Unlock new opportunities and elevate your law enforcement career by joining the Santa Monica Police Department as a Police Officer through lateral transfer! If you are an experienced and committed peace officer with at least one year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer within a well-organized local government agency, and you are currently serving as a sworn peace officer in the State of California, we welcome you to explore an exciting opportunity with SMPD. Join our esteemed team and be a part of a dynamic and fulfilling law enforcement environment.
At SMPD, we live by the motto "We Hire for Character. We Train for Skill." Join us, and you'll not only be part of a community-focused force but also receive great pay and benefits. Take the next step in your career, bring your experience to Santa Monica, and be a part of a department that values character, skills, and dedication. Apply now for a fulfilling and rewarding journey with SMPD!

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.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES

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 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

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level

Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:
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, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.
• Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
• Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.

• Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.

• Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.

• Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

   

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 qualifiedfor 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.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 5 steps—Step 1 through Step 5. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5%. 
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).

SICK LEAVE BONUS: Employees (except probationary Police Officers) receive a $250 bonus if sick leave usage in a contract year is less than the average sick leave usage for all employees covered in the POA MOU (except probationary Police Officers).

HOLIDAYS: 14 holidays per year. Since employees are required to work holidays, each employee shall be paid additional compensation equal to 10 hours at employee’s regular rate, paid on a quarterly basis each fiscal year.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY:

• City pays 6% of the applicable base salary after attainment of an Intermediate Certificate from the State Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) or attainment of an AA or AS degree, or the equivalent in terms of numbers of units and courses taken, in a field that is relevant to the profession of a sworn law enforcement officer from an accredited college or university. 
• City pays 12.8% of the applicable base salary after attainment of an Advanced Certificate from POST or attainment of a Bachelor's degree in a field that is relevant to the profession of a sworn law enforcement officer from an accredited college or university.

WELLNESS HOUR: Employees are entitled to one wellness period (60 minutes) during their regularly scheduled work week.

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.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Employees shall receive a bi-weekly uniform maintenance allowance of $46.15.

BILINGUAL SKILL PAY: Qualified employees who meet all criteria shall receive a bilingual skill pay of $100 per month. An employee who qualifies for bilingual pay because of Spanish language skills shall receive an additional $50 per month, for a total of $150 per month.

LONGIVITY PAY: Each employee shall receive additional monthly compensation at rates based on years of continuous service.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!