Police Officer Trainee

Join Santa Monica Police Department – We Hire for Character & Train for Skill Join one of the highest‑paid police departments in California. At SMPD you’ll experience the excitement of working in a world‑class destination while enjoying competitive compensation, a supportive team culture, and numerous career development pathways. Our focus on well‑being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment ensures you’re challenged and supported as you make a positive difference in Santa Monica. This non‑sworn classification participates in a formal academic and physical police training program and is expected to successfully complete the basic training courses prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). During the 22‑week academy, the salary is $7,881 per month. Upon successful completion of the academy, the candidate will advance to the classification of Police Officer and will serve a one‑year probationary period. Base Salary – Police Officer Step 1 – $126,672 Step 2 – $132,924 Step 3 – $140,748 Step 4 – $148,560 Step 5 – $156,384 Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Police Officer salary range. Base Salary: Step 1 $126,672; Step 5 $156,384 Longevity Pay: Step 1 None; Step 5 $21,894 (14% after 20 years) Education: Step 1 $16,214 (12.80%); Step 5 $20,017 (12.80%) Bilingual Pay: Step 1 $1,800 (Spanish $150/mo); Step 5 $1,800 Uniform Allowance: $2,000 (paid bi‑weekly) Holiday Pay: Step 1 $8,526; Step 5 $10,525 Total: Step 1 $155,212; Step 5 $212,620 Additional Compensation Opportunities City‑paid medical premium (100%) K9 assignment Overtime Field Training Officer (FTO) Film assignments Call Back Pay Telephone Calls Pay Wellness Hour Military Leave Paid Parental Leave Bereavement Leave FMLA Personal Leave Cash Out Employee Parking Benefits and Incentives Longevity Pay: 2.7% up to 10 years, 7% 10–15 years, 11.1% 15–20 years, 14% after 20 years Educational Incentive Pay: 6% for Advanced Certificate or AA/AS; 12.8% for BA/BS Bilingual Pay: $1,200 annually; $1,800 for Spanish Uniform Allowance: $1,200 annually Holiday in lieu: Compensation equals 10 hours at regular rate; 140 hours annually Annual Sick Leave Cash Out: Max 6 days Annual Vacation Cash Out: Up to 60 hrs Medical Insurance: City‑paid 12 CalPERS plans Dental and Vision: City‑paid Flexible Spending Account: Pre‑tax dollars for health and dependent care Employee Assistance Program: City‑paid Retirement: CalPERS (5‑year vesting); 1.45% Medicare contribution; optional 457(b) Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 per fiscal year for qualified courses Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of: Grammar & composition; effective customer service techniques. Ability to: Follow written and oral instructions; communicate effectively in writing and orally; respond to inquiries tactfully; be sensitive to quality‑of‑life issues; provide public customer service; establish effective relationships with city employees and the public; interact with diverse populations. Skill in: Reading, writing, and communicating at appropriate level; address culturally sensitive issues. Responsibilities Participate in academic and physical training mandated by P.O.S.T. Complete firearm and defensive tactics training. Learn patrol procedures and criminal investigation basics. Drive various police vehicles under training conditions. Ride‑along with sworn officers as observer. Analyze recurring patrol and specialized problems and collaborate on long‑term solutions. Respond to multiple calls, major traffic accidents, and emergencies. Complete reports promptly. Perform clerical duties: typing, filing, photocopying, assisting public on telephone or in person. Perform any other duties assigned. Requirements High school diploma or equivalent. Military or related public contact experience desirable. Valid California Class C driver license. Obtain Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate within 18 months. Age 20 years 6 months at appointment. U.S. citizen or permanent resident; non‑citizen must attain citizenship within 3 years. Non‑user of tobacco. Pass background investigation; no misdemeanor involving domestic violence or felony. Maintain California residency within 95‑mile radius of Santa Monica PD (effective May 27 2021). Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Santa Monica is an equal‑opportunity employer and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of diverse races, religions, cultures, and lifestyles. #J-18808-Ljbffr