POLICE OFFICER (LATERAL) (20685934)

Bring your experience, skills, and dedication to a department that values professionalism, integrity, and community partnership. As a Lateral Police Officer with the Simi Valley Police Department, you’ll join a team committed to protecting and serving while enjoying competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and opportunities for specialized assignments and career advancement.

We recognize the value of seasoned officers and offer a seamless transition into our department, where your expertise will make an immediate impact. With a supportive leadership team, advanced training, and a strong focus on work‑life balance, Simi Valley PD is the place to continue building your law enforcement career.

                                     POSITION DETAILS:

• Salary range $43.24 - $56.01 hourly with Excellent Benefits 
  • 5% Cost of Living Adjustment increase to $45.41-$58.81 effective 6/15/26
• Educational Incentive:
  • ​​​​​​​Bachelor’s degree: 5% salary increase

  • Associate degree: 2.5% salary increase (requires step 4 of salary range)

• POST Certification Incentives:
  • Intermediate POST: 3% increase
  • Advanced POST: 6% increase

• 4/10 work schedule (Four 10-hour shifts)
• Must be willing 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.

License or Certificate: 

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Possession of a California Basic P.O.S.T. certificate within one year of employment.

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.

                                     JOB DESCRIPTION:

                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 lateral candidate will bring experience, professionalism, and a strong commitment to community service. Specifically, they will:

• Bring proven law enforcement experience, demonstrating sound judgment and effective problem‑solving skills.

• Maintain composure under pressure, handling fast‑paced and challenging situations with confidence and self‑control.

• Exhibit strong communication skills, both in routine interactions and during critical incidents.

• Work collaboratively with fellow officers, community members, and partner agencies to achieve shared goals.

• Adapt to diverse challenges with professionalism, empathy, and resilience.

• Uphold the highest ethical standards, fostering integrity, accountability, and public trust.

• Demonstrate leadership qualities and a proactive approach to crime prevention.

• Be passionate about making a positive impact in the community through service‑oriented policing.

                                           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:
  • Up to $600/year

 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

Comprehensive Background Investigation

• Includes:
  • Medical evaluation
  • Psychological assessment
  • Polygraph examination
  • Drug and alcohol screening

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.

                          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