Job Information

SANTA MONICA POLICE DEPARTMENT
1685 MAIN STREET
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA 90401
310-458-8613

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Updated: May 12, 2025

Position Title: Police Officer Trainee
Salary Information: $43.70/Hourly, $7,575/Monthly, $90,900/Annually - $112,224
Application Due: June 8, 2025

Department Application Link here

Benefit Information:

As a Police Officer Trainee attending the police academy, you will receive a monthly salary of $7,575 along with benefits. Upon graduating from the academy and becoming a Police Officer, your salary will increase to $9,207 per month (step 1).

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 incentive 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

Department Application Link here

Text JoinSMPD to 310-928-9650 to speak with a recruiter

Candidate Contact Person

Rosie Cruz
Human Resources Analyst
Email: rosie.cruz@santamonica.gov
Direct Line: (310) 458-2217
JoinSMPD.com

Department Overview

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.

City/County/Area Information

Santa Monica/Los Angeles County

Population

93,076

Job Requirements

Age: Police Officer Trainees must be 20 years and 6 months of age at time of appointment
US Citizen: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.
High School Grad/GED: Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
Valid State Driver’s License: Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes
Prior Experience: None. Military experience and/or related public contact experience is desirable.
Necessary Certifications: Must be able to obtain a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate within 18 months from date of hire.
Additional Requirements: All incoming Santa Monica Police Officer Trainees must maintain California residency and live within a 98-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department. Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.
Hiring Process: Application screening, NTN written exam, Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ), oral Interview.
Disqualifiers: Applicants for Police Trainee must pass a background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.

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