Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

Join one of the highest-paid police departments in California, where competitive compensation is just the beginning. At SMPD, you’ll experience the excitement of working in a world-class destination, Santa Monica’s beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant community make it a place like no other. Beyond the pay, you'll find a truly regarding career where purpose, community impact, and personal growth are our priorities. With a supportive team culture and numerous career development pathways, SMPD offers opportunities to advance and diversity your skills across a wide range of assignments. Our focus on well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment ensures you'll be both challenged and supported as you make a positive difference in Santa Monica.

Base Salary – Police Officer

Step 1 - $116,004

Step 2 - $121,728

Step 3 - $128,892

Step 4 - $136,044

Step 5 - $143,208

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

Step 1

Top Step (5)

Base Salary

$116,004

$143,208 ($68.85 hourly)

Longevity Pay

None

$20,049 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education

$14,849 (12.80%)

$18,331 (12.80%)

Bilingual Pay

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

Uniform Allowance

$1,200 (paid bi-weekly)

$1,200 (paid bi-weekly)

Holiday Pay

$7,808 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

$9,639 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually)

Total

$141,661

$194,227

Additional Compensation Opportunities

• Other incentives not included in total above: K9, Overtime, FTO, Film Assignments, Call Back Pay, Telephone Calls Pay, Call Back Pay, Wellness Hour, Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, FMLA, Personal Leave Cash Out, Employee Parking

Additional Incentives and Benefits

Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime)

• 2.7% of base salary Over 5 years to 10 years
• 7% of base salary Over 10 years to 15 years
• 11.1% of base salary Over 15 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 Advance P.O.S.T. Certificate or BA/BS

Bilingual Pay

• $1200/annual
• $1800/annual for Spanish

Uniform Allowance

• $1200/annual

Pay in Lieu of Holiday – 14 holidays

• Compensation equals ten hours at the employee’s regular rate of pay
• 35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

Annual Sick Leave Cash Out

• Less than 10 years of service max 6 days
• 10 plus years of service 12 days max

Annual Vacation Cash Out

• Less than 5 years Up to 60 hours
• 5 years or more Up to 120 hours

Learn More About Us

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

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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 gover