Police Officer Trainee

Join Santa Monica Police DepartmentJoin 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 OfficerStep 1 - $120,636Step 2 - $126,588Step 3 - $134,040Step 4 - $141,480Step 5 - $148,932Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Police Officer salary range.Salary and Benefits BreakdownBase Salary $120,636 Top Step (5) $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 $202,285Additional 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 years7% of base salary Over 10 years to 15 years11.1% of base salary Over 15 years14% of base salary Over 20 yearsEducational Incentive Pay (Applies to Overtime) 6% of base for Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or AA/AS12.8% of base Advance P.O.S.T. Certificate or BA/BSBilingual Pay $1200/annual$1800/annual for SpanishUniform Allowance $2,000/annualPay in Lieu of Holiday 14 holidays Compensation equals ten hours at the employee's regular rate of pay35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annuallyAnnual Sick Leave Cash Out Less than 10 years of service max 6 days10 plus years of service 12 days maxAnnual Vacation Cash Out Less than 5 years Up to 60 hours5 years or more Up to 120 hoursDiversity & Inclusion StatementThe 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 (310) 458-8245, TDD (310) 458-8696 (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 BenefitsCalPERS Retirement*Paid Medical for Officer and Family - Emp. pays 10% of monthly prem.Dental and Vision Coverage - City paidPaid Vacation -10 hours (1.5 years) / 12 hours (5-10 years / 14 hours (10+ years)per monthPersonal Leave - 40 hours per year (10+ years)Paid Floating Holidays - 120 hours/yearOvertime - Paid as Cash for Comp Time Off (Accruable up to 80 banked hours at a time)Sick Leave - 8 hours per monthSick Leave Buy Back - 48-96 hours per year available to convert to pay or leave after 22 sick days accruedAnnual Sick Leave Bonus - $250.00Lateral Vacation Bonus - 40 hoursLateral Sick Bonus - 40 hours available immediately3/12 Patrol Work Schedule4/10 Detective Work SchedulePaid Lunch BreaksEducation Incentive - 6% Associates Degree or Intermediate POST Certificate / 12.8% for Bachelors or Advanced POST CertificateBilingual Pay - $100 - $150Call Back Pay - 4 hour min.Court Appearance and Stand-By PayLong Term DisabilityUniform Allowance - $960 per yearDeferred compensation plan available for voluntary employee contributionsMedical 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: 3%@50 and pay 15.5% of Employee Member Contribution. Lateral transferring w/ 3%@50 retain this retirement rate.