Eligibility and Application Process:
California State Minimum Selection Standards (set by POST - Peace Officer Standards and Training):
- Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions and certain misdemeanors
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law
- At least 21 years of age at time of swearing in
- Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
- Valid CA driver’s license
- Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
- A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by California Department of Education, or have attained a two-year, four-year or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
Candidates must be at least 20½ years of age at the time of application and while attending the academy, and must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment (swearing-in), in accordance with California Government Code §1031(a).
This is not an all-inclusive list:
- Any prior felony conviction
- Recent illegal drug use
- Knowing misstatement of facts during the hiring process
- Any conviction of domestic violence (misdemeanor or felony)
The hiring process consists of the following steps for new recruits:
1. Application and screening
2. Written test
3. Physical agility test
4. Oral interview
5. Livescan fingerprinting
6. Background investigation
7. Psychological exam
8. Medical exam
9. Final interview
10. Basic police academy (paid)
11. Field Training Officer (FTO) program
The hiring process for lateral hires with a valid POST Basic Certificate:
1. Application and screening
2. Oral interview
3. Livescan fingerprinting
4. Background investigation
5. Psychological evaluation
6. Medical exam
7. Final interview
Lateral officers do not need to take the written test or physical agility test. They must currently be employed as California peace officers and hold a valid POST Basic Certificate.
Metro uses National Testing Network’s standardized written exam, which offers flexibility: applicants can take the test virtually or at a testing center. If you have taken the NTN exam within the past year, your score may be transferred.
Yes, the NTN test is required for all candidates. However, if you've passed the NTN within the last 12 months, you can submit those scores instead of retaking it.
Yes, you may reapply after a 60-day waiting period.
The selection process typically takes approximately three to six months, depending on whether the candidate is applying as an entry-level or lateral officer. This timeline does not include the duration of the basic academy or field training program. The overall processing time may vary based on how promptly the candidate submits all required background questionnaires, supporting documentation and references.
Every candidate is taken on a case-by-case basis and every candidate’s financial status is considered from a risk management perspective.
It depends on the nature of the tattoo(s). Candidates with tattoos, including facial and neck tattoos, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Candidates with tattoos who are subsequently hired must ensure that tattoos do not depict or imply sexist, racist, gang affiliated, extremist and/or obscene images or inferences. Tattoos containing images of this nature are prohibited and will affect the candidate’s chance of being hired as a Metro DPS police officer.
This is determined on a case-by-case basis, and depends on how many and how recently the tickets were issued. The reason for the ticket is also taken into consideration; moving violations are given particular consideration.
Metro uses several academies, including Rio Hondo and Golden West colleges, as well as LAPD and LASD basic academies. Metro pays for the candidate to attend the academy and also pays for their uniform and equipment needed to attend.
Pay, Benefits & Retirement
Entry-level officers start at $87,006 during academy training, with step increases. Lateral officers can earn up to $142,521, based on POST certification level and prior experience. Metro also offers additional compensation for education, bilingual skills and holiday work, and provides uniforms at no cost to sworn officers.
Yes, you start earning a salary on your first date of employment.
Sworn officers are enrolled in a retirement plan, a defined benefit pension with reciprocity across CalPERS and roughly 700 California public agencies, making it easy to bring in or carry out your service credit. The plan features a 2.7% at 57 formula, five-year vesting and a minimum retirement age of 52. Metro contributes 13.99% toward your retirement in FY 2026, while your 13.75% employee contribution stays fully portable.
Yes. Time you've worked at CalPERS or any of approximately 700 other California public agencies can count toward your Metro retirement, so you don't have to start over. The same applies if you leave Metro for another participating agency, your service credit goes with you.
Work Schedule & Career Growth
This will be determined as the department evolves (based on department's business needs).
Overtime will be available as required by federal labor laws for hourly wage employees.
Officers must be willing and available to work all shift assignments, including days, nights, swings, weekends and holidays, to support 24/7 transit operations.
After probation:
- Undergraduate: up to $250 per unit
- Graduate: up to $375 per unit
General
Metro’s Department of Public Safety is a holistic public safety ecosystem with Ambassadors, Crisis Interventionists, Mental Health Professionals, Homeless Outreach coordinators, Transit Security Officers and Sworn Officers playing critical roles and working together to ensure that the transit system is safe for riders and employees.
For questions about Metro DPS recruitment, hiring process or open positions, email DPSRecruitment@metro.net and a member of our recruitment team will follow up with you.
Applicants can first check the employment portal on Neogov. For specific questions, contact DPSRecruitment@metro.net.