Under general supervision, a Police Officer performs a wide range of law enforcement duties to protect life and property in accordance with applicable laws. Officers may be assigned to specialized units or tasks as needed and are expected to carry out related responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Enforce laws and ordinances to maintain public safety
- Respond to emergency calls and conduct investigations
- Prepare reports and testify in court as required
- Engage with the community to build trust and promote safety
- Carry out special assignments and participate in department initiatives
Specialized assignments may include:
- Patrol & Traffic Enforcement
- Narcotics & Detectives
- Off-Road & Surface Street Motorcycle Patrol
- Bike Patrol
- Special Weapons Team (SWAT)
- Crisis Negotiation Team
- Canine Unit
- Background Investigations
- School Liaison
- Gang Suppression
- Special Enforcement Section
- Intelligence Operation
POSITION DETAILS:
- Salary range from $43.24 - $56.01 with Excellent Benefits
- 5% Cost of Living Adjustment to $45.41 - $58.81 effective 6/29/26
NOTE: The City recently completed a compensation study comparing its salary ranges with those of other local agencies. As a result, 87% of salary ranges will be adjusted upward at various intervals. As ranges are adjusted, job postings will be updated to reflect these changes.
- Educational Incentive:
- POST Certification Incentives:
- Intermediate POST: 3% increase
- Advanced POST: 6% increase
- Work Schedule: 4/10 (four 10-hour shifts per week)
- Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training:
- Equivalent to graduation from an accredited U.S. high school OR passing score on the General Education Development (GED) test; OR Possession of a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
- College coursework in police science, criminal justice, or a related field is desirable.
Experience:
- Completion of a P.O.S.T.-certified training academy.
Special Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age as of the date of hire.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions.
Out-of-State Candidates:
- The California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) will conduct an evaluation of all out-of-state training.
- POST is the sole authority on applicable training and determines whether the candidate must attend an abbreviated academy or a regular police academy.
- If an academy is required, the candidate will be hired as a Police Officer Trainee. Upon completion of the academy, promotion will be made to Police Officer.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
https://www.simivalley.org/home/showpublisheddocument/31242
WHY SIMI VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT?
CLICK HERE to discover more about the Simi Valley Police Department, our mission, and career opportunities by visiting our website today!
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and abilities:
Dedicated and community‑focused law enforcement professional
Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to public service
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Thrives in dynamic, fast‑paced environments
Makes quick, informed decisions under pressure
Knowledgeable in modern policing practices and community engagement
Proactive approach to crime prevention
Physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the role
Skilled in de‑escalation, conflict resolution, and community‑based policing
Understands patrol procedures, criminal law, and investigative techniques
Able to work respectfully with diverse populations
Committed to high ethical standards and impartial enforcement
Willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
BENEFITS
We’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, and professional growth—because we believe taking care of our team is essential to serving our community.
Health & Wellness
- Medical Coverage: 100% City-paid premiums for most plans, including family coverage
- Dental & Vision: Fully covered dental (Delta Dental) and low-cost vision (VSP) plans
- Prescription Drug Plan: Access to major retail and mail-order options
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for health and dependent care expenses
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Up to 8 free confidential consultations for employees and household members
Retirement & Financial Planning
- CalPERS Pension:
- 3% @ 55 or 2.7% @ 57 plans (employee contributes 12%)
- Deferred Compensation:
- 401(k) and 457 plans with Roth options
- City contributes $20 per paycheck to 401(k)
- Retirement Health Savings:
- $300/month City contribution for retiree medical reimbursement
Paid Leave & Holidays
- Annual Leave (AL):
- 4.8 weeks/year to start (vacation + sick combined)
- Increases at 5 and 10 years of service
- Cash-out option after one year
- Holidays:
- 11 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday annually
Professional Development
- Educational Incentives:
- 5% for Bachelor’s degree
- 2.5% for Associate degree (after reaching step 4 of salary range)
- POST Certification Incentives:
- 3% for Intermediate POST
- 6% for Advanced POST
- Tuition Reimbursement:
Special Assignments & Allowances
- Additional monthly compensation for:
- Canine Unit: $589
- Detectives & Motors: $100
- Bilingual/Spanish: $100
- Uniform Allowance:
- $1,600/year + full initial uniform and safety equipment provided
Insurance Coverage
- Life Insurance:
- $100,000 employee coverage
- $5,000 dependent coverage
- Disability Plans:
- Short-term and long-term disability fully covered
- Optional AFLAC Plans:
- Accident, cancer, hospital, and critical care coverage available
We also host a full calendar of employee appreciation events and activities to celebrate the incredible work our team does year-round.
This information is intended to give an overview of the benefits available to City employees. It is not intended to be a contract (expressed or implied), nor is it intended to otherwise create any legally enforceable obligations on the part of the City, its agents or its employees.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
This recruitment is continuous with application review occurring on a regular basis. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the next steps in our hiring process. An invitation is not guaranteed.
Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City’s Application form. Employment applications must be complete, contain a minimum of ten years of experience (appropriately), and list gaps in employment.
SELECTION PROCESS:
All qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an Oral Appraisal Board interview. Candidates who successfully pass the Oral Board will be placed on an eligibility list based on their performance and ranking.
Prospective employees must also complete the following steps:
Physical Agility Examination
- Phase I Includes:
- 99 Yard Obstacle Course (time limit 25 seconds)
- Body Drag (165 pounds) (time limit 14 seconds)
- Chain Link Fence (time limit 10 seconds)
- Solid Fence (time limit 13.5 seconds)
- One Mile Run (time limit 10 minutes)
- Phase II: For candidates progressing to the Chief’s Oral Interview process
- 1.5 Mile Run (time limit 15 minutes)
- 15 Military Style Push-ups without stopping
This thorough process ensures that candidates meet the high standards required to serve the Simi Valley community with integrity and professionalism.
*Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must submit form DD214 with the application.
Comprehensive Background Investigation
- Includes:
- Medical Evaluation
- Psychological assessment
- Polygraph examination
- Drug and alcohol screening
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing.
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ENCOURAGING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
