APPLICATION PROCESS
$20,000 - $40,000
Hiring incentives
We are Salinas Proud
Visit Here. Work here. Live Here.
we are good at what we do
We are here to assist
The Salinas Police Department invites motivated people seeking a challenging career in law enforcement to apply for and become Police Officers. This is an exciting opportunity for those with the desire to serve the Salinas community and be part of a hard-working team.
Through successful community policing, we are a reflection of the residents we serve. We aim to create a professional culture and inclusive environment that mirrors the best of all of us.
Application Process
Self-Assessment
Pre-employment Screening
Application
The Personal History Statement (PHS)
The Oral Board
The Background Investigation
Psychological Evaluation and Medical Examination/Physical
Interview with
Chief of Police
Do I Have What It Takes?
Physical Abilities Video Example
Although this is not a video from Salinas Police Department, it may prove to be helfpul to review if you are pursuing a career in law enforcement. Thank you to the San Francisco Police Department for their permission in sharing.
Contact a Recruitment
Officer at SPD
Salinas, California
Proud to wear the badge
Why Choose Us
Trust, Transparency, and Excellent Leadership
01
WORLD-CLASS TRAINING
We are considered an elite department with relevant, ongoing training designed to meet the complex challenges officers face on the job. We are Salinas proud.
02
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities with specialty units and a wide variety of assignments. All of our officers have the opportunity for specialty assignments and continuing education.
03
PRIORITY ON OFFICER WELLNESS
You take care of the community and we take care of you. We have several wellness initiatives such as peer support and officer chaplains, as well as an on-site workout room.
let's get started!
3 Easy Steps!
Although it is not required, it may be helpful to review a Handout offered by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. You may view or download it HERE.
New Recruits: Please complete ONE of the WRITTEN examinations below:
PELLETB (WRITTEN TEST): 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 1 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). SCHEDULE FOR POST PELLET B WRITTEN TEST HERE.
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 LAW ENFORCEMENT Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network.
PLEASE NOTE: Taking the NTN is an acceptable test, but please note that we do not accept applications through the NTN. See SPD’s application instructions below.
Recommended: Complete the Physical Agility Test consisting of the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB).
Applicants missing this test may still apply and participate in an interview, but it must be completed with a passing score before the department begins a background investigation. 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. In the meantime, please schedule at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wstb-physical-agility-tests-12069656292
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
Submit an application with passing written examination results (those missing the test results will not be invited to an interview).
The application can be found by following the link at NEOgov. Please select either “Police Recruit (Entry Level)” or “Police Recruit (Current Academy Attendee)” if you are attending a California Basic Academy. APPLICATION LINK AT Neogov.
Submit an application with required documents (those missing the documents will not be invited to an interview so please have your documents ready to attach).
The application can be found by following the link below. Select the specific position you are applying for.
Link: Neogov
Please note that the online application is the easiest step, but it is important to be accurate and avoid typos which are distracting from your qualifications.
Parts of the application include:
- Contact information
- Work experience
- Education
- Certificates and licenses
- References
- Attachments (for Police Trainee applicants you must attach your test results from the PELLET B and WSTB. Lateral Police Officer Applicants must attach their POST Basic Certificate)
- Supplemental questions
Will I Qualify?
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, please contact Sgt. Godwin at the Salinas Police Department or email one of our recruiters at Spdrecruitment@ci.salinas.ca.us
Choose Your Career Path
$20,000 - $40,000
Hiring Incentives
