Police Officer/Lateral Transfer
Santa Monica Police Department
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Santa Monica Police Department is seeking qualified officers to join a world-class team serving the Santa Monica community. Base steps range from $116,004 to $143,208 annually, with additional longevity, education, bilingual, and other compensation opportunities.
The role emphasizes patrol across varied environments, enforcement of laws, court appearances, safety protocols, and ongoing professional training through POST. Your service supports public safety and community trust in Santa Monica.
Qualifications
- Education: Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
- Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.
- One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer (local government).
Responsibilities
- 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, 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.
Education
Job description
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.
- 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.
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
- 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 Parking
- 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
- 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
- $1200/annual
- $1800/annual for Spanish
- $1200/annual
- Compensation equals ten hours at the employee's regular rate of pay
- 35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually
- Less than 10 years of service max 6 days
- 10 plus years of service 12 days max
- Less than 5 years Up to 60 hours
- 5 years or more Up to 120 hours
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.
Enforces 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.
- 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, 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.
- Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control
- Principles of grammar and composition
- Effective customer service techniques
- Follow written and oral instructions
- Follow applicable safety rules and regulations
- Make decisions under pressure, including life threatening situations
- 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 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
- Maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department
- Interact and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populations
- Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level
- Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action
Minimum Requirements:
- Education:
- 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 gover
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