Police Officer Trainee

Join Santa Monica Police Department

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 rewarding 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 diversify 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.

This non-sworn classification participates in a formal academic and physical police training program and is expected to successfully complete the basic training courses as prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). During the 22-weeks academy, the salary is $7,727 per month. Upon successful completion of the academy, the candidate will advance to the classification of Police Officer and will serve a one-year probationary period.

Base Salary Police Officer

Step 1 - $120,636

Step 2 - $126,588

Step 3 - $134,040

Step 4 - $141,480

Step 5 - $148,932

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

Base Salary $120,636 Top Step (5) $148,932 ($71.60 hourly)

Longevity Pay None $20,851 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education $15,441 (12.80%) $19,063 (12.80%)

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

Uniform Allowance $2,000 (paid bi-weekly) $2,000 (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 $147,685 $202,285

Additional Compensation Opportunities : Other incentives not included in total above : K9, Overtime, FTO, Film Assignments, Call Back Pay, Telephone Calls Pay, Wellness Hour, Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, FMLA, Personal Leave Cash Out, Employee Parking, City paid deferred compensation.

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 $2,000 / 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

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

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! Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8245, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

Police Officer Benefits