Exam Bulletin

Department of Justice

Exam Code: EX-2897

Examination Plans Included:

  • SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: $4,342.00 - $5,531.00 per Month

View the SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

    Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

    Do not submit applications to Calfornia Department of Human Resources through fax or interagency mail.

    If using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the cut-off date. If your application does not have a postmark and arrives after the cut-off date, your application will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the cut-off date. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

    Applications received after the cut-off date, regardless of the submission method, will be held to the next cut-off period unless timeline proof of submission can be provided.

    Continuous Testing:

    The testing office will accept examination packets continuously throughout the year; however, the packets will only be processed during the current administration period. Generally, this examination is administered BI-ANNUALLY, although this is subject to change based on testing needs. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements for participation in this exam are met. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list.

    Who Should Apply:

    The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

    Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

    • SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - Open

    For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

    Exam Code(s):

      2897

    For SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

    Exam Code(s):

    • EX-02897

    How To Apply:

    Applications received without the required doucments will be considered incomplete and may be rejected. To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following required documents:

    • Standard State Employment Application (Form STD 678): All applications must include “to” and “from” employment dates (month/day/year), time-base, and applicable classification titles 
    • Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire
    • Job Requirements Questionnaire - Job Requirements Questionnaire (ca.gov)

    Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

    Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

    You may apply by mail to:

    • Department of Justice
      Testing and Selection Unit
      ATTN: Security Officer I, DOJ Examination
      P.O. Box 944255
      Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

    Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    • Department of Justice
      Testing and Selection Unit
      ATTN: Security Officer I, DOJ Examination
      1300 I Street, 1st Floor Lobby
      Sacramento, CA 95814
      8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

    The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

    • Criminal Background Supplemental Questionnaire
    • Other - Job Requirements Questionnaire - Please refer to the link provided in the "How to Apply" section

    Special Testing Arrangements:

    If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

    If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

    Minimum Qualifications

    All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

    00101960 - SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

    Education: Equivalent to completion of high school.

    AND

    Experience: One year of experience in one or a combination of the following:

    1. As a building guard, watchperson, or a police officer; or
    2. In any branch of the armed services performing security-related duties.

    Definition of terms:

    “Equivalent to completion of high school” can be demonstrated only by one of the following:

    1. Passing the California High School Proficiency Test.
    2. Passing the General Education Development Test (GED) indicating high school graduation level.
    Possession of a degree (Associate of Arts or higher) from an accredited college.

    Position Description

    00101960 - SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

    Security Officers, Department of Justice, maintain order and security at Department of Justice facilities; prevent admittance to the premises by unauthorized persons; where necessary, detain and/or arrest unauthorized persons; take necessary measures to ensure employee and visitor safety; patrol facilities and adjoining grounds, investigating and resolving unauthorized movement, breaches of security, or unsafe conditions; work with appropriate law enforcement authorities to resolve security problems; appear in court as required; write reports; as necessary, work with departmental management, State Police and local law enforcement on security related matters; administer first aid and/or CPR to injured persons; examine credentials and badges of employees, allied agency personnel, service persons and visitors; record arrival and departure of visitors; issue identification badges and maintain issuance logs; provide referral information to employees, visitors and the general public; where appropriate, enforce facility vehicle parking regulations; administer departmental lost and found programs; use and maintain assigned equipment such as tear gas, body-armor and firearms.

    PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

    Willingness to work at night and/or overtime; report for duty at any time emergencies may arise; firmness and tact; alertness; and neat personal appearance.

    PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

    Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation; hearing, vision and color vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

    Positions exist in Sacramento County.

    Examination Information

    This examination consists of the following component(s):

    Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
    1Supplemental ReportAfter Acceptance100%

    A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

    TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (T&E) QUESTIONNAIRE - 100%

    The Training and Experience (T&E) Questionnaire consists of job-related questions designed to assess an applicant’s education, training, and experience with performing relevant job duties, as well as the possession of job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. The exam will be scored using objective, point-based scoring criteria. The exam will be conducted online through a third-party testing platform utilized by the Department of Justice.

    The T&E Questionnaire will be administered online typically via a personal computer. Prior to the test administration, applicants will receive a Notice to Appear that will be mailed to the address listed on the application. This letter will include the test date and timeframe for the examination. Additionally, a web link for the online examination will be emailed on the morning of the exam to the email address listed on the application. Therefore, please ensure accurate physical and email addresses are included on the application.

    If you require reasonable accommodation for the exam, please check the box for question #10 on the STD 678 “Standard Application” submitted as part of your application package. You will then be notified in writing to determine next steps and what assistance can be provided.

    Test Date:

    It is anticipated that the test will be conducted online during the week of August 5, 2024.

    In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

    KNOWLEDGE OF:

    1. The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
    2. Report and citation writing procedures.

    ABILITY TO:

    1. Recognize various crimes (e.g., elder abuse, theft, vehicular theft, assault, trespass).
    2. Communicate with Department of Justice (DOJ) personnel, witnesses, victims and/or suspects to accurately respond to emergency or unusual situations.
    3. Observe facility traffic in addition to perimeter activity (i.e., normal daily foot or vehicle traffic versus unusual occurrences).
    4. Remain calm in emergency or high-stress situations.
    5. Multi-task in emergency or high-stress situations, including communication and responsiveness.
    6. Wear 30 lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
    7. Rapidly respond to situations despite extended periods without physical activity.
    8. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
    9. Work independently or under minimal supervision.
    10. Work cooperatively with individuals with a variety of backgrounds and capabilities.
    11. Effectively manage time and complete work assignments within designated timelines.
    12. Follow directions given by supervisors and managers.
    13. Recognize changes in human behavior (e.g., tone of voice, behavioral patterns) to determine potential threats.
    14. Sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time in a variety of environments.
    15. Identify unusual circumstances (e.g., sounds, smoke, noxious fumes, suspicious objects) and determine the source to maintain a safe environment.
    16. Operate communication devices and video equipment (e.g., radios, surveillance system).

    SKILL IN:

    1. Determining the appropriate verbal and/or physical response based upon the individual's behavior, body language, tone, andbverbal responses.
    2. Diffusing situations that may include frustrated, angry and/or disruptive individuals.
    3. Assessing potential threats (e.g., suspicious objects, pattern recognition of vehicle routes, attack indicators).
    4. Basic clerical functions (e.g., file retention).
    5. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously on a consistent basis.
    6. Maintaining a positive rapport with external organizations and agencies.
    7. Recognizing the general features of authorized and unauthorized personnel (e.g., former employees, vendors, visitors) and their identification to prohibit entrance to unauthorized persons.
    8. Operating various computer programs.

    Eligible List Information

    A Departmental Open eligible list for the SECURITY OFFICER I, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Classification will be established for:

    • Department of Justice

    The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 24 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

    Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

    You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

    • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
    • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

    Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

    Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

    Disqualifiers

    FELONY CONVICTION DISQUALIFICATION:

    Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772(b). Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in these classes.

    CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT:

    Existing law provides that peace officers be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship at least one year prior to the final file date for this examination. The one-year requirement does not apply to permanent resident aliens who have applied for peace officer classes prior to their 19th birthday.

    MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT:

    Must meet minimum age requirement to be appointed as a California peace officer per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in accordance with existing law.

    Additional Examinations

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

    Pursuant to Government Code 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons who have previously undergone a Department of Justice background investigation may be required to undergo an additional background investigation. Information collected for the background investigation after the examination will require you to divulge arrest and/or conviction information on the background investigation documents at the time of employment, but is not required of you at this time. The information you furnish will be used to help determine your suitability for employment with the Department of Justice. Under Section 432.7(e) of the Labor Code, persons seeking employment with the Department of Justice may be asked to disclose arrest or detention information regardless of whether or not the arrest or detention resulted in conviction, referral, or participation in diversion programs. Department of Justice regulations require, as a minimum, preemployment investigations consisting of fingerprinting; inquiry to local, State, and national files to disclose criminal records; verification of minimum qualifications (i.e., college transcripts); financial status; previous employment background; and personal interviews to determine applicant’s suitability for employment.

    Any applicant for a State civil service examination for a peace officer class who discloses, or whose background investigation reveals, use of a drug for which possession would constitute a felony offense under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Health and Safety Code, division 10, beginning at 11000) subsequent to his or her eighteenth birthday and prior to his or her twenty third birthday, shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use.

    If any such disclosed or revealed use occurred on or after the applicant’s twenty-third birthday, he or she shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use. The disqualification period shall begin on the date that the drug was used, and not on the date that the drug use was disclosed or revealed.

    DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENT: 

    Applicants for positions in this class series are required to pass a drug screening test. In addition, use of "hard drugs" (e.g., heroin, cocaine, or hallucinogenics) at any time as an adult constitutes basis for disqualification from peace officer examinations.

    PSYCHOLOGICAL SCREENING EXAMINATIONS:

    Pass/Fail – This test will consist of a written examination and an interview by a psychologist.

    Appeal Information

    Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or (4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

    Testing Departments

    • Department of Justice

    Contact Information

    Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

    Department of Justice
    OHR/Testing & Selection Unit
    1300 I Street, Suite 720
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Phone: (916) 210-6021
    Fax: (916) 445-1218
    TSU@doj.ca.gov

    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    Drug Free Statement

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

    General Information

    Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

    If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

    Department of Justice reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

    General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

    Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

    High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

    Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    In Person (see bulletin for details)
    Alternate Application Process

    While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

    Exam Application Package Checklist

    Blank Application Form (STD678)

    Accommodation Request (STD679)

    Blank Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire