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Police Officer

Your career awaits you at the Santa Maria Police Department

Wearing This Badge is An Honor

The badge, sometimes referred to as a shield, is a symbol of public faith that those who wear it will serve and protect, uphold the laws of our great nation, and will constantly strive to be the best our society has to offer.

If you have the passion to serve as a law enforcement officer, we encourage you to consider a career with the Santa Maria Police Department!

The Code of Ethics

Do you have what it takes to live your life according to our profession’s code of ethics?

The Code of Ethics

Chief's Message

Chief Marc Schneider is looking for qualified people to join the SMPD team.

Chief's Message
The Santa Maria Police badge

What do
police officers do?

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Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work.

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Lawfully protects and serves the community.

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Handles emergency situations.

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Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas, etc.

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Investigates crimes and traffic accidents.

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Enforces laws without bias or prejudice.

Download Full Job Description

No Two Days Are The Same

Every day you come to work, you will face exciting challenges and rewarding experiences in a supportive community.

From This…

You may find yourself stopping a vehicle as it drives through a residential neighborhood at 3 am, because it had a headlight that was not working. As you speak to the occupants, you quickly notice their stories do not match up as to why they are on this particular street. You shine your flashlight into the back seat and quickly notice they have catalytic converters piled up.

Soon, the phone calls come into the police communications center, with victims reporting their catalytic converters have been stolen from their cars.

Santa Maria Police Officer Josh Yee stands near a patrol vehicle.
Santa Maria Police Officer Josh Yee stands near a patrol vehicle.

To This…

It is National Read Across America Day, and children throughout the city of Santa Maria are looking forward to their “special guest” who is coming to read a book to them. You are that special guest. But you are more than that…

In the eyes of these children, you are the one who chooses right over wrong. You listen to your mom and dad. You eat your vegetables and always go to bed on time. You do all of this while wearing your special belt with some really cool tools you will show them if they sit quietly while you read.

If This Sounds Like A Career For You, Apply Today!

Salary and Benefits

The Santa Maria Police Department offers a generous employment package consisting of great salary and benefits.

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Police Officer Trainee

$5,635.24 – $6,849.68

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Police Officer Lateral

$6,917.17 – $8,407.88

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Dispatcher Lateral

$5,989.21 – $7,279.91

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7.5% Education Incentive

We value education and will pay you extra for your degree.

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$20,000 Lateral Bonus

We value and need your experience.

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7.5% Specialty Assignment Pay

You’ll be compensated for working specialty assignments.

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10% Longevity Pay

We value your experience and appreciate your loyalty.

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240 Hours Annual Cash Out

Turn in your accumulated vacation hours for pay.

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2% - 5% Spanish Bilingual Pay

Your language skills can save lives and solve crimes.

The Application Process

There are many steps to becoming a police officer with the Santa Maria Police Department. Though it might seem like a long road, it will be worth it in the end.

Apply
Written & Physical
Interview & Personal History Statement
Background and Polygraph Exam
Psychological & Medical Evaluation

Apply

The first step in applying for our department is to make sure you meet the requirements for the position you are seeking. Those requirements can be found on the Available Positions page of our website. 

Written & Physical Exams

If invited, you will first take a physical agility test that consists of a short obstacle course, a 165-pound dummy drag, scaling a six-foot chain-link fence, and a 1/4 mile run. If you successfully complete the physical agility test, you will take a written examination that covers the areas of spelling, grammar, reading comprehension, and map reading skills (PELLETB exam). 

Interview & Personal History Statement

If you pass the physical agility and written exam, you may be invited to an oral interview. Be well-rested, look sharp, and be at the top of your game. We want to see who you are and hear what you have to say. We will ask you a variety of questions about your personal history, what your goals are, and some hypothetical questions as well. If you are still in the running, you will complete a lengthy personal history statement which covers your education, credit, relationships, employment, and business dealings.

Background & Polygraph Exam

A background investigator will review all information you have provided in your personal history statement and complete criminal and credit checks to validate the information you provided. The investigator will meet and speak with family members, neighbors, previous employers, and friends to learn more about you. We will send you to a polygraph examiner to go over your completed personal history statement. 

Psychological & Medical Evaluation

You will complete a written psychological examination test, as well as an in-depth personal meeting with a psychologist, who will determine your psychological ability to perform the duties of a police officer and ensure we have healthy women and men working for the department and serving the community of Santa Maria. You will also complete a thorough examination with a medical doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions from applicants.

How can I prepare for the written exam?
There are around 100 questions covering reading, writing, and logical reasoning on the written examination. You will need to have excellent reading and writing skills, such as spelling, English comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. We recommend you read articles, magazines, publications and books and then quiz yourself later on in the day on items you read. Practice writing without the use of spell-checking software or electronic devices. There are several resources online to help people improve these skills.
What is the memory recall portion of the exam?
As a police officer, it is imperative that you be able to quickly and accurately recall information you see, hear, or read. During the exam, you may be shown a picture or series of pictures to study for a period of time. You will then continue a different portion of the exam. After a period of time, questions about what you saw in the photo or photos will be asked, to see if you retained the information.
What should I wear or look like for testing?
Part of the hiring process is the constant evaluation of applicants. From the day you pick up or turn in any paperwork, to your physical agility, to various testing appointments, you will be observed. You should practice good hygiene, such as having clean fingernails. Your hair should be neat and professional in appearance. Clean, professional business attire should be considered any time you make an appearance. Obviously, this isn’t the case for the physical agility, where you should be wearing appropriate training clothing. For the oral interview, you should wear a properly tailored suit, with shined shoes. Don’t wear outlandish ties or colors, or have any lapel pins or jewelry on which would cause a distraction.
How can I prepare for the physical agility?
The physical agility test is purposely designed to see how your body reacts and performs when completing high-intensity, short-duration skills and movements. While lifting weights are excellent for building strength and toning a person’s physique, it does little to help you prepare your joints, muscles, and tendons for the physical agility test in terms of different movements and cardiovascular demands. Any type of functional fitness workout, such as a bootcamp, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), or CrossFit style workout routine would be excellent to use in your preparation for the physical agility test. You should also be able to run a few miles in a reasonable amount of time.
Why is spelling and grammar important?
Everything we do in law enforcement is documented. This documentation is then viewed by other police officers, supervisors, attorneys, judges, all parties to a crime, and can be released to the public. Your credibility and the department’s professionalism is on view for the world to see. Although it may seem small, when people find errors in your written documentation, they may wonder what errors were made in the arrest of a subject or an investigation.
Do you check social media activity?
We will view your online activities, as this is a good way for us to see how you conduct yourself in life. We want to know answers to questions like: Are you hostile or confrontational with people expressing different opinions? Do you bully people online? Who are your friends or followers? What do you like to do or not like to do? In today’s climate, social media can reveal a great deal about a person. If you exercise good judgment, display a positive attitude, and behave in a manner desired of a member of the law enforcement community, your social media activities will be viewed favorably.
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Serving With Pride Every Day

With a dedication to the safety and security of the residents, business owners, and visitors of Santa Maria, each member of the department performs their duties with selflessness and a genuine commitment to the community.

A Santa Maria Police Officer uses his computer in his patrol vehicle
A Santa Maria Police Dispatcher watches his computer screens for calls and messages
A Santa Maria Police Motor Officer approaches a vehicle
A Santa Maria Police SWAT Member checks his equipment
A Santa Maria Police Officer gives a high five to a child in a park

“During the oral interview, you might be asked what you know about the department.

Memorizing the names and assignments of key leaders within the organization demonstrates your memorization skills, your determination to become a member of the department, and your research skills.”

 

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