Active Duty
Military Candidates
Come home to a new career. Be the hero you already are!
HIRING INCENTIVE $20,000
We want you, TOO!
Are you interested in continuing to serve your community at the conclusion of your Military commitment? Many Salinas Police Officers were once in your position, and there is a place for you here. It does not matter where you are located in the world, we can work with you. If you are in the last six months of your commitment, there are many steps we can take now; there is no need to wait.
Although being a Police Recruit is an Entry Level position, we can assure you that there will be many opportunities for advancement and we take your experience in the military very seriously. You are, after all, already a hero. Thank you for your service!
After selection, Police Recruits attend a Police Academy for basic police training. Once graduated, Recruits are promoted to sworn Police Officers.
- Must be able to work legally in the United States
- Must possess a valid state Driver License (non-military) and obtain a California Class C driver license before being appointed to the position of Police Recruit
- Have a High School diploma or GED
- Be at least 20 ½ at time of application and 21 years at time of appointment
- Be able to pass a fitness test, written test, a thorough background check, a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, a drug and alcohol screening test, and a medical examination
Step 1
- Contact Sergeant James Godwin at (831) 758-7122 or Spdrecruitment@ci.salinas.ca.us
This is a very important step, and we will provide a blueprint for your individual testing process. Do not be discouraged if you are unable to appear in-person due to location or assignment. Each Military member has unique circumstances, and we will do whatever we can to move you forward while you are still serving.
Step 2
Complete ONE of the below written examinations: (there are several options for both remote and in-person written examinations)
PELLETB:
- Complete the California P.O.S.T. Reading and Writing Test (PELLETB)
- Pass Point is a T-Score of 48 or higher (results valid for one year)
- For more information or to register go to: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests this test is preferred for those who reside in California)
OR
National Testing Network (NTN):
- Complete the National Testing Network Test (NTN)
- Pass Point scores are 65% Video, 70% Reading, and 70% Writing (results valid for 1 year)
- For more information or to register go to: https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs
Step 3
Complete physical Agility Test
The Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB)
If you are unable to complete a physical agility test due to location, we will accept a passing PT card until such a time the agility test can be completed. A passing agility test is required before hire. The Salinas Police Department will only accept results from South Bay Regional Public Training Consortium. For more information, please visit: http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests
NOTE: SPD plans to begin hosting WSTB testing soon. Watch for updates to this page.)
The Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) consists of:
- 99-yard obstacle course
- 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.)
- 6-foot chain link fence climb
- 6-foot solid wall climb
- 500 yard sprint
- 1.5 Mile Run
Step 4
- Submit an application with passing written examination results (those missing the test results will not be invited to an interview)
Contact Sergeant James Godwin (831) 758-7122 for the “Active-Duty Military” and “Police Recruit” application link. This job posting was created specifically for service members with geographic and schedule challenges.
The State of California maintains hiring and retention standards for peace officers. The criteria for disqualification are found here.
The Salinas Police Department maintains a hiring standard regarding drug usage and criminal record above and beyond what is required by the state of California. The following section describes the conduct that is automatically disqualifying for the Salinas Police Department:
Hallucinogens – any adult use or possession in the past 7 years.
Other drugs – any other illegal drug use or possession of a drug not mentioned above in the last 3 years.
Driving (within the past three years)
Receipt of three or more moving violations or any life-threatening violation such as reckless driving, speed contest, pursuit, etc. Moving violations for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included
Involvement as the driver in two or more “at fault” collisions.
A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
PERMENANTLY DISQUALIFYING
Two or more convictions of a misdemeanor offense under California law as an adult
Conviction of any misdemeanor offense while employed as a peace officer or military police officer
SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT APPEARANCE STANDARDS
Tattoos and body art must not be visible when on duty. Non-medically required tongue splitting or piercing, complete or transdermal implantation of any material other than hair replacement, abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, nose, or teeth, and branding or scarification, are prohibited.
If you have any questions about the hiring process, please contact Sgt. James Godwin at (831) 758-7122 or email us at Spdrecruitment@ci.salinas.ca.us
Hiring Process
We have simplified our hiring process as much as possible, enabling you to begin your application immediately. It is a priority for us to reach more diverse applicants by removing barriers that may keep candidates from applying.
Though the hiring process and testing may seem laborious and rigorous, we are certain that if you are reading this right now, you already appreciate that our Department works hard to make sure only the most qualified individuals earn the right to wear our badge. If you feel that you have the integrity, character and abilities required to proudly wear the uniform of Salinas Police Department, you are invited to review our qualification information.
If you have any questions regarding recruitment, please feel free to email spdrecruitment@ci.salinas.ca.us. Thank you!
