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and respect. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement as part of a world class agency, the Police Officer position would be an excellent opportunity. 

Expedited Process: As a Lateral or an Academy Graduate applicant, the written examination and physical agility test is waived.

Out-of-State laterals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but are required, at a minimum, to complete the California POST Waiver course within the last 3 years.”

2026 Oral Interview Dates

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Thursday, November 19, 2026

The Irvine Police Department's geographic policing model ensures a high level of community collaboration, strategic partnerships, and progressive problem solving. As a Police Officer, you will patrol designated areas of the City and respond to calls or complaints while taking necessary action.

Your Impact:

• Investigate crime against persons or property, make arrests, and enforce traffic regulations.

• Write police reports, testify in court, and perform other related law enforcement duties.

• Interface closely with all segments of the community.

• Maintain knowledge of local ordinances and state laws, regulations, and City procedures.

• Complete a Field Training Officer (FTO) program to prepare for patrol duties within designated areas of the City.

• Find additional information in the Police Officer job description.

Minimum Qualifications:

• You must be POST certified* or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position.

• High school diploma or equivalent, completion of 60 college level units or an AA degree and or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Requires possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

*Please attach a copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate if you are not currently working for a California law enforcement agency.

All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.

The City
Irvine is recognized as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to Money Magazine. The City of Irvine has the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of more than 100,000, based upon FBI statistics on violent crime.

Your Team
The Public Safety Department is a full-service public safety agency that provides several special program areas including Emergency Management, Crime Prevention, DARE, School Resource Officer, K-9s, Traffic Enforcement, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, General Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Special Investigation (vice & narcotics), and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Irvine is committed to a full community-oriented policing concept that interfaces closely with all segments of the community.

The Process
The selection process will include an expedited oral examination process, and background investigation prior to appointment. All applicants must be able to pass the Public Safety background check process. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of legal documents, police and driving records, credit profile, motor vehicle insurance, vehicle operation, prior employment records, and performance reviews. Information about the public safety background process may be found at our Police Department Employment page.

Your Team

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may requires an accommodation. To contact Human Resources, please call 949-724-6067 or email [email protected].

E-Verify

The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.