Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading police department in a vibrant coastal city, where competitive pay and career growth are just the beginning. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve and protect a diverse community while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Santa Monica. With a focus on personal development, ongoing training, and a supportive team culture, you will find both challenge and fulfillment in your work. The department values well-being and encourages a balanced work-life environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in law enforcement. Don't miss the chance to embark on a rewarding career path that prioritizes community and personal growth.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Retirement Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and completion of a police academy.
• One year of full-time experience as a sworn peace officer.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime and enforce laws.
• Investigate incidents and prepare reports on offenses.
• Respond to calls for police service and emergencies.

Skills

Law Enforcement Knowledge

Effective Communication

Decision Making Under Pressure

Customer Service Techniques

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

California P.O.S.T. Approved Police Academy

Tools

Firearms

Police Vehicles

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.

Base Salary – Police Officer

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.

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	$194,227

Additional 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 Parking

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

• $1200/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

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DEFINITION

Enforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.

SUPERVISION

Receives technical supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level sworn classification. May provide technical supervision over non-sworn personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES

Knowledge of:

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

Ability to:

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

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level

Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action

REQUIREMENTS

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 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 domestic violence or a felony.

• Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed on-line City application with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

An on-line City application and required supplemental questions must be completed to be considered for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates considered to bemost qualifiedfor the position on the basis of experience, training and education as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Candidates invited to participate in the Police Department's testing process will participate in the following:

Oral Interview: 100%

Background Investigations: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The investigation is used to determine a candidate's moral character and suitability for employment in law enforcement. The investigation shall include but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal record, polygraph, driving history, credit history, military record, previous record(s); and references.

Medical Examination:Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough medical examination, including a treadmill stress test and drug screen to determine if they meet the City's medical standards for the position of Police Officer/Lateral Transfer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 5 steps—Step 1 through Step 5. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5% per year during the first five years of service.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans. City pays 89% of medical insurance premium for employee and eligible dependents. Employee contributes 11% toward premium and admin fees.

CASH-IN-LIEU: Employees who elect to waive medical coverage due to spouse’s medical coverage are entitled to a payment equal to the cost of the current employee only premium rate under the PORAC plan per month. Payment is provided bi-weekly.

DENTAL INSURANCE: An HMO and PPO plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax dollars towards a Flexible Spending Account to pay for qualifying health and dependent care.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and household members.

CalPERS RETIREMENT: Retirement formula and employee contributions are based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. City employees are vested after 5 years anddo not participate in Social Security. Employees pay a 1.45% contribution towards Medicare.

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN: 457(b) plan is available for voluntary participation.

PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: The City makes a monthly contribution of$142 into a retiree trust to allow eligible separated employees to reimburse healthcare premiums. Employees contribute $257 monthly.

VACATION: 60 hours following the completion of the first six months of continuous service. Thereafter, up to and including five completed years of continuous service, 10 hours for each completed calendar month of service.

• Accrued vacation leave can be cashed out based on years of service on two occasions each calendar year.

SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).

• Sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year based on the formula outlined in the POA MOU.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees who have passed probation will be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and study materials for career improvement or job enhancement courses that meet the policy guidelines.

The maximum amount shall not exceed$2500per fiscal year.

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!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call [phone] (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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from vehicular traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call, and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting, and climbing is also required. For more comprehensive information, clickHEREto access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.