Police Officer Trainee

Update: Effective the pay period that began on March 14, 2026, the salary for all classifications in the Police Officer Association increased by 4%. This job posting has been updated to reflect this increase. Join the Santa Cruz Police Department team for a career that offers excitement, growth opportunities, great coworkers and the chance to make a positive impact in your community. Why SCPD? The Best People. Core values are people with positive attitudes, integrity, energy, and problem solvers. Our officers are trained leaders who value teamwork, care about the community and work daily to keep it safe. Under direct supervision, the Police Officer Trainee attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities required to perform police service; performs related duties as required. The City of Santa Cruz is now recruiting for Police Officer Trainee candidates. Come join a department that has received national and international acclaim for our innovative community-based policing strategies. We believe in fostering an environment of strong critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. You will work alongside great team members and interact with our diverse community. We have state-of-the-art training combined with an opportunity to make a difference in our community. Trainee level does not require previous law enforcement experience. Excellent benefits including hiring bonus, educational incentives and bilingual pay are just part of the package you will have access to. Trainees attend an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities. The salary for Police Officer Trainees is $7,231 per month. Upon successful completion of the academy, Trainees become sworn police officers. The starting salary for sworn Police Officers is $8,578 per month. Each and every officer in our department embodies a commitment to change and improving the quality of life in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department serves a community of over 65,000 citizens. During the summer months, the population may swell to over 100,000. There are over 90 sworn officers assigned to such areas as patrol, traffic, parks, community services, downtown, investigation, and undercover task force assignments. The City of Santa Cruz has a strong interest in and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our recruitment, hiring and retention practices. We actively seek and encourage applications from talented individuals with diverse backgrounds. Applicants must complete and submit passing 1) POST PELLETB results with a score of 46 or higher AND 2) California POST physical agility certificate (WSTB) with a score of 384 or higher and completion of a 1.5 mile run in 15-minute maximum time. 1) POST PELLETB: What is a PELLETB? PELLETB stands for “POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery." This is a standardized written exam used by law enforcement agencies in California to assess the reading, writing, and reasoning abilities of candidates for peace officer positions and is recommended by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). What is a passing score? A T-score of 46.0 or higher is considered a passing score for the City of Santa Cruz. How do I take the PELLETB? For exam dates and locations visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ Already taken and passed the PELLETB? If you have taken the exam in calendar years 2025 or 2026, and have a score of 46 or higher, you do not have to take the test again. Please attach the official letter verifying your test results to your City of Santa Cruz application. How do I prepare? Check out Copy of PELLT-B Study Resources or visit https://post.ca.gov/LE-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs 2) California POST physical agility test certificate (Also known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB): For WSTB exam, dates and locations please visit https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ . If you have already taken the WSTB within calendar years 2025-2026 with a score of 384 or higher and the 1.5 mile run with a 15-minute max time, you do not have to take the test again. Please attach the official agency letter with your test results to your City application. How to prepare? Check out https://post.ca.gov/Physical-Ability-Testing-FAQs Practice Agility Sessions : https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/ For more information or questions: For additional general information on the POST PELLETB and WSTB exams, please visit: www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests . For more information about the position, contact the Santa Cruz Police Department recruiting team at (831) 420-5801. To schedule a ride-along with an officer or tour the Police Department, go to the Police Department webpage . For application questions, email the City of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department at HR@santacruzca.gov . Recruitment # 26-PD-04 CANDIDATE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. APPLY NOW with required application materials: Application - apply online. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out an application form completely. Responses to the supplemental questions Attachment of WSTB results AND Pellet B results Candidates must submit with their application the following two test results: POST PELLETB T-score of 46.0 or higher. Possession of a California POST Physical Agility Test certificate, known as the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), with a score of 384 or higher and a 15-minute maximum time for the 1.5 mile run. Application screening will be conducted continuously: Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications for this posit