Police Officer​/Lateral Transfer

Overview

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 create a place like no other. SMPD focuses on purpose, community impact, and personal growth, with a supportive team culture and numerous career development pathways.

The department offers opportunities to advance and diversify skills across a wide range of assignments, with a focus on well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment to help you make a positive difference in Santa Monica.

Step 1 - $120,636

Step 2 - $126,588

Step 3 - $134,040

Step 4 - $141,480

Step 5 - $148,932

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

$120,636

$148,932 ($71.60 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 (140 hours annually)

$9,639 (140 hours annually)

Total

$146,293

$199,951

• 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

• Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime): 2.7% of base salary over 5–10 years; 7% over 10–15 years; 11.1% over 15 years; 14% 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 for Advanced 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 regular rate; 140 hours annually
• Annual Sick Leave Cash Out: < 10 years max 6 days; 10+ years max 12 days
• Annual Vacation Cash Out: < 5 years up to 60 hours; 5+ years 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. Explore now ck to speak directly with a recruiter.

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.

Patrols an assigned area in various transportation modes; prevents crime, enforces laws and ordinances, answers inquiries, 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, serves warrants and subpoenas, and directs traffic. Appears and testifies in court, on and off duty.

Reports hazards and malfunctions of city assets. Maintains proficiency with firearms and equipment. Attends required training; collaborates to analyze problems and develop long-term solutions. Responds to calls for service and emergencies. Performs other duties as assigned.

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; make decisions under pressure; communicate effectively; respond to inquiries; be sensitive to community quality…