Police Department
Recruitment
The Salinas Police Department has a staff of 171 sworn and 55 non-sworn personnel, as well as an annual budget of $18.5 million. The Department is responsible for providing a full range of crime prevention and law enforcement services to a diverse community of over 150,000 residents. The Department responds to an average of 8,500 calls for service each month, utilizing a community-oriented service approach.
The Position
Becoming a City of Salinas Police Officer represents an outstanding employment opportunity for dedicated and career-minded men and women.
- The City offers excellent salary and benefits.
- The City of Salinas Police Department operates on a Ten Plan (Patrol has rotating weekends off).
- Officers do not hand-write reports. Reports are dictated and typed by a 24-hour word processing unit.
- A variety of specialized assignments are available.
- Officers receive an additional 5% of base monthly salary while in designated special assignments.
- Officers receive night shift differential.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
Candidates offered employment must pass a pre-placement medical exam which includes
a drug & alcohol screening test prior to final appointment. Please note that hiring decisions may be based upon the results of the pre-employment drug & alcohol screening. Positive samples are retained for 90 days from the date of notification. Applicants with a positive result must notify the City in writing, prior to expiration of the 90 days, to request retention beyond the 90 day period. A copy of the City's Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy is available upon request.
Appointments
Prior to appointment, all candidates must successfully complete a background investigation, medical examination, drug & alcohol screening test, polygraph, and psychological exam. The background investigation also includes a criminal history and credit check. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. Appointments are normally made at the first salary step. Consideration is given for increase to the second salary step after a six month period. Experienced lateral entry officers may be started at higher salary steps depending on previous pay and experience.