Police Officer Trainee

Full Job Description

Important Recruitment Notice
This position is part of a continuous recruitment process.

Please note: We are not currently accepting applications. We anticipate the next application cycle will begin in early 2026. Please check back for updates.

We understand this delay may be inconvenient, but we encourage you to check back and apply once the position reopens. Your interest is truly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your application during the next cycle.

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 Join SMPD.com.

We encourage prospective applicants to use the resources on the site to start preparing for the written exam administered by NTN and to focus on getting physically fit. Taking this time to prepare will help ensure you're ready to go once the position reopens.

Click here to speak directly with a recruiter!

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.

• 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

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion Statement