Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

Join The Santa Monica Police DepartmentJoin 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 OfficerStep 1 - $116,004Step 2 - $121,728Step 3 - $128,892Step 4 - $136,044Step 5 - $143,208Below 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 - $194,227Additional Compensation Opportunities:Other incentives not included in 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 ParkingAdditional Incentives and Benefits:Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime)2.7% of base salary Over 5 years to 10 years7% of base salary Over 10 years to 15 years11.1% of base salary Over 15 years14% of base salary Over 20 yearsEducational Incentive Pay (Applies to Overtime)6% of base for Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or AA/AS12.8% of base Advance P.O.S.T. Certificate or BA/BSBilingual Pay$1200/annual$1800/annual for SpanishUniform Allowance$1200/annualPay in Lieu of Holiday – 14 holidaysCompensation equals ten hours at the employee's regular rate of pay35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annuallyAnnual Sick Leave Cash OutLess than 10 years of service max 6 days10 plus years of service 12 days maxAnnual Vacation Cash OutLess than 5 years Up to 60 hours5 years or more Up to 120 hoursEnforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.Receives technical supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level sworn classification. May provide technical supervision over non-sworn personnel.Representative DutiesPatrols 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, collisions, and other incidents.Makes arrests, transports arrestees/prisoners, issues citations, and serves warrants and subpoenas.Directs traffic.Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of city-owned equipment such as streetlights and traffic control devices.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.Analyzes recurring patrol and specialized problems/hazards in collaboration with supervisors, peers, and service clientele. Participates in developing long-term resolutions to law enforcement related problems and issues.Responds to calls for police service, major traffic collisions, and other emergencies.Performs other duties, as assigned.Knowledge of:Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd controlPrinciples of grammar and compositionEffective customer service techniquesAbility to:Follow written and oral instructionsFollow applicable safety rules and regulationsMake decisions under pressure, including life threatening situationsCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingRespond to inquiries from the public in a tactful mannerBe sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of residents, guests, and visitors to the CityProvide effective customer serviceEstablish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general publicMaintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police DepartmentInteract and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populationsSkill in:Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate levelAssessing situations and determining the proper course of actionMinimum Requirements:Graduation from high school or the equivalent.Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.Experience:One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.Licenses and Certificates:Possession of a valid Class C driver license.Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.Other Requirements:Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving