Apply online. The process includes application review, written exam, background investigation, pre-employment hiring testing (Medical/PAT/Psychological).

Shifts vary and may include day, evening, night, weekends, and holidays. Assignments depend on staffing needs.

There is a Department of State Hospitals policy on professional appearance.

Candidates must meet minimum age, background, and education requirements listed in the job posting.

The process can take several weeks depending on background checks and applicant volume.

Yes, you will receive Hospital Police Officer salary upon hire.

Department of State Hospitals has facilities in Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan (Norwalk), Napa, and Patton.  Applicants are able to select which facility they would like to work.  If there are no vacancies currently for that facility you will be placed on a waitlist until vacancies become available.

The starting pay for the Hospital Police Officer classification is per month.  There is a yearly 5% increase until you reach the maximum salary for the classification of $7,568.

The Hospital Police Officer written exam is an online multiple choice examination comprised of three sections: Situational Judgement, Reading Comprehension and Written Communication.  The examination is timed and available online 24/7.  Applicants must complete the exmination in one session and within 120 minutes.  The passing score for the exam is 70%.  There is a six month waiting period for applicants that are unsuccessful.

The PAT measures strength, endurance, and physical readiness for the role.

The amount of time the background investigation takes varies depending upon the applicant.  It is generally several months.

Each case is reviewed individually based on recency and severity.

The Hospital Police Officer pre-employment requirements include a psycholoigcal evaluation that includes a written psychological examination and interview with a psychologist.

The academy is 15 weeks long and is located at Camp San Luis Obispo.  Cadets are provided housing and meals while at the academy.

The academy runs Monday - Thursday, cadets are allowed to go home Thursday thru Sunday.

Applicants that have a POST Basic Certificate will have their certificate reviewed and determination will be made on whether they will attend the HPO Academy.  Those not required to attend the HPO Academy will attend the Annex B - DSH training.

Shift structures vary by facility and operational needs.

Daily duties involve maintaining safety, supporting operations, and working as part of a team.

The Hospital Poice Officer is a sworn position.  Officers do not carry firearms.

Officers are required to purchase their uniforms and various equipment items.  Officers receive a yearly uniform allowance of $950 every February and a Uniform Maintenance allowance of $300 every December.

Yes, there are opportunities to advance and move into specialized roles.

There are various specialized assignments Bike Patrol, K-9, Field Training Officer, etc.

The Department of State Hospitals peace officers have the ability to submit a Geographical Transfer Application to transfer between facilities.  Officers must meet the minimum requirements for consideration.

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