Police Officer Trainee

Salary : $90,900.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 264115-1
Department: Police
Division: Patrol Operations
Opening Date: 02/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Job Summary
Important Recruitment Notice
This position is part of a continuous recruitment process.
Please note: We are not currently accepting applications . Please check back for updates.
We understand this delay may be inconvenient, but we encourage you to check back and apply once the position reopens. Your interest is truly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your application during the next cycle.
Learn More About Us: Visit the Santa Monica Police Department's newly launched website for detailed information about our hiring process, department values, and what it means to serve our community. Explore now at Join SMPD.com .
We encourage prospective applicants to use the resources on the SMPD's site to start focusing on getting physically fit and prepare for the written exam administered by NTN . Taking this time to prepare will help ensure you're ready to go once the position reopens.
Click here to speak directly with a recruiter!
Join Santa Monica PD - We Hire for Character & Train for Skill
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 rewarding 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 diversify 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.


This non-sworn classification participates in a formal academic and physical police training program and is expected to successfully complete the basic training courses as prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). During the 22-weeks academy, the salary is $7,727 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 - $120,636

Step 2 - $126,588

Step 3 - $134,040

Step 4 - $141,480

Step 5 - $148,932

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

$120,636


$148,932 ($71.60 hourly)

Longevity Pay

None

$20,851 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education

$15,441 (12.80%)

$19,063 (12.80%)

Bilingual Pay

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

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

Uniform Allowance

$2,000 (paid bi-weekly)

$2,000 (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

$147,685

$202,285
Additional Compensation Opportunities:

• Other incentives not included in total above: K9, Overtime, 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, City paid deferred compensation.

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

• $2,000/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

Supplemental Information
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!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call View phone number on click.appcast.io, TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io (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.
Police Officer Benefits

• CalPERS Retirement*
• Paid Medical for Officer and Family - Emp. pays 10% of monthly prem.
• Dental and Vision Coverage - City paid
• Paid Vacation -10 hours (1.5 years) / 12 hours (5-10 years / 14 hours (10+ years)per month
• Personal Leave - 40 hours per year (10+ years)
• Paid Floating Holidays - 120 hours/year
• Overtime - Paid as Cash for Comp Time Off (Accruable up to 80 banked hours at a time)
• Sick Leave - 8 hours per month
• Sick Leave Buy Back - 48-96 hours per year available to convert to pay or leave after 22 sick days accrued
• Annual Sick Leave Bonus - $250.00
• Lateral Vacation Bonus - 40 hours
• Lateral Sick Bonus - 40 hours available immediately
• 3/12 Patrol Work Schedule
• 4/10 Detective Work Schedule
• Paid Lunch Breaks
• Education Incentive - 6% Associates Degree or Intermediate POST Certificate / 12.8% for Bachelors or Advanced POST Certificate
• Bilingual Pay - $100 - $150
• Call Back Pay - 4 hour min.
• Court Appearance and Stand-By Pay
• Long Term Disability
• Uniform Allowance - $960 per year
• Deferred compensation plan available for voluntary employee contributions
• Medical Retirement Fund - Emp and City contributions

*The City has a 2-tier retirement plan and full-time SWORN new hires are eligible for the latter:

• Classic PERS Members: and pay 15.5% of Employee Member Contribution. Lateral transferring w/ retain this retirement rate.