Posting number: 250604-07
Department: Police
Division: Patrol Operations
Job classification: POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL TRANSFER
Posting type: Open
Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement
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.
Salary and Benefits Breakdown
Base Salary
$116,004
$143,208 ($68.85 hourly)
Longevity Pay
None
$20,049 (14% of base salary after 20 years)
$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)
$141,661
$194,227
Pay in Lieu of Holiday – 14 holidays
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. Explore now at JoinSMPD.
Click here to speak directly with a recruiter!
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
Licenses and Certificates:
Other Requirements:
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 be most 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.
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.
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.
SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).
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 $2500 per fiscal year.
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 (310) 458-8246 (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
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, click HERE to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.
Santa Monica is an 8.3 square mile city situated at a gateway to the Pacific Ocean on the west side of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational and art venues. Named by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the World, Santa Monica is home to three miles of wide beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, and attracts over 6 million visitors annually. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 90,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with visitors and employees.
The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City has reduced water usage community-wide and is working toward water self-sufficiency by 2020, has increased solar capacity, and has adopted policies prohibiting single-use plastic bags and motorized leaf blowers to promote sustainable practices.
Partnerships with local schools and Santa Monica Collage have created top-notch educational institutions, complemented by public libraries that are rated among the nation’s best. Outstanding educational opportunities are a prime reason that families choose Santa Monica.
Learn more at www.santamonica.gov and follow the City on Twitter (@santamonicacity).
