Hiring Incentive:Applicants hired on or after April 5, 2024, will receive a $20,000 hiring incentive. $2,500 upon hiring; $5,000 upon successful completion of the field training program, $6,250 upon one year from the completion of the field training Program, and $6,250 two years from completion of the field training program Please be sure to give employee's name in supplemental question section of your application if one referred you. 

Application questions can be submitted to maria.avila@ci.salinas.ca.us. Questions about the department can be submitted to spdrecruitment@ci.salinas.ca.us or by visiting joinsalinaspd.org  

Summary of Duties: Under direction, utilizes specialized training and equipment to protect life and property by enforcing laws and preventing crimes.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry journey level classification in the City's sworn police officer series. Police recruits are entry-level positions with little or no related training or experience required. Recruits must complete a State certified Police Academy prior to appointment to probationary status as a police officer.

Supervision Received and Exercised:Receives direction from a sworn police supervisor.

Education: An example of the education and experience which most likely demonstrates the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the duties would be any combination equivalent to completion of the 12th grade or GED

Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver’s License. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to maintain physical and emotional conditioning to optimally perform in this position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, type, use telephone, two-way radio, computer, use and control of firearms; see well enough to drive vehicles, read small print on documents and maps, detect subtle shades of color; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone and two-way radio conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard at fifty feet of distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, reach overhead, climb over obstacles such as fences and walls while running in foot pursuit of a crime suspect; physical mobility sufficient to move in and out of a vehicle repeatedly, sprint from a stand-still; physical strength to carry 30 pounds of equipment on the body for period of at least ten hours per shift, occasionally lift more than 120 pounds, repetitively lift up to 100 pounds; physical stamina sufficient to sit and drive for prolonged periods of time, to carry 30 pounds of equipment worn on the body for ten hour shifts and to repetitively move in and out of a vehicle several times per shift; mental acuity and alertness to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw rapid valid conclusions, make rapid valid judgments and decisions. Other physical requirements as described in the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening Manual.

Depending upon specific assignment, this job is subject to hazardous and dangerous work conditions in the field that may include driving a police vehicle for ten hour shifts, occasionally at high speeds while in pursuit or in response to emergency situations. It also may include running for distances in excess of 100 yards while in foot pursuit of crime suspects, and working all weather conditions including rain, fog, wind, sun, and at night. May be subjected to verbal and physical abusive behavior, threats, insults, and be in contact with persons that carry weapons and communicable diseases.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.