SFPD LATERAL
ENTRY PROGRAM

Top-tier salaries. More Opportunities. Excellent Benefits.

SFPD Lateral Transfer Officers earn up to $192K/year, 3% at 58, and retention incentives. Fill out the form below to see if you are eligible.

THE SAN FRANCISCO POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFERS:

PROMOTIONS & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Opportunities for promotions and career development via transfer to specialized units, including:

  • SWAT Team

  • Specialist Team

  • Plainclothes Work

  • Investigations

  • Canine Unit

  • Training Division

  • Motorcycle Enforcement

  • Explosives Ordnance Disposal

  • Mounted Patrol

  • Airport Bureau

  • Youth Programs

  • Marine Unit

EXCELLENT BENEFITS:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with your POST Certificate and education. As of July 1, 2019, salaries are 6% higher for intermediate POST and 8% higher for advanced POST compared to basic POST. Salary will be consistent with the stipulations provided in the SFPD PPA Labor Agreement.

  • Retirement benefits: 3% of final compensation per year of service at age 58, with a maximum of 90% benefit based on years of service.

  • Retirement reciprocity is available for some law enforcement agencies.

  • 10 paid vacation days a year during the first five years of service.

  • 15 paid vacation days a year during the next 10 years of service.

  • 20 paid vacation days a year after 15 years of service.

  • 4 floating holidays.

  • 13 paid sick days a year and several healthcare plans.

  • Bilingual pay and special assignment pay.

ORIENTATION/TRAINING

Department Policy Orientation/Training: Lateral officers will receive a 2-week accelerated training program.

RECIPROCITY

San Francisco Employees' Retirement Services (SFERS) (Link). If a potential lateral has any reciprocal questions, please send an email to sfersconnect@sfgov.org.

Retention pay program

Effective July 1, 2024, eligible employees receive:

Years of Service Total Percentage Increase
5 Years 5%
7 Years 8% (additional 3%)
10 Years 9% (additional 1%)
15 Years 13% (additional 4%)
20 Years 15% (additional 2%)
25 Years 17% (additional 2%)