Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

City of Santa Monica•Santa Monica, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.
One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.
Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.
Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.
Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.
Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.
Knowledge of law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control.
Knowledge of principles of grammar and composition.
Knowledge of effective customer service techniques.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to follow applicable safety rules and regulations.
Ability to make decisions under pressure, including life threatening situations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner.
Ability to be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of residents, guests, and visitors to the City.
Ability to provide effective customer service.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.
Ability to maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department.
Ability to interact and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populations.
Skill in reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.
Skill in assessing situations and determining the proper course of action.

Responsibilities

Enforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.
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.

Benefits

Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans. City pays 89% of medical insurance premium for employee and eligible dependents.
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.
An HMO and PPO dental plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.
One vision plan available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.
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.
457(b) supplemental retirement 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.
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. The maximum amount shall not exceed $2500 per fiscal year.
Longevity Pay
Education Incentive Pay
Bilingual Pay
Uniform Allowance
Pay in Lieu of Holiday
Annual Sick Leave Cash Out
Annual Vacation Cash Out
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