Here is the link to the exam bulletin with minimum qualifications and the link to take the online exam: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/3PBBE.PDF

Information about the exam can be found here: https://www.dsh.ca.gov/jobs/docs/Exams-Continuous/Hospital_Police_Officer.pdf

If you meet the minimum requirements outlined online, please feel free to apply. Previous law enforcement experience is not necessary.

Our PAT consists of riding a stationary bicycle while hooked up to an EKG monitor.

The California Department of State Hospitals has locations in Atascadero, Napa, Patton, Metropolitan, and Coalinga.

Yes, you will select the location that you want to work.

Depending on location/hospital, officers work the 5-8 schedule, 3-12 schedule and 4-10 schedule. Your seniority will dictate your availability for different shifts.

You would receive the education incentive.

The hiring process will take approximately 10 to 12 months.

Our background investigations, from being assigned a background investigator to passing your backgrounds, take around three months.

Please apply and this information will be reviewed in the background process.

Tattoos cannot be offensive or profane. You are required to cover tattoos for certain details.

Definitely. This is a great entry-level law enforcement position.

You may re-take the exam 6 months after your original exam date.

Candidates must be at least 21 years old(at time of appointment), complete a written examination, and have the equivalent to a high school diploma.

No, there is not a study guide. If you google entry law enforcement study guides you will find some that may be useful.

There is no maximum age limit. However, a minimum of 21 years of age is required.

Yes. Expenses associated with travel and lodging for the academy will be covered based on the state travel procedures. Housing and meals are provided at the academy.

Approximately 15 weeks with 600 hours of instruction. It is located in San Luis Obispo, California. Housing and meals are provided at the academy.

You need the 832 PC arrest and control before you start employment.

Once you complete the academy, you will be assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO). Typically, you will complete FTO training in 10-12 weeks and it occurs in four phases. The length depends on how well you're doing and if additional training is required.

Not prior to hire, but the academy has a PC 832 Firearms course of instruction for which you will be required to successfully demonstrate proficiency.

70%

It can vary greatly, but around a year and a half.

There are positions in contraband interdiction, patient property, visiting, receiving and release, training, field training and others, depending on the facility.

DSH hosts 3 academies per year. Generally, they commence in April, August, and December.

Currently, tattoos are not prohibited, but are required to be covered in certain public details.

DSH has a no facial hair (beards) policy.

There are many people available to assist you throughout the process. If you have questions during the initial start of the process, you can reach out to apply@joindsh.com. Once you move into the backgrounds phase, your investigator is available to assist you with any questions. Once you complete the background investigation, you will have a recruiter assigned to you at your facility that can answer questions and assist.

You will receive a uniform allowance, and a yearly maintenance stipend.

The position are salary based: top step officer pay is currently $7,420 per month.

Yes, at certain hospitals.

Yes. You are put through the academy once you are hired and are on the state payroll.

You will only get placed at the hospital that you apply for.

Our uniformed operations staff do not carry firearms in the course of duty. They can carry off-duty. Our investigators do carry firearms while on duty.

No, you just need to pass the exam in order to be considered.

No.

That's correct—U.S. citizenship is required.

Multiple choice.

Yes, if you live locally. The academy is located in San Luis Obispo.

If you already have a CA POST, you may not need to attend another academy.

It is not required until the end of the hiring process, but is required prior to appointment. You do not need it in order to begin the backgrounds process.

DSH recommends that you join a study group.

DSH recommend that you become active as soon as possible, engaging in exercises such as walking/jogging daily, resistance training, and/or core strength building. You may also want to maintain a good, nutritious diet throughout.

We recommend that you contact the watch commander at the facility you intend to work at.

Yes.

DSH have many patients with criminal histories. During intake, we conduct investigations to identify potential gang members and evaluate any potential threats to the patients.

There is a written and in-person psychological exam. There is no polygraph exam.

When you are going through the final portion of the hiring process, the HR office will look at various factors in determing salary.

If you have a CA POST, you will not need to go to through the regular academy.

This varies by facility. In general, there are over 1,000 patients at each hospital and roughly 70-150 officers depending on the facility. Additionally, there is no shortage of staff members who are available to assist with problem solving, conflict resolution, etc.

Yes.

A lateral would be from one state agency to another. The California POST Basic certificate does not guarantee a lateral appointment. You would still need to take the exam, submit an application. If you have a California POST Regular Basic Certificate within the last three years, it will be reviewed and determination will be made on whether the HPO academy is needed or if you can attend an expedited academy at your facility.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, the laws have just recently changed regarding what can be asked regarding prior drug use. Please apply and allow our Background Investigators to determine your eligibility.

You can look on the POST website for available courses.

You will need to have your PC 832 Arrest and Control Certificate prior to hire.