About the Department

Open: Continuous

Physical Agility/PELLETB Testing: Monthly

Interview Date: TBD

Anticipated Start Date: Approx. 4-5 weeks before academy start date

****Applicants for this Police Trainee recruitment may attend the early Spring 2025 or Fall 2025 academy at the Allan Hancock College Lompoc Campus.

*THIS RECRUITMENT IS FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN TO A BASIC CA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY*

Please contact staff in the Training and Recruitment Bureau at 805-928-3781 x2144 for specific job-related questions. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-877-204-4442.

Santa Maria Police Department Recruitment Website

The City of Santa Maria is the largest city in the Santa Barbara County (located on the central coast) with a population of over 100,000. This growing department currently has 165 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Come join our hard working and innovative team!

Recruitment Video

REQUIRED SUMITTALS
Due upon application:

Cover letter
Résumé
PELLETB Score (**If you do not have a current PELLETB score of 42 or better, please attach a simple word doc requesting an opportunity to test. We will be conducting a PELLETB exam and need to know how many applicants need to test).

Position Duties

The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

Attends P.O.S.T. certified police academy, participating in and successfully passing all mandated classes designated to develop awareness and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Police Officers.
Academy training may include:
- Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms.
- Review of radio codes and applicable Penal Code, Vehicle Code and other statutory code sections.
- Overview of the court system.
- Writing and editing police reports.
- Observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention, and protection of citizens and property.
- Review of rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Developing and maintaining a high level of physical fitness.
- Learning and demonstrating competence in arrest and control techniques.
Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
Police Trainee

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or a G.E.D.

Experience: Experience in a law enforcement environment desirable.

OR any combination of education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the above minimum requirements.

Knowledge of:
Basic English composition, grammar, and spelling; the English language; after completion of the academy, knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; basic knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances; and principles and practices of exemplary customer service.

Ability to:

Acquire knowledge to pass the P.O.S.T. certified police academy; write clearly, accurately, concisely, legibly, and with correct English grammatical construction and spelling; read and interpret technical documents in English; communicate effectively in both oral and written form; observe, assimilate, remember, record, and recall pertinent facts and details; read maps and mapped information; apply selected knowledge (i.e., laws, statutes, court decisions, department policies, criminal investigation theories, etc.) in collecting, organizing, and analyzing a variety of information in order to decide on an appropriate and reasonable course of action; take a proactive approach to problem solving; analyze problems and have the potential to rationally and calmly take effective action in emergency and stressful situations; plan and effectively present material orally to diverse groups; deal courteously and appropriately with the public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; develop skill in the use of firearms; effectively utilize required equipment; undergo and maintain the appropriate physical conditioning; use word processing and computer software highly desirable; learn the organization, procedures, and operating details of the City department to which assigned; attend work, as scheduled, on a regular basis, to effectively perform the position's required duties and responsibilities, collaborate with a variety of diverse interest groups in reaching a consensus for the betterment of the community; demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community, and speak Spanish highly desirable.

License:
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and be insurable to operate City vehicles.

Special Requirements:
Minimum age of 21 years upon graduation. Weight must be in proportion to height. Vision must be within P.O.S.T. standards and normal color and depth perception. Successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph, psychological examination, physical agility test, and medical examination which includes a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Police car; police radio; in-car camera, radar gun; handgun and other weapons as required; baton; Taser, handcuffs; flashlight, breathalyzer; first aid equipment; Mobile Data Terminal (MDT); computers and related software.

ACADEMY MANDATES FOR ALL RECRUITS

You may not enter or start the academy unless you are on a FULL DUTY status.
1. You cannot start the academy on a "light duty" status.
2. You cannot start the academy if you have any physical limitations.
On the first day of the academy, arrive in PT gear. At 8 am, we will administer a physical fitness assessment test, which will consist of:
1. Pull-ups (recruits are expected to do at least one pull-up)
2. Sit-ups (2-minute time limit, recruits must do at least 35 sit-ups)
3. Push-ups (no time limit, recruits must do at least 25 push-ups)
4. 1.5-mile run (recruits must complete the run in 15 minutes or less)
5. Beep test (recruits must reach stage 3)
6. Failure to meet the above standards b-e, may determine the recruit's ability to continue in the academy.

https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/public-services/lawenforcement/basic-academy.php

Basic Law Enforcement Academy
The Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy is one of the finest law enforcement basic training programs in the State of California.
www.hancockcollege.edu

Other Qualifications

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and supplemental questions, and electronic attachments of a resume, cover letter, and passing PELLETB score letter (if applicable). If a resume, cover letter and score letter are not attached your application will be considered incomplete. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

Those applicants invited to test will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment (please check your spam/junk folder). A physical agility and PELLETB test date is anticipated to be scheduled for TBD. Failure to attend or pass the physical agility and PELLETB test will result in disqualification from the process. Oral interviews will be scheduled for TBD. The oral board will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which new Police Trainees may be selected.

Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation.