Career Advancement

No matter what industry or field you are considering a career in, one of the most important factors in choosing a career path is the opportunity for advancement. This allows for long-term growth within a company and job satisfaction in finding a position that best suits you. The SAPD features a number of units, each with the opportunity to join.

Officers, when eligible, are encouraged to apply for positions in:

• Bomb Squad
• Motorcycle Unit
• Recruiting Unit
• Executive Protection Unit
• SWAT
• Bicycle Patrol
• Homicide
• DWI Unit
• Training Division
• K-9 Unit
• Intelligence Unit
• Critical Incident (Hostage) Negotiation Team
• Eagle (Helicopter)

In addition to career advancement opportunities within certain units, promotion opportunities exist as well, from patrol officer all the way up to chief. A patrol officer is eligible for promotion to the rank of detective after five years. For an outline of the pay structure, click here.