Skip to content Skip to footer

PHASE III

Background Investigation

BART utilizes POST-certified background investigators to conduct all employment
background checks. The dimensions listed below are investigated based on specific behavioral indicators as identified in the POST Background Investigation Manual Guidelines. Once completed, background investigations are then reviewed by command staff and the Chief of Police.

 

The POST dimensions include:

 

Moral Character — integrity, impulse control/attention to safety, risk-taking behavior, including substance abuse;

 

Handling Stress and Adversity — ability to confront and overcome problems, obstacles, and adversity;

 

Work Habits — conscientiousness;

 

Interactions with Others — interpersonal skills; and

 

Intellectually Based Abilities — decision making and judgment, learning ability and communication skills.

Frequently asked Questions

California State Minimum Selection Standards (Per P.O.S.T)

  • The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4. Every California peace officer must be:
  • Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions (GC 1029) 
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States under Federal Law.
  • At least 21 years of age for specified peace officers (GC 1031.4)
  • Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
  • Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
  • high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution
  • Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer
Candidates need to be 20 to apply and attend the academy 21 at the time of swearing in
  • Three (3) or more moving violations within three (3) years prior to the date application
  • Involvement as a driver in two or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years to date of application 
  • Integrity: Any material misstatement of fact during any stage of the hiring process
  • Any prior felony conviction
  • Any misdemeanor conviction within three (3) years prior to the date of application 
  • Two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult 
  • Use of a hallucinogenic drug within 7 years of application
  • Use of any other illegal drug use as an adult not mentioned above within 3 years of application 
  • Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application 
  • Admission(s) of any act of domestic violence
  • Admission(s) of any criminal act against children

Note: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent. This is not an all-inclusive list of disqualifying factors, (see BPD Policy 1000 v.2/2/17).

  • Application
  • Written test
  • Physical Agility test
  • Oral board interview
  • Background Investigation (including polygraph) 
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Conditional Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Medical exam
  • Psychological exam (Police Officers and Police Dispatchers only)
  • Final Job Offer (From Human Resources)
  • Do an online search for “POST Pellet B practice test”
  • Research the department online
  • Do a ride-a-long (call 510-464-7681 to set up after application has been submitted)
  • Research oral board sample questions online
  • The process takes approximately 3-6 months

TEXT A RECRUITER

BART PD Patch
ABOUT US
The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.
Connect with Us

text a recruiter

Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: https://joinbartpd.com/cookie-policy/