Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must be at least 20.5 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has applied for citizenship OR have the legal right to work in the United States, and possess a high school diploma or GED. A valid California driver’s license is required, and applicants must be free of felony convictions and certain misdemeanors.

SMPD’s hiring includes:

1. Online application
2. Written NTN exam
3. Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ)
4. Oral interview
5. Background check
6. Polygraph
7. Executive interview
8. Psychological and medical exams
9. Police academy or field training

Lateral officers skip the written and PFQ. They begin at the oral interview after submitting an application. They must be currently employed as California peace officers, POST-certified, and have one year of full-time experience.

From application to starting the academy, the process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

The National Testing Network (NTN) is a standardized written exam used by SMPD to evaluate law enforcement candidates.It offers flexibility: applicants can take the test virtually or at testing centers nationwide. If you’ve taken the exam within the past year, your score may be transferred. NTN ensures consistency and allows applicants to prepare and test on their own schedule.

Base salary ranges from $120,636 to $148,932. With incentives like education, bilingual pay, uniform allowance, and holiday pay, total compensation ranges from $141,661 to $194,227 annually.

Officers receive 6% of base pay for an AA/AS degree or Intermediate POST Certificate, and 12.8% for a BA/BS degree or Advanced POST Certificate. These incentives apply to both salary and overtime.

SMPD participates in CalPERS pension. New hires (PEPRA) receive 2.7%@57. Lateral officers may qualify for 3%@50 through reciprocity. Additional savings can be built through 457 plans, cash-outs, and longevity pay.

Yes, though benefits vary by role and bargaining unit. Professional staff enjoy strong health coverage, paid leave, and opportunities for training and promotion. Contact HR for details.

SMPD offers flexible, compressed schedules: 3/12.5 shifts for patrol and 4/10 for special assignments. Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and cash-out options support personal balance.

Officers can promote through a clear leadership track: Sergeant → Lieutenant → Captain → Deputy Chief. Promotions are based on merit, experience, and leadership training. SMPD also offers mentoring, supervisory prep courses, and structured leadership development.

SMPD offers diverse assignments to support career growth and professional development. Opportunities include SWAT, K9, Field Training Officer, Detective Bureau, Crisis Negotiation Team, School Resource Officer, Downtown Bike Detail, Mounted Patrol, Drone Pilot and more. Officers often rotate through assignments and are encouraged to explore multiple roles.

Yes. SMPD offers up to $2,500 per year in tuition reimbursement for eligible employees pursuing approved coursework related to law enforcement, public administration, or professional advancement. This benefit supports continuing education at accredited institutions and reflects the department’s investment in long-term career growth.

SMPD embraces community policing through its Community Engagement Division and Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs). NROs are embedded in neighborhoods to build trust, solve problems, and collaborate with the community. Officers work closely with schools, businesses, and civic groups to co-create safer, more connected communities.

SMPD takes a collaborative, multi-layered approach to mental health response. The department partners with L.A. County Department of Mental Health (DMH), with mental health clinicians embedded alongside SMPD officers. Our Homeless Liaison Patrol (HLP) team and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) play a vital role in field-based crisis de-escalation. Additionally, all officers receive department-wide training on mental health awareness, intervention techniques, and trauma-informed care to ensure compassionate, effective service.

SMPD prioritizes the well-being of its personnel. Wellness resources include a Resilience Cadre, mental health counseling, peer support teams, the Wellness Hour (dedicated fitness time on-duty), resilience training, and support through EAP and specialized public safety clinicians. Officer health is essential to public safety success.