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, accidents, and other police incidents.

Makes arrests, issues citations, serves warrants and subpoenas.  Directs traffic, inspects premises for security.

Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.  Transports prisoners.

Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of equipment such as street lights 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 multiple calls, major traffic accidents, and other emergencies.  Completes reports in a timely manner.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs related duties, as assigned. 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control.

Grammar and composition.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Follow written and oral instructions.

Make decisions under pressure including life threatening situations. 

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner.

Provide effective customer service.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public.

Maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department.

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.

Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action.

Dealing with a variety of cultural sensitivity issues.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.  Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.  One year 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 the State of California.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.  Must possess 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.  Must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.

(Note: You must submit a copy of your Basic P.O.S.T. Certificate with your application.  You may send a scanned copy to merle.wynn@smgov.net or a fax copy to the attention of Merle Wynn at (310) 656-5705.  Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.)

NOTE:  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.