Police Officer Trainee

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 $7,881 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.

Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Step 1

Top Step (5)

Base Salary

$126,672

$156,384 ($75.18 hourly)

Longevity Pay

None

$21,894 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education

$16,214 (12.80%)

$20,017 (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

$8,526 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually)

$10,525 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually)

Total

$155,212

$212,620

Additional Compensation Opportunities : 100% City-paid medical premiums, 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

Additional Incentives and Benefits:

• Longevity Pay 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 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
• $1,200/annual Bilingual Pay $1,800/annual for Spanish
• $1,200/annual Uniform Allowance
• 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

PLEASE REVIEW THE IMPORTANT UPDATED INFORMATION: All applicants are required to complete the NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline National written exam. Applicants must ensure they select the Santa Monica Police Department to have their scores sent directly to us. You must submit an online application before taking the NTN written exam. After submitting your application, you will receive an email invitation to take the exam. Be sure to select the Santa Monica Police Department to have your scores sent directly to us. If you have previously taken the NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline National written exam, an online application is still required before we can verify your scores. Scores are accepted if they are within one year from the exam date.

The job posting will remain open on a continuous basis. However, the initial cutoff for screening applications is 11:59 PM on August 30, 2026. If you miss the application deadline, you will need to apply during the next recruitment cycle. Please ensure your application is submitted by August 30th for consideration in this round.

PLEASE NOTE TEST DATES: Written Exam: The last day to submit scores is by 11:59 PM on September 13, 2026. (In order to be considered for this testing cycle, your online application must be submitted between August 3 – August 30, 2026) Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ): Out-of-State-Area & Local Candidates: September 20, 2026 Oral Interview: Out-of-State-Area Candidates: September 21, 2026 Local Candidates: October 1, 2026 Please ensure you are available for the respective dates.

Participates in a rigorous academic and physical training program mandated by P.O.S.T.

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.

Accompanies sworn police officers on ride-alongs as an observer.

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 multiple calls, major traffic accidents, and other emergencies.

Completes reports in a timely manner.

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.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 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 Be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of the residents, guests, and visitors to the City Provide effective customer service Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public 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 Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Experience Military experience and/or related public contact experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Class C driver license. Must be able to obtain a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate within 18 months from date of hire.

Other Requirements Police Officer Trainees must be