Thank you for your interest in the Petaluma Police Department.

As you consider a career in law enforcement, you have the opportunity to work in one of the finest police organizations in the Northbay. Not only do the law enforcement agencies in this region have an exceptional reputation, but the community is superb for living and raising a family. The City of Petaluma is situated in a region of spectacular attractions. From the world famous Redwoods to the north, dramatic coastlines to the west, internationally acclaimed wineries to the East and the Golden Gate Bridge to the south, the City of Petaluma is a bustling, vibrant community that is at the center of it all. With over 55,000 people who call it home, the City of Petaluma enjoys big city amenities, outstanding schools and services as well as picturesque small town charm.

The Petaluma Police Department is continuously seeking and accepting applications for a rewarding career as a Petaluma Police Officer. Laterals (Officers or Deputies from other jurisdictions and police academy graduates) who are interested in applying as a Petaluma Police Officer are invited to call Sergeant Ralph Evans at (707) 778-4368, email address revans@ci.petaluma.ca.us or Susan Rogers, Background/Investigations at (707) 778-4375, e-mail address revans@ci.petaluma.ca.us. Your inquiry will receive a prompt response.

If you have not attended a police academy and are interested in pursuing a career as a Petaluma Police Officer you can fill out an application for Police Recruit. You will be required to provide a "T-score." T-scores are the product of a Certified P.O.S.T. Exam that is offered by most Training Centers. The completion of this written examination determines reading, observation, memory, reasoning and analytical abilities. A passing T-score will be sent to you in writing from the testing location. In Sonoma County , the training center is in Windsor (Santa Rosa Junior College Training Center). Contact them at www.santarosa.edu/academic.

Basic Qualifications, POST

The California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) has established the minimum requirements and qualifications for a peace officer. This information is listed on our job flyer.

Click here to apply for a position with the Petaluma Police Department.

List of Academy / Training Locations

The Academies and Colleges listed below have been approved to present the Post Certified Basic Course. This training fulfills the basic training requirement prescribed in section 1005(A) and 1007(B) of the commission regulations. Intensive format is taught on the basis of 40 hours per week, for approximately 20 weeks. Extended format is taught on a variable hour format, usually three nights per week, plus a weekend day, for approximately 10 to 11 months. Most of the Training Centers also offer the Certified P.O.S.T. Exam. The completion of this written examination determines reading, observation, memory, reasoning and analytical abilities. A passing T-Score will be sent to you in writing from the testing location.

Many of the training centers have not scheduled upcoming dates for the P.O.S.T. exam or start dates for the Academy. Therefore, all additional information not provided below regarding P.O.S.T. examination dates, academy start dates, tuition fees and reservation information must be obtained by contacting the facility directly. Please see numbers listed below.

Please Contact Academies To Confirm Dates, Times & to Register for Testing.

Santa Rosa Training Center – Windsor (707) 837-8843

Santa Rosa Junior College Extension
- go to Administration of Justice home page
Testing will also be offered at Career Day (Please call prior for further info)

Butte Criminal Justice Training Center (530) 895-2401

Butte College – Oroville

Napa Criminal Justice Training Center (707) 253-3250

Napa Valley College – For Post Exam Info.

South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (408) 270-6458

Evergreen Valley College - San Jose

P.O.S.T. Exam: This test is given every Tuesday at 8:30 AM, at the Evergreen Valley College in San Jose and Thursdays at 8:00 AM at the College of San Mateo . Applicants are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to test. Contact directly for reservations: San Jose site (408) 270-6458 – San Mateo site (650) 574-6466.

** A written skills test is required prior to entry into the Academy for all applicants not affiliated with a Law Enforcement Agency.

College of the Redwoods (707) 476-4540

Basic Police Academy

Alameda County Sheriff's Office – Dublin (925) 551-6970

Regional Training Center

Thank you for your interest in the Petaluma Police Department.

The Police Department Communications Center is staffed by Public Safety Dispatchers. The dispatch staff is responsible for receiving calls for assistance from the public and sending an appropriate police, fire or medical response. Dispatchers answer 9-1-1 phone calls and business phone calls for the Police Department after normal business hours. The Dispatch Center is staffed around the clock with dispatchers normally assigned to 4 ten hour shifts a week with overtime available. Two to four dispatchers are on duty at any given time. The Communication Center staff uses a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system that is part of a countywide system used by numerous public safety agencies.

Though interesting and exciting, the position requires integrity, calmness, the ability to make appropriate decisions quickly, the ability to multi-task and the ability to work long hours in a closed environment.

The Petaluma Police Department is continuously seeking and accepting applications for the challenging and exciting position of Public Safety Dispatcher. Both entry level and lateral (those currently employed by another public safety department) applicants are welcome.

Click here to apply for a position with the Petaluma Police Department.

All entry level candidates are required to take the POST Dispatcher test with a minimum passing score in the top 25%. The POST Dispatcher test examines candidates ability to perform relevant tasks. T-scores from tests taken at other agencies within the last year, will be accepted by Petaluma Police. Please submit written proof of the test result with your application. For those who do not have a T-score, the City will periodically offer the POST written test. Those with applications on file will be notified by mail when the written test is scheduled.

Applicants must supply proof of having completed a typing test with a minimum score of 38 words per minutes. Please submit the typing certificate with your application.

Based on need, oral interviews will be scheduled periodically for qualified applicants. You will be notified by mail if you are invited for an interview. Interviews will only be offered to those who are lateral candidates or entry level candidates who have a current T-score and who meet the basic job requirements.

A detailed job description and list of qualifications may be obtained on line from the City of Petaluma Human Resources web page. For questions regarding the application or hiring process please contact Leslie Aboudara, Dispatch Manager at 707-778-4337, e-mail address srogers@ci.petaluma.ca.us or Susan Rogers, Background/Investigations at 707-778-4375, e-mail address srogers@ci.petaluma.ca.us

Sponsored by VFW Post #1929 Petaluma, CA

Link to Veterans of Foreign Wars web site

Police Chief, Steve Hood
969 Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, CA 94952
phone:707.778.4370
fax:707.778.4502
email: police@ci.petaluma.ca.us
Hours: 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Monday - Friday
Emergencies 24/7

The list below represents the Petaluma Police Officer of the Year within the ranks of the Petaluma Police Department. In order to become our Officer of the Year an officer must be nominated by their peers and selected by committee. These Officers represent the highest level of ethics, professionalism and law enforcement abilities.

The recipients are sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post #1929:

• 2007 Mike Pierre
• 2006 Jason Lecheiter
• 2005 John Antonio
• 2004 Bert Walker
• 2003 Matt Thomas
• 2002 Marty Frye/Rick Cox
• 2001 Tom Lavezzoli
• 2000 Dennis Nowicki
• 1999 Ed Esponda
• 1998 Ken Savano
• 1997 Joe Edwards
• 1996 Paul Accornero
• 1995 Mark Hunter
• 1994 John Turner
• 1993 Mike Kerns
• 1992 Tim Lyons
• 1991 Larry Pelton
• 1990 Matt Stapleton
• 1989 Andrew Mazzanti
• 1988 Joe Edwards
• 1987 Dave Kahl