The Department

The Salinas Police Department has a staff of 177 sworn and 78 non-sworn personnel, an authorized sworn strength of 187 police officers, and 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 160,000 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 women and men.

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.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy: Candidates offered employment must pass a pre-placement medical exam which includes a drug and alcohol screening test, prior to final appointment. Hiring decisions may be based upon the results of the pre-employment drug and 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 and Alcohol Testing Policy is available upon request.

WE VALUE THE EXPERIENCE LATERAL OFFICERS BRING TO OUR DEPARTMENT AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGE LATERAL APPLICANTS.

Minimum Qualifications: