Police Officer Trainee

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 $7,881 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. 

Step 1 - $126,672

Step 2 - $132,924

Step 3 - $140,748

Step 4 - $148,560

Step 5 - $156,384

Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Police Officer salary range.  

Additional Compensation Opportunities: 

Additional Incentives and Benefits:

Longevity Pay  

• 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  

• 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

• $1,200/annual
• $1,800/annual for Spanish 

Uniform Allowance

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 

PLEASE REVIEW THE IMPORTANT UPDATED INFORMATION:

All applicants are required to complete the NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline National written exam. Applicants must ensure they select the Santa Monica Police Department to have their scores sent directly to us.

PLEASE NOTE:  You must submit an online application before taking the NTN written exam. After submitting your application, you will receive an email invitation to take the exam. Be sure to select the Santa Monica Police Department to have your scores sent directly to us. If you have previously taken the NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline National written exam, an online application is still required before we can verify your scores. Scores are accepted if they are within one year from the exam date. 

The job posting will remain open on a continuous basis. However, the initial cutoff for screening applications is 11:59 PM on , August 30, 2026. If you miss the application deadline, you will need to apply during the next recruitment cycle. Please ensure your application is submitted by August 30th for consideration in this round.

PLEASE NOTE TEST DATES:

• Written Exam:

NTN - Law Enforcement Frontline National - Written Exam: The last day to submit scores is by 11:59 PM on September 13, 2026. (In order to be considered for this testing cycle, your online application must be submitted between (August 3, 2026 – August 30, 2026)

• Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ):
  Out-of-State-Area & Local Candidates:  September 20, 2026  

• Oral Interview:
  Out-of-State-Area Candidates: September 21, 2026
  Local Candidates: October 1, 2026

Please ensure you are available for the respective dates. 

Participates in a rigorous academic and physical training program mandated by P.O.S.T.

Participates in firearm training and defensive tactics.

Learns basic principles of patrol procedures and criminal investigation.

Drives a variety of police vehicles under various training conditions.

Accompanies sworn police officers on ride-alongs as an observer.

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 multiple calls, major traffic accidents, and other emergencies.

Completes reports in a timely manner.

Performs a variety of clerical support duties including, but not limited to, typing, filing, photocopying, and assisting the public on the telephone or in person.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Grammar and composition
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Follow written and oral instructions
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 the 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

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level
Dealing with a variety of culturally sensitive issues

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: Military experience and/or related public contact experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.  Must be able to obtain a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate within 18 months from date of hire.

Other Requirements:

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.  Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
 
Applicants selected to participate in the Police Department's testing process will partake in the following:

• National Testing Network (NTN) - Law Enforcement Frontline National Written Examination: assessing the essential skills needed for a law enforcement officer, including decision-making, teamwork, reading, and writing. (Qualifying);
• Performance Test: to evaluate ability to physically perform the duties of position (Qualifying);
• Oral Interview: to evaluate training, experience, and personal qualifications. (100%);
• Psychological Examination: Candidates will be evaluated for their suitability for employment as a Santa Monica Police Officer.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.  The investigation is used to determine a candidate's moral character and suitability for employment in law enforcement.  The investigation shall include, but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal record, polygraph, driving history, credit history, military record, previous employer(s), and references.

Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough medical examination, including a drug screen, to determine if they meet the City's medical standards for the position of Police Officer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR POLICE OFFICER
 

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 5 steps—Step 1 through Step 5. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5% per year during the first five years of service.
 
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans. 100% City-paid medical premiums. 

CASH-IN-LIEU: Employees who elect to waive medical coverage due to spouse’s medical coverage are entitled to a payment equal to the cost of the current employee only premium rate under the PORAC plan per month. Payment is provided bi-weekly.

DENTAL INSURANCE: An HMO and PPO plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.
 
VISION INSURANCE: One plan available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents. 

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax dollars towards a Flexible Spending Account to pay for qualifying health and dependent care. 

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and household members. 

CalPERS RETIREMENT: Retirement formula and employee contributions are based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. City employees are vested after 5 years and do not participate in Social Security. Employees pay a 1.45% contribution towards Medicare. 

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN:  457(b) plan is available for voluntary participation.

PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PLAN:  The City makes a monthly contribution of $142 into a retiree trust to allow eligible separated employees to reimburse healthcare premiums. Employees contribute $257 monthly.

VACATION: 60 hours following the completion of the first six months of continuous service. Thereafter, up to and including five completed years of continuous service, 10 hours for each completed calendar month of service.

• Accrued vacation leave can be cashed out based on years of service on two occasions each calendar year.  

SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).

• Sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year based on the formula outlined in the POA MOU.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees who have passed probation will be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and study materials for career improvement or job enhancement courses that meet the policy guidelines.