Police Officer Trainee

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

Job summary

Join the Santa Monica Police Department as a Police Officer Trainee. This rewarding opportunity offers competitive salaries and benefits, alongside a structured training program aimed at personal and professional growth. Become part of a community-centric organization where your impact matters.

Benefits

Medical insurance options

Vision insurance coverage

Dental insurance plans

Tuition reimbursement for career enhancement

Qualifications

• Must be U.S. citizen or eligible for citizenship.
• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
• Must be able to obtain a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Participates in a formal academic and physical police training program.
• Learns principles of patrol procedures and criminal investigation.
• Responds to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner.

Skills

Effective customer service techniques

Communication

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Job description

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 $7,575 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 - $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

• $1,200/annual
• $1,800/annual for Spanish

Uniform Allowance

• $1,200/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

PLEASE REVIEW THE IMPORTANT UPDATED INFORMATION:

As of November 18, 2024, the Human Resources Department has transitioned to thehttps://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfmwritten exam. The previous in-person written exam will no longer be administered, and 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.

PLEASE NOTE: 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.If you passed the in-person written exam that was administered before the NTN exam, we will accept your passing scores as long as it is within one year of 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 July 6, 2025. Applications received after this time will be reviewed in the next screening cycle. Please ensure your application is submitted by the 6thfor consideration in this round.

PLEASE NOTE TEST DATES:

• Written Exam:

NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline NationalWritten Exam:The last day to submit scores is by 11:59 PM on July 15, 2025. (In order to be considered for this testing cycle, your online application must be submitted between (June 9, 2025 – July 6, 2025)

• Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ):
  Out-of-State-Area & Local Candidates: July 20, 2025

• Oral Interview:
  Out-of-State-Area Candidates:July 21, 2025
  Local Candidates: July 31, 2025

Please ensure you are available for the respective dates.

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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 20 years and 6 months of age at time of appointment.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens 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 Trainee must pass a background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.

Effective May 27, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer Trainees must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to bemost qualified for 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.

Applicants selected to participate in the Police Department's testing process will partake in the following:

• National Testing Network (NTN) - Law Enforcement Frontline National Written Examination:assessing the essential skills needed for a law enforcement officer, including decision-making, teamwork, reading, and writing. (Qualifying);
• Performance Test: to evaluate ability to physically perform the duties of position (Qualifying);
• Oral Interview: to evaluate training, experience, and personal qualifications. (100%);
• Psychological Examination: Candidates will be evaluated for their suitability for employment as a Santa Monica Police Officer.

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 employer(s), and references.

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

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR POLICE OFFICER

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 and do 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$2,500 per 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!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call [phone], TDD [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.