Knowing things are better because you showed up. We think that's one of the best feelings there is. If you do too, you might make a good Salinas Police Officer. Read on...
What we look for
The most important quality we're looking for is good character: people who are honest, who will do the right thing, and who have a strong desire to serve.
Every candidate goes through a thorough background check, which looks at:
Who's eligible?
Many different kinds of people make good police officers -- male, female -- big, medium, or small -- from all kinds of backgrounds. What unites them is that commitment to making a difference for the better.
You must also:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have applied for citizenship before application
- Have a valid California Driver’s License.
- Have a high School diploma or GED
- Be at least 20½ at time of application and 21 years of age at time of appointment
- Be able to pass the medical/fitness test and a thorough background check.
What's the training like?
Police officer trainees attend the Academy, which is a full-time, 888-hour, intensive course that satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for California entry-level peace officers. The course typically meets Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., lasts approximately six months, and is designed for recruits who can dedicate their full attention and effort.
Following the Academy, field training consists of 20 weeks of intensive on-the-job training and daily performance evaluations. Officers are required to meet specific performance standards in 31 performance categories before being certified for solo patrol duty. After completion of the FTO program, each officer is assigned to a patrol team. During this time, the officer is evaluated monthly by their patrol sergeant. As the officers near the completion of their probationary period, each is assigned to a specific team/watch. Officers who have performed at an acceptable level and pass their probationary period are recommended for retention as permanent employees.
What's the pay like?
It's not why we do it, but the pay is very good, and so are the benefits.
