Oakland Police Department (OPD): SkillBridge FellowshipBuild Your Future in the TownThe Oakland Police Department (OPD) is proud to offer an innovative immersive training partnership through the DoD SkillBridge program. This fellowship is a premier transition pathway designed for service members ready to translate their military leadership into a rewarding career in urban law enforcement. Our program provides a comprehensive "pre-academy" experience that bridges the gap between active duty and your new mission as a Guardian of Oakland.Program HighlightsAdvanced Academy Preparation: Master the foundational knowledge and physical readiness required to excel in the California POST academy. Participants gain an early start on law enforcement ethics, legal principles, and the professional standards expected of Oakland Officers.Law Enforcement Career Pathing: Gain a holistic understanding of the diverse opportunities within OPD. From specialized investigations and technical services to community engagement and leadership, this program helps you blueprint a long and satisfying career before you even begin the academy.Transition Mentorship: Be paired with seasoned professionals—including many fellow military veterans—who provide expert guidance on navigating the cultural shift from the military to a civilian law enforcement environment.Real-Time Organizational Insight: Develop a deep understanding of the many facets of a modern, large-scale police department. You will learn the mechanics of how a major agency operates to serve a diverse, world-class city, ensuring you are prepared for the complexities of 21st-century policing.Why Choose Oakland?Oakland is a vibrant, diverse city that values the "Mission First, People Always" mindset you've honed in the military. As a SkillBridge participant, you are part of a department committed to innovation, transparency, and community service. This fellowship is designed to provide you with the advanced skills and professional clarity necessary to lead with integrity.Eligibility & Next StepsThis program is open to all ranks within their last 180 days of service with commander approval. All participation is strictly limited to training and administrative observation in accordance with DoD Instruction 1322.29.

After completion of the Police Academy, a successful Police Officer Trainee will patrol the City's commercial, industrial, and residential districts under general supervision, and work closely with the community to preserve the peace and promote public safety. Duties include carefully documenting activities in written reports and statements; providing court testimony; investigating crimes such as burglary, robbery, assault, and disturbing the peace; assisting firefighters and emergency medical technicians; and performing related duties as assigned.

Interested Service members will be required to complete standard application process; however, it will be modified to accommodate geographically separated service members. Prior to program acceptance service members will be required to complete the following virtually: Academic Testing, oral interview, and be required to submit an in-depth Personal History Statement (backgrounding). Once accepted and participating the remaining portions of the selection process must be completed to progress to the academy. These steps will be completed during the first week of program participation in conjunction with onboarding and include: Medical, Psychiatric, and polygraph examinations and a final Interview with OPD Chief.