Police Officer Trainee Santa Maria

****Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus.

Please contact staff in the Training and Recruitment Bureau at 805-928-3781 x2144 for specific job-related questions. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-877-204-4442.
 
Santa Maria Police Department Recruitment Website

The City of Santa Maria is the largest city in the Santa Barbara County (located on the central coast) with a population of over 100,000. This growing department currently has 165 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Come join our hard working and innovative team! 

REQUIRED SUBMITTAL

 Due upon application:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• PELLETB Score (**If you do not have a current PELLETB score of 42 or better, please attach a simple word doc requesting an opportunity to test. We will be conducting a PELLETB exam and need to know how many applicants need to test).

DUTIES

The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.  This position:

• Attends P.O.S.T. certified police academy, participating in and successfully passing all mandated classes designated to develop awareness and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers.   
• Academy training may include: 
  • Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms.
  • Review of radio codes and applicable Penal Code, Vehicle Code and other statutory code sections.
  • Overview of the court system.
  • Writing and editing police reports.
  • Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention, and protection of citizens and property.
  • Review of rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Developing and maintaining a high level of physical fitness.
  • Learning and demonstrating competence in arrest and control techniques.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director. 
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

 DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION: 
 Police Trainee

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from high school or a G.E.D.
 
Experience:  Experience in a law enforcement environment desirable.
 
OR any combination of education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the above minimum requirements.
 
Knowledge of:
Basic English composition, grammar, and spelling; the English language; after completion of the academy, knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; basic knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances; and principles and practices of exemplary customer service.
 
Ability to:

License:
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and be insurable to operate City vehicles.
 
Special Requirements:
Minimum age of 21 years upon graduation. Weight must be in proportion to height. Vision must be within P.O.S.T. standards and normal color and depth perception. Successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph, psychological examination, physical agility test, and medical examination which includes a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
 
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

1. You may not enter or start the academy unless you are on a FULL DUTY status.
   1. You cannot start the academy on a "light duty" status.
   2. You cannot start the academy if you have any physical limitations.
2. On the first day of the academy, arrive in PT gear.  At 8 am, we will administer a physical fitness assessment test, which will consist of:
   1. Pull-ups (recruits are expected to do at least one pull-up)
   2. Sit-ups (2-minute time limit, recruits must do at least 35 sit-ups)
   3. Push-ups (no time limit, recruits must do at least 25 push-ups)
   4. 1.5-mile run (recruits must complete the run in 15 minutes or less)
   5. Beep test (recruits must reach stage 3)
   6. Failure to meet the above standards b-e, may determine the recruit's ability to continue in the academy.

https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/public-services/lawenforcement/basic-academy.php

Pay:

• Full-Time - $2,842.06 - $3,454.54 Biweekly  

Martin Rivera