The Salinas Police Department invites motivated individuals who are current sworn law enforcement officers to apply for the Police Officer Lateral position. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to serve the Salinas community and be a part of a hard-working team at the cutting edge of law enforcement. The department strives for excellence by training and developing employees to their highest potential. As a department, we lead by example.
Hiring Incentive: The first 15 lateral officers hired on or after April 5, 2024, will receive a $40,000 hiring incentive. $10,00 will be paid at time of hire, $10,000 paid upon successful completion of the department's field training program and $10,000 paid one year from the completion of the field training program, and $10,000 two years from completion of the field training program. An eligible City of Salinas employee who refers a lateral candidate will receive $2,500. Please be sure to give employee's name in supplemental question section of your application if one referred you.
California Lateral Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements-
Must have completed a valid POST police academy.
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Must possess or be eligible for a Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate. Copy of certificate, copy of POST profile or Letter from POST must be attached to application.
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Be in good standing with California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Out of State Applicants
Must possess a valid state driver license issued by state of residency. Applicant must obtain a California Class C driver license before being appointed to the position of Police Officer with the Salinas Police Department.
Must meet requirements for Basic Course Waiver for out-of-state applicants issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Must have completed a police academy in state of residency. Copy of certificate, must be attached to application.
Must currently be employed as a sworn law enforcement officer with at least one year of experience.
Note: Only those applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to interview. Applicants must complete a thorough background investigation, polygraph exam, medical evaluation, psychological exam and final Chief's interview before being hired as a Police Officer.
Application questions can be referred to Sr. Human Resources Analyst, Maria Avila at
[email protected] (831)758-7231. For questions about the department, please email
[email protected]
Summary of Duties: Under direction, utilizes specialized training and equipment to protect life and property by enforcing laws and preventing crimes. In an assigned beat or assignment, responsibilities may include patrolling in a police vehicle or on foot, responding to calls for service, conducting investigations, providing information and assistance to the public, preparing and participating in planned events, preparing for and attending court. Works closely with the community members to preserve the peace and promote public safety. Performs related special assignments or other related work as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Incumbents may enter the class either as a recruit, academy graduate or lateral status. Police recruits are entry-level positions with little or no related training or experience required. Recruits must complete a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified basic law enforcement training academy prior to appointment to probationary status as a police officer. Academy graduates and lateral entry police officers are appointed to full probationary status at time of hire.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to maintain physical and emotional conditioning to optimally perform in this position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, type, use telephone, two-way radio, computer, use and control of firearms; see well enough to drive vehicles, read small print on documents and maps, detect subtle shades of color; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone and two-way radio conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard at fifty feet of distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, reach overhead, climb over obstacles such as fences and walls while running in foot pursuit of a crime suspect; physical mobility sufficient to move in and out of a vehicle repeatedly, sprint from a stand-still; physical strength to carry 30 pounds of equipment on the body for period of at least ten hours per shift, occasionally lift more than 120 pounds, repetitively lift up to 100 pounds; physical stamina sufficient to sit and drive for prolonged periods of time, mental acuity and alertness to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw rapid valid conclusions, make rapid valid judgments and decisions. Other physical requirements as described in the P.O.S.T. Medical Screening Manual.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
