Chapter 1 – General Administration

15090.2.10 Office of Peace Officer Selection

• The Office of Peace Officer Selection (OPOS) is responsible for the recruitment of peace officers for all institutions. To ensure that all individuals appointed as peace officers within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) meet the legal requirements for appointment and are suitable for the responsibilities and authority conferred upon peace officers, OPOS shall administer the examinations for entry-level peace officer classifications, conducting background investigations, psychological screenings, and pre-employment medical examinations for all new appointments in peace officer positions. In addition, OPOS shall establish qualification and suitability standards for appointments to peace officer positions in CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. OPOS is responsible for making the initial appointment of all Correctional Officers (COs) to fill the staffing needs of the institutions. OPOS is also responsible for providing service to CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation hiring authorities via the Individual Service Request process (See DOMDepartment Operations Manual Section 31060.9.3.3) to facilitate the appointment of peace officers.

  • Selection Centers

    • OPOS has Selection Centers located in Northern, Central, and Southern California. These Selection Centers are responsible for administering the various testing components of the CO examinations and for conducting all background investigations required by law and by CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation policy. Through the Selection Centers, OPOS provides service to CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation hiring authorities within regional service areas who want to make peace officer appointments. The regional service areas are listed in DOMDepartment Operations Manual Section 31060.9.3.2 in accordance with the Selection Centers that assist the hiring authorities therein.