Application Process

The Glendale Police Department has a comprehensive process in place to ensure we recruit candidates who are mature, think creatively, make ethical decisions and want to make a difference in people's lives and the community they serve. The application process is undertaken in seven steps.

Apply Online

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Glendale Police Department. Your first step is applying online. Click the 'Apply Now' button below to view a list of all available jobs along with their job descriptions and application.

Qualifications for sworn positions (police officers)

General requirements

Minimum age 20 years at the time of application
High school graduation or GED or CHSPE equivalent
Good moral character with no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving domestic violence
U.S. Citizenship, or a permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship
Valid California Class C driver's license

Desired but not required

College level course work in written and oral communication, Police Science or a related field.
Bilingual abilities
Knowledge and/or use of computers

Tattoo Policy

The Glendale Police Department currently hires individuals with non-offensive tattoos, provided they are concealed from public view in a long sleeve uniform shirt. Certain exceptions may be made based on job assignment, as well as consideration given to applicants who are currently in the process of removing tattoos. For more questions on our tattoo policy, please reach out to us via the 'Contact Us' page.

Non-Sworn Positions

Positions such as Criminalist, Custody Officer, and Communications Operator are known as non-sworn. Like sworn staff, non-sworn staff are required to be of excellent moral character with no felony convictions and may require further testing and background investigations. Non-sworn positions typically do not have the same rigorous hiring process as sworn officers.

Apply Now

Panel Interview

Before the Interview

PREPARE! Be sure to know about the position. What kinds of challenges are involved? What skills or qualities are required to do the job? Checking our requirements page is a good place to start your research.
Some interview questions may require you to give examples that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Think of examples of current or prior work experiences that best demonstrate these skills. Know your own strengths, and the areas where you need to develop or improve.
Look at the City of Glendale website and learn about the City, it's residents, and any noteworthy issues relating to Police work.
Prepare an effective closing statement that highlights your abilities as they relate to the position you are interviewing for.
Practice interviewing with another person. (Video record yourself if possible.)
Wear appropriate business attire.
Be on time.

During the Interview

A panel will ask every candidate the same set of questions. They may ask follow-up questions based on your responses and/or your application.
Interviews are typically 15 to 20 minutes. You will need to be concise with your responses. Your answers should generally take no more than 1–2 minutes per question.
Don’t get distracted by panel members taking notes while you are talking. The panel will use these notes when evaluating you.
Be friendly and enthusiastic during the interview.
Listen carefully and allow the panel to complete the question before answering. If you are in doubt, ask for clarification.
Don't rely solely on your application. No matter how well qualified you may appear to be on your application, you will still need to sell yourself in the interview.
Be honest at all times.
At the end of the interview, summarize your background and experience or share important information about your skills that you think were not discussed during the interview.

Written & Physical Tests

Physical Agility Test

The Physical Agility Test (P.A.T.) is usually done on weekends and administered at Glendale City Hall. The P.A.T. is a series of events and obstacles that the applicant must successfully negotiate and complete in two minutes and thirty seconds. Applicants should wear comfortable workout attire.

Physical Agility Test Location

Preview the Physical Agility Test

The Written Exam

The examination is a general aptitude examination to measure a candidate's ability to succeed in a training academy. The written exam is a Pass/Fail (not part of your final grade). Applicant should receive information from the City of Glendale Human Resources Department about navigating the test and sending the score to GPD. To help prepare for the written exam, applicants may order the practice “NPST Candidate Orientation Guide."

View Practice Test

Important Upcoming Police Office Recruit Application & Test Dates in 2024

Application Opens: Sept. 14, 2024

Application Closes: Oct. 11, 2024

P.A.T. & Preliminary Background Questionnaire: Oct. 26, 2024

Written Exam Due: Nov. 15, 2024

Oral Exam: Nov. 15, 2024

Application Opens: Oct. 12, 2024

Application Closes: Nov. 8, 2024

P.A.T. & Preliminary Background Questionnaire: Nov. 16, 2024

Written Exam Due: Dec. 16, 2024

Oral Exam: Dec. 19, 2024

Important Police Officer Recruit 2025 application & test dates will be published on this page soon.

Background Check

Required Documents

Prior to your appointment to the Glendale Police Department, you are required to undergo and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation. Part of this investigation includes the review of relevant documents. You must collect the documents listed below before a background interview can be scheduled (college transcripts can be received at a later date). If a document listed below is not relevant to you, you do not need to collect it.

Birth Certificate
Drivers License
Citizenship Application Information
High School/College Diploma
Notarized Waiver
Trade School Diploma
Divorce/Annulment Decree
Marriage Certificate
POST Certificates (Prior Law Enforcement Service)
Automobile Insurance Declaration
Typed Auto biography*
Personal History Statement**
Name Change Decree
Certificate of Naturalization
U.S. Passport
Selective Service Card or Letter
Social Security Card
Statement of Military Service
Proof of Tax Filing (Cover Letter)
Training Certificates
Employee Evaluations
College Transcripts (Sealed)***
High School Transcripts (Sealed)***

* Autobiographies should consist of one to two typed pages providing an overview of your life, education, jobs, accomplishments, and any other pertinent information.

** Personal History Statements must be fully completed. You can download the Personal History Statement form using this link, or by going to post.ca.gov/forms and downloading Form 2-251. Complete the form and be ready to submit it to GPD when requested.

*** The background interview can be conducted without school transcripts. Don't wait to call for an interview appointment.

Find the complete list of required documents here.

Once you have collected all the relevant documents, please call Sergeant Sharon Kim at (818) 548-3117 or your assigned background investigator to schedule an interview appointment. After attending an interview with your assigned background investigator, take a polygraph test and undergo reference checks

Note: Please bring all relevant documents (originals & copies) with you to your background interview. Do not mail them.

Need assistance adding your information on Guardian?

Listen to the Guardian tutorial below for more information about this step of the application process.

Psychological Exams

The completion of a psychological evaluation, commonly known as the "psych" exam, is one of the final steps in the hiring process. Although often viewed with apprehension, it is not as daunting as the polygraph exam. The aim of the psych exam is not to uncover flaws in every applicant, but rather to gain insight into their unique personality traits, skills, shortcomings, fears, and overall suitability for a position that requires the ability to handle prolonged periods of high stress.

While examiners may be on the lookout for red flags such as impulsiveness, bias, or dishonesty, they do not assess applicants based on an unattainable "perfect" score. As every individual is unique, it would be unreasonable to hold them to the same exacting standard. However, the psych exam is a valuable tool for evaluating an individual's relatability, adaptability, and self-awareness - all crucial attributes for the specialized role of a law enforcement officer.

Medical Exam

As a final step before your employment, you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation with a physician assigned by the Glendale Police Department. The evaluation entails completing paperwork that includes your basic biological information, medical history, known risk factors, and family history. During the appointment, you will be weighed and have your height measured, blood pressure and temperature checked, and provide laboratory blood samples for a general health assessment. Moreover, you will undergo a thorough hearing and vision test to establish your baseline values.

For more information regarding the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening process, please visit https://post.ca.gov/medical-screening-manual

Become a Recruit

Congratulations!

If you've made it this far that means you're now a Glendale Police Officer Recruit. Next, you'll spend six months training at the academy before being sworn in as a Glendale Police Officer and beginning field training in the Jewel City.

Visit out Instagram account to check out Inspection at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Academy Graduation and a swearing-in and a promotion ceremony at the Glendale Police Department!

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Understand the requirements:

Before applying to become a police officer recruit for the Glendale Police Department, it is essential to ensure you meet the department's minimum requirements. Make sure you meet the age and education requirements, and be prepared to pass the physical and written exams.