Police Officer Pre-Service

Job Summary

Join one of the highest-paid police departments in California, where competitive compensation is just the beginning. At SMPD, you’ll experience the excitement of working in a world-class destination, Santa Monica’s beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant community make it a place like no other. Beyond the pay, you'll find a truly regarding career where purpose, community impact, and personal growth are our priorities. With a supportive team culture and numerous career development pathways, SMPD offers opportunities to advance and diversity your skills across a wide range of assignments. Our focus on well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment ensures you'll be both challenged and supported as you make a positive difference in Santa Monica.

Base Salary - Police Officer

Step 1 - $116,004

Step 2 - $121,728

Step 3 - $128,892

Step 4 - $136,044

Step 5 - $143,208

Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Police Officer salary range.

Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Step 1

Top Step (5)

Base Salary

$116,004

$143,208 ($68.85 hourly)

Longevity Pay

None

$20,049 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education

$14,849 (12.80%)

$18,331 (12.80%)

Bilingual Pay

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

Uniform Allowance

$1,200 (paid bi-weekly)

$1,200 (paid bi-weekly)

Holiday Pay

$7,808 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

$9,639 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually)

Total

$141,661

$194,227

Additional Compensation Opportunities :

• Other incentivesnot includedin total above: K9, Overtime, FTO, Film Assignments, Call Back Pay, Telephone Calls Pay, Call Back Pay, Wellness Hour, Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, FMLA, Personal Leave Cash Out, Employee Parking

Additional Incentives and Benefits:

Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime)

• 2.7% of base salary Over 5 years to 10 years
• 7% of base salary Over 10 years to 15 years
• 11.1% of base salary Over 15 years
• 14% of base salary Over 20 years

Educational Incentive Pay (Applies to Overtime)

• 6% of base for Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or AA/AS
• 12.8% of base Advance P.O.S.T. Certificate or BA/BS

Bilingual Pay

• $1200/annual
• $1800/annual for Spanish

Uniform Allowance

• $1200/annual

Pay in Lieu of Holiday - 14 holidays

• Compensation equals ten hours at the employee’s regular rate of pay
• 35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

Annual Sick Leave Cash Out

• Less than 10 years of service max 6 days
• 10 plus years of service 12 days max

Annual Vacation Cash Out

• Less than 5 years Up to 60 hours
• 5 years or more Up to 120 hours

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DEFINITION

Police Officer Pre-Service candidates are currently attending or have graduated from a California POST-Certified Police Academy. This sworn classification enforces laws, maintains order, and protects life and property.

SUPERVISION

Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level sworn classification. No supervision is exercised.

Representative Duties

Participates in firearm training and defensive tactics.

Learns basic principles of patrol procedures and criminal investigation.

Drives a variety of police vehicles under various training conditions.

Patrols an assigned area in marked/unmarked vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and all terrain/beach vehicles and on foot for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Maintains law and order; answers inquiries and assists the public; responds to requests for police services and takes appropriate actions.

Investigates and prepares reports on offenses, accidents, and other police incidents.

Makes arrests, issues citations, serves warrants and subpoenas.

Directs traffic.

Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.

Transports prisoners.

Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of equipment such as streetlights and traffic control devices; inspects premises for security.

Practices and maintains proficiency in the use of firearms and other police weapons and equipment.

Attends training courses as required by P.O.S.T. and the Chief of Police.

Performs a variety of clerical support duties, including but not limited to typing, filing, photocopying, and assisting the public on the telephone or in person.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
Principles of English grammar and composition
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:
Follow written and oral instructions
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner
Provide effective customer service
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of the residents, guests, and visitors to the City

Interact and communicate tactfully and effectively with culturally diverse populations

Skill in:
Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level
Dealing with a variety of culturally sensitive issues

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Training :

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent
  
• Successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy within the last twelve months or currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy. If currently enrolled in a police academy, successful applicants must successfully complete the academy within 6 months from the time of application.
  

Licenses and Certificates :

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
• Must possess a graduation certificate from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy within 12 months from date of application.
• Must be able to obtain a Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate within 12 months of date of hire or must possess a valid Basic California P.O.S.T. certificate.

Other Requirements :

• Police Officers (Pre-Service) must be 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.
• Applicants for Police Officer (Pre-Service) must pass a background investigation and must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving domestic violence.
• Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Satna Monica Police Officer Pre-Services must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY : All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Candidates invited to participate in the Police Department's testing process will participate in the following:

• Oral Interview: 100%

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The investigation is used to determine a candidate's moral character and suitability for employment in law enforcement. The investigation shall include, but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal record, polygraph, driving history, credit history, military record, previous employer(s), and references.

Medical Examination : Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough medical examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards for the position of Police Officer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 5 steps-Step 1 through Step 5. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5%.

MEDICAL INSURANCE : Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans. City pays 89% of medical insurance premium for employee and eligible dependents. Employee contributes 11% toward premium and admin fees.

CASH-IN-LIEU: Employees who elect to waive medical coverage due to spouse’s medical coverage are entitled to a payment equal to the cost of the current employee only premium rate under the PORAC plan per month. Payment is provided bi-weekly.

DENTAL INSURANCE: An HMO and PPO plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax dollars towards a Flexible Spending Account to pay for qualifying health and dependent care.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and household members.

CalPERS RETIREMENT: Retirement formula and employee contributions are based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. City employees are vested after 5 years and do not participate in Social Security. Employees pay a 1.45% contribution towards Medicare.

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN: 457(b) plan is available for voluntary participation.

PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: The City makes a monthly contribution of $142 into a retiree trust to allow eligible separated employees to reimburse healthcare premiums. Employees contribute $257 monthly.

VACATION: 60 hours following the completion of the first six months of continuous service. Thereafter, up to and including five completed years of continuous service, 10 hours for each completed calendar month of service.

• Accrued vacation leave can be cashed out based on years of service on two occasions each calendar year.

SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).

• Sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year based on the formula outlined in the POA MOU.

SICK LEAVE BONUS: Employees (except probationary Police Officers) receive a $250 bonus if sick leave usage in a contract year is less than the average sick leave usage for all employees covered in the POA MOU (except probationary Police Officers).

HOLIDAYS: 14 holidays per year. Since employees are required to work holidays, each employee shall be paid additional compensation equal to 10 hours at employee’s regular rate, paid on a quarterly basis each fiscal year.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY:

• City pays 6% of the applicable base salary after attainment of an Intermediate Certificate from the State Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) or attainment of an AA or AS degree, or the equivalent in terms of numbers of units and courses taken, in a field that is relevant to the profession of a sworn law enforcement officer from an accredited college or university.
• City pays 12.8% of the applicable base salary after attainment of an Advanced Certificate from POST or attainment of a Bachelor's degree in a field that is relevant to the profession of a sworn law enforcement officer from an accredited college or university.

WELLNESS HOUR: Employees are entitled to one wellness period (60 minutes) during their regularly scheduled work week.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees who have passed probation will be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and study materials for career improvement or job enhancement courses that meet the policy guidelines.

• The maximum amount shall not exceed $2500 per fiscal year.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Employees shall receive a bi-weekly uniform maintenance allowance of $46.15.

BILINGUAL SKILL PAY: Qualified employees who meet all criteria shall receive a bilingual skill pay of $100 per month. An employee who qualifies for bilingual pay because of Spanish language skills shall receive an additional $50 per month, for a total of $150 per month.

LONGIVITY PAY: Each employee shall receive additional monthly compensation at rates based on years of continuous service.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from traffic and police radio. Responding to major traffic accidents and other emergencies, completing reports in a timely manner, responding to multiple calls are situations often encountered. Police Officers are expected to be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of the residents, guests, and visitors to the City. Officers are expected to look at recurring patrol and specialized problems or hazards in collaboration with supervisors, peers, and service clientele and are expected to participate in the development of strategies whose goal is long-term problem resolution. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting and climbing is also required.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 4/17/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

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• City of Santa Monica

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