What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer Recruit position at City of San Marino?
Welcome
This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice.
Interview Date: TBD
Competitive Wages
4% COLA increase effective July 1, 2026
The City of San Marino's Police Department is hiring full-time Police Officer Recruits. If you are interested in joining a team that is motivated by public service and committed to protecting our community, apply today!
The San Marino Police Department’s motto is Pride in Service - join a team that cares about providing a high level of service to our community and to those we serve. The San Marino Police Department is comprised of 32 sworn officers and 11.5 civilian staff. San Marino Police Department is led by a Chief of Police, two Bureau Commanders and a Civilian Administrative Manager. The sergeants, corporals, and officers are assigned to patrol or detective functions, as well as other collateral administrative duties.
Situated 12 miles from the majestic foothill mountains, the beautiful City of San Marino, California, with a population of approximately 13,000 is located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. Incorporated in 1913, San Marino is primarily a residential community known for expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, well- maintained parkways, and top- performing schools. A city of 3.75 square miles, the City is home to numerous recreational and cultural opportunities that complement all interests. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking in the foothill mountains, exhibits at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, historical culture and art galleries at the Old Mill (El Molino Viejo), and recreational activities at the historic Lacy Park. Other recreational activities include shopping and dining in the delightful business districts along Mission Street and Huntington Drive. With a focus on resident services and community engagement, the City of San Marino is recognized for its police and fire services, library, parks and community amenities, and planning and zoning that maintain the community’s high-quality residential character.
Essential Functions
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and demands.
Duties
A Police Recruit assigned to a California P.O.S.T. certified police academy is responsible for but not limited to:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DEMANDS
Knowledge Of
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
Written Examination (Qualifying Only) The P.O.S.T PELLETB Written Examination consists of a multiple choice and a fill in the blank written test designed to measure reading and writing ability. Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB test. Applicants must successfully pass the PELLETB test with a T-score of 42 or higher to proceed any further in the selection process.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%) Candidates who successfully pass the written test with a T-Score of 42 or above will be invited to a structured oral interview that will consist of a series of situational and other questions presented by a panel of qualified Police personnel. Candidates will be assessed on oral communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Applicants who successfully pass the interview will be placed on the employment eligibility list. The top candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to enter into the Physical Agility Test.
Physical Agility Test (Qualifying Only) Top candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to take a physical agility test, which will assess the candidate’s ability to perform the physical demands of the position. Included in the physical agility test is a 1 ½ mile run that must be completed in 15 minutes or under.
Background Investigation After successfully passing all the above, candidates will proceed to Backgrounds. A thorough investigation of personal history, including, but not limited to, work, education, military, and conviction/criminal history records will be performed. A polygraph examination will be conducted on all candidates prior to entering the background process. Once backgrounds is complete, applicants will meet with the Chief of Police prior to proceeding forward in the selection process.
Medical Examination Prior to appointment, all candidates must successfully complete a required City-paid medical examination, drug screening, and psychological evaluation.
PRINCIPLE VALUES
The City Maintains a Strong Culture Of Integrity, Collaboration, And Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace And The Community At Large. To That End, The Incumbent Is Expected To
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
The employee is regularly required to run, jump, push, pull, drive safely at high speeds and learn how to physically apprehend and subdue suspects.
Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 180 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, the ability to adjust, focus, and be free from color blindness.
Work Environment
Employee generally works 50% indoors and 50% outdoors (including time spent in a patrol car or other police vehicle). Employee goes from being seated in a docile position in their police cars or office to a highly energized position and then return to the docile position. The job can be very fast paced within a short period of time. While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature-controlled office.
Employee regularly works outdoors at all times of day and in all weather conditions and is routinely exposed to hazardous situations that may result in injury, death or use of deadly force on others.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may occasionally be exposed to high level noises including but not limited to emergency vehicle sirens, gun fire, shouting, and yelling.
This information is available in an alternative format by request to (626) 300-0780.
The City of San Marino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce. San Marino is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
RETIREMENT – PERS
CalPERS 2% @ 60 (Classic Members) or CalPERS 2% @ 62 (New members). The employee pays the full employee portion of the retirement contribution, and the City does not participate in Social Security.
SOCIAL SECURITY
No contributions are paid by the City or employee into Social Security
MEDICARE
1.45% of salary paid by the City and 1.45% by the employee
VACATION LEAVE
The City provides full time and probationary employees with 90 hours of annual vacation accrual, increasing up to 180 hours based on years of service. Please refer to the San Marino CEA Memorandum of Understanding for vacation accrual formula.
SICK LEAVE
Employees receive 96 hours of sick leave per year, maximum accrual of up to 240 hours.
HEALTH COVERAGE
Effective July 1, 2024- June 30, 2027, the costs for all medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans shall be fully funded by the City for the Los Angeles County region of medical coverage.
In the event that the "FFBP" fails to cover the actual costs, the individual employee shall pay the difference.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program for medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser, PERS Gold, PERS Plantinum, UnitedHealthcare.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Delta Dental PPO or DeltaCare HMO coverage
VISION INSURANCE
Ameritas/VSP
LONG TERM DISABILITY & SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Benefits equal 60% of employee's base salary for qualified periods
LIFE INSURANCE
$50,000 Basic Life Insurance - Lincoln Financial Group
Up to $500,0000 Voluntary Life Insurance with Humana
457b TAX-DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Income may be deferred on a pre-tax and/or post-tax basis through TIAA based on IRS Regulations. The City will match up to $100 per month towards the employer-sponsored tax-savings retirement plan.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS
The City provides access to supplemental insurance programs currently administered through American Fidelity
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
EAP services designed to help manage life's challenges. Free counseling sessions, legal and financial consultation, discounts, and referrals.
HOLIDAYS – 12 DAYS ANNUALLY
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday following Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
FLOATING HOLIDAYS
1 Floating holiday per year
LONGEVITY PAY
Longevity Pay compensation after 10 consecutive years of full-time years of service with the City of San Marino.
This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice.
Interview Date: TBD
Competitive Wages
4% COLA increase effective July 1, 2026
The City of San Marino's Police Department is hiring full-time Police Officer Recruits. If you are interested in joining a team that is motivated by public service and committed to protecting our community, apply today!
The San Marino Police Department’s motto is Pride in Service - join a team that cares about providing a high level of service to our community and to those we serve. The San Marino Police Department is comprised of 32 sworn officers and 11.5 civilian staff. San Marino Police Department is led by a Chief of Police, two Bureau Commanders and a Civilian Administrative Manager. The sergeants, corporals, and officers are assigned to patrol or detective functions, as well as other collateral administrative duties.
Situated 12 miles from the majestic foothill mountains, the beautiful City of San Marino, California, with a population of approximately 13,000 is located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley. Incorporated in 1913, San Marino is primarily a residential community known for expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, well- maintained parkways, and top- performing schools. A city of 3.75 square miles, the City is home to numerous recreational and cultural opportunities that complement all interests. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking in the foothill mountains, exhibits at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, historical culture and art galleries at the Old Mill (El Molino Viejo), and recreational activities at the historic Lacy Park. Other recreational activities include shopping and dining in the delightful business districts along Mission Street and Huntington Drive. With a focus on resident services and community engagement, the City of San Marino is recognized for its police and fire services, library, parks and community amenities, and planning and zoning that maintain the community’s high-quality residential character.
Essential Functions
The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and demands.
Duties
A Police Recruit assigned to a California P.O.S.T. certified police academy is responsible for but not limited to:
- Attending, participating, and successfully completing a P.O.S.T. certified police training academy and passing all required classes, scenarios, physical training and other assigned duties and tasks.
- Performing rigorous physical training.
- Learning the use and care of firearms, chemical agents, and other weapons.
- Learning to drive a motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions safely.
- Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
- Learning to demonstrate command presence in conflict situations.
- Speaking clearly and learning standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
- Learning to write clear, comprehensive and accurate reports, legibly and with correct grammar and spelling.
- Learning to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment; learning principles and practices of effective interpersonal communication and good customer service.
- Learning to understand, interpret and apply criminal and civil laws, court decisions, regulations, policies and procedures with particular reference to the laws of arrest, use of force, custody, search and seizure, juvenile laws and procedures, property crimes, crimes against persons, crimes against children, sex crimes, domestic violence, missing persons, weapons violations, alcohol, and controlled substances.
- Demonstrating the ability to learn and implement police methods and procedures including patrol techniques, vehicle stops, response to crimes in progress, apprehension of suspects, defensive tactics, traffic enforcement, control and collision investigation, crowd control, and gang and terrorism awareness.
- Demonstrating the ability to learn and implement crime scene management, forensics, collection, preservation and presentation of evidence; identification techniques; interview and interrogation techniques.
- Demonstrating the ability to learn first aid, CPR, hazardous materials awareness, emergency management, and the Incident Command System.
- Responding to major incidents reported to the Police Department; comprehend and use the Incident Command System/Standardized Emergency Management System (ICS/SEMS) protocol; assume the role as Incident Commander until relieved by a higher authority or other role as needed for the situation; ensure the safety of responders and others, the achievement of tactical objectives and the efficient use of resources.
- Demonstrating the ability to learn the community policing philosophy, crime prevention, victimology/crisis Intervention, cultural diversity/discrimination, and people with disabilities.
- Maintaining a moral, ethical, and legal standard commensurate with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; inspires public confidence through personal integrity, leadership, professional appearance and actions.
- Learning to use modern law enforcement equipment, communications devices, computers and information systems.
- Demonstrating computer literacy with the knowledge and ability to use word processing and specialized law enforcement software programs; the ability to communicate using email programs and to understand and adhere to City policies for information technology.
- Working irregular hours including days, evenings, nights and overtime including weekends and holidays; must be available for call-back and automatic return to work with a reasonable response time during off-duty hours for major emergencies, disasters, critical incidents and as otherwise required.
- Delivering outstanding internal and external customer service; communicates effectively orally and in writing with the public and fellow employees; solves problems and supports the City's mission, policies, goals, and objectives.
- Exercising initiative, courtesy and independent judgment; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the Department and City staff, other agencies and the public; communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
- Providing sound decision-making skills and critical thinking to provide professional recommendations, decisions and completed staff work.
- Working cooperatively with personnel, co-workers and the management team; exercises tact, self-restraint and good judgment; takes initiative to achieve positive, timely results for the organization with diplomatic skills and ethical conduct.
- Conducting duties, responsibilities, tasks and assignments with a constructive, cooperative, positive, and professional attitude and demeanor.
- Supporting the City's mission, goals, policies and objectives; delivers outstanding internal and external customer service; solve problems and communicate effectively with the public and fellow employees.
- Supporting the City's corporate values of openness and honesty; integrity and ethics; accountability; outstanding customer service; teamwork; excellence; and fiscal responsibility.
- Upon successful completion of academy instruction and graduation, the employee receives further training, as a sworn Police Officer in the Field Training Officer Program and is responsible for performing related duties as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND DEMANDS
Knowledge Of
- Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation and basic mathematics; familiarity with standard office and police equipment.
- Ability to read and make sound decisions.
- Comprehend and retain technical training materials.
- Endure periods of strenuous physical activity requiring good balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, and strength.
- Exercise tact using excellent interpersonal skills, solve problems, and demonstrate good mediation skills during highly confrontational situations.
- Communicate clearly and concisely.
- Show interest and understand the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers.
- Fully comprehend spoken communication by picking up on nuances in tone and meaning and being attentive to non-verbal cues and body language.
- Maintain emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
- Pass a police background.
- Work various shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.
- Will be required to respond off-hours for emergencies and inspections.
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
- Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
- One (1) year in an administrative support position or previous dispatching experience.
- Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Twenty and a half years (20 ½) of age or older at time of filing.
- U.S. citizenship or have applied for citizenship. Citizenship must be granted within three years of appointment.
- Weight must be in proportion to height, muscular development and skeletal structure.
- Ability to endure periods of strenuous physical activity requiring good balance, coordination, flexibility; and strength.
- Vision should be at least 20/100 in each eye and correctable to 20/20;
- Normal color vision and hearing;
- Must not have been convicted for any State or a Federal government crime for which punishment would have been imprisonment in a Federal or State penitentiary; No felony convictions or on probation at the time of application or hire.
Written Examination (Qualifying Only) The P.O.S.T PELLETB Written Examination consists of a multiple choice and a fill in the blank written test designed to measure reading and writing ability. Applicants are given 2 ½ hours to complete the PELLETB test. Applicants must successfully pass the PELLETB test with a T-score of 42 or higher to proceed any further in the selection process.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%) Candidates who successfully pass the written test with a T-Score of 42 or above will be invited to a structured oral interview that will consist of a series of situational and other questions presented by a panel of qualified Police personnel. Candidates will be assessed on oral communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Applicants who successfully pass the interview will be placed on the employment eligibility list. The top candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to enter into the Physical Agility Test.
Physical Agility Test (Qualifying Only) Top candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to take a physical agility test, which will assess the candidate’s ability to perform the physical demands of the position. Included in the physical agility test is a 1 ½ mile run that must be completed in 15 minutes or under.
Background Investigation After successfully passing all the above, candidates will proceed to Backgrounds. A thorough investigation of personal history, including, but not limited to, work, education, military, and conviction/criminal history records will be performed. A polygraph examination will be conducted on all candidates prior to entering the background process. Once backgrounds is complete, applicants will meet with the Chief of Police prior to proceeding forward in the selection process.
Medical Examination Prior to appointment, all candidates must successfully complete a required City-paid medical examination, drug screening, and psychological evaluation.
PRINCIPLE VALUES
The City Maintains a Strong Culture Of Integrity, Collaboration, And Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace And The Community At Large. To That End, The Incumbent Is Expected To
- Maintain a strong sense of honesty and integrity by committing to ethical behaviors and taking personal accountability for actions and takes initiative to intervene upon observing unethical behavior.
- Support and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the City’s workforce and residents by demonstrating respect to everyone, providing excellent service to all individuals, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Demonstrate an ability to respond positively and adapt to changes in the workplace.
- Ability to work as a team-player by collaborating with co-workers to make sound decisions when necessary and demonstrating empathy towards co-workers and the community.
- Adhere to all safety practices and procedures as required by City policies and the law and encourage others to do the same.
The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time; use hands and fingers to manipulate, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
The employee is regularly required to run, jump, push, pull, drive safely at high speeds and learn how to physically apprehend and subdue suspects.
Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 180 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, the ability to adjust, focus, and be free from color blindness.
Work Environment
Employee generally works 50% indoors and 50% outdoors (including time spent in a patrol car or other police vehicle). Employee goes from being seated in a docile position in their police cars or office to a highly energized position and then return to the docile position. The job can be very fast paced within a short period of time. While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature-controlled office.
Employee regularly works outdoors at all times of day and in all weather conditions and is routinely exposed to hazardous situations that may result in injury, death or use of deadly force on others.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may occasionally be exposed to high level noises including but not limited to emergency vehicle sirens, gun fire, shouting, and yelling.
This information is available in an alternative format by request to (626) 300-0780.
The City of San Marino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce. San Marino is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
RETIREMENT – PERS
CalPERS 2% @ 60 (Classic Members) or CalPERS 2% @ 62 (New members). The employee pays the full employee portion of the retirement contribution, and the City does not participate in Social Security.
SOCIAL SECURITY
No contributions are paid by the City or employee into Social Security
MEDICARE
1.45% of salary paid by the City and 1.45% by the employee
VACATION LEAVE
The City provides full time and probationary employees with 90 hours of annual vacation accrual, increasing up to 180 hours based on years of service. Please refer to the San Marino CEA Memorandum of Understanding for vacation accrual formula.
SICK LEAVE
Employees receive 96 hours of sick leave per year, maximum accrual of up to 240 hours.
HEALTH COVERAGE
Effective July 1, 2024- June 30, 2027, the costs for all medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability plans shall be fully funded by the City for the Los Angeles County region of medical coverage.
In the event that the "FFBP" fails to cover the actual costs, the individual employee shall pay the difference.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The City participates in the CalPERS health benefit program for medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser, PERS Gold, PERS Plantinum, UnitedHealthcare.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Delta Dental PPO or DeltaCare HMO coverage
VISION INSURANCE
Ameritas/VSP
LONG TERM DISABILITY & SHORT TERM DISABILITY
Benefits equal 60% of employee's base salary for qualified periods
LIFE INSURANCE
$50,000 Basic Life Insurance - Lincoln Financial Group
Up to $500,0000 Voluntary Life Insurance with Humana
457b TAX-DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Income may be deferred on a pre-tax and/or post-tax basis through TIAA based on IRS Regulations. The City will match up to $100 per month towards the employer-sponsored tax-savings retirement plan.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS
The City provides access to supplemental insurance programs currently administered through American Fidelity
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
EAP services designed to help manage life's challenges. Free counseling sessions, legal and financial consultation, discounts, and referrals.
HOLIDAYS – 12 DAYS ANNUALLY
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday following Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
FLOATING HOLIDAYS
1 Floating holiday per year
LONGEVITY PAY
Longevity Pay compensation after 10 consecutive years of full-time years of service with the City of San Marino.
- 10 Yrs of Service- 2% of base salary per month
- 15 Yrs of Service- 4% of base salary per month
- 20 Yrs of Service- 6% of base salary per month
Salary : $100