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. SMPD offers a world-class destination with Santa Monica’s beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant community. The department focuses on purpose, community impact, and personal growth, with a supportive team culture and diverse career development pathways.

It emphasizes well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment to challenge and support you as 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 (illustrative):
Step 1 base salary $120,636;
Top Step (Step
5) $148,932. Longevity pay varies; education and bilingual pay, uniform allowance, holiday pay, and other supplements contribute to total compensation. Estimated total at Step 1: $146,293; at Step 5: $199,951.

• Other incentives not included 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.

• Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime)
  • 2.7% of base salary from 5 to 10 years
  • 7% of base salary from 10 to 15 years
  • 11.1% of base salary from 15 to 20 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 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 the regular rate
  • 140 hours annually
• Annual Sick Leave Cash Out
  • Less than 10 years: up to 6 days
  • 10+ years: up to 12 days
• Annual Vacation Cash Out
  • Less than 5 years: up to 60 hours
  • 5+ years: up to 120 hours

Visit the Santa Monica Police Department’s website for detailed information about our hiring process, department values, and what it means to serve our community. Explore now at Santa Monica SMPD.

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

SUPERVISION Receives technical supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher; may supervise non-sworn personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Patrols assigned areas in various modes; maintains law and order; investigates offenses; makes arrests, transports, issues citations, serves warrants; directs traffic; testifies in court; reports hazards; maintains proficiency with firearms and equipment; attends required training; analyzes patrol problems and develops resolutions; responds to calls and emergencies; performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Law enforcement codes, crime prevention, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation techniques, traffic and crowd control; grammar; customer service.

Ability to: Follow instructions and safety rules; make decisions under pressure; communicate effectively; respond tactfully; work with diverse populations; establish cooperative relationships; maintain shooting proficiency; handle inquiries.

Skill in: Reading, writing, and communicating clearly; assessing situations and determining actions.

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 sworn peace officer experience with a local agency; applicants must currently be employed as a sworn peace officer in California.

Licenses and Certificates
:
Valid Class C driver license; regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Other Requirements
: U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for citizenship; must actively pursue citizenship; non-user of tobacco upon hire; lateral transfer applicants must pass background…