Police Officer - Entry Level

Eligible for a Hiring Bonus!

$20,000 ($2,000 upon hire; $3,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Program; $3,000 upon completion of second year of employment; $4,000 upon completion of third year of employment; $4,000 at the completion of fourth year of employment; and $4,000 upon completion of fifth year of employment with the city.) This specific portion of the policy is limited to the fiscal year funding availability, as determined by the City Manager.

ENTRY LEVEL SALARY: $7,955- $10,662 per month. Salary also includes an automatic 8 hrs. straight time each month due to 3/12 shift and 9.5 hrs. straight time for monthly holiday pay. This is a non-sworn training level classification requiring no prior law enforcement experience. Trainees will be sent to a basic police academy and upon successful completion of the academy, will be promoted to the sworn police officer classification.

HIRING BONUS: $20,000 ($2,000 upon hire; $3,000 upon successful completion of the Field Training Program; $3,000 upon completion of second year of employment; $4,000 upon completion of third year of employment; $4,000 at the completion of fourth year of employment; and $4,000 upon completion of fifth year of employment with the city.) This specific portion of the policy is limited to the fiscal year funding availability, as determined by the City Manager.

BENEFITS

RETIREMENT: The City of Scotts Valley participates in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). State laws have established the following retirement requirements:
Candidates currently enrolled in the PERS system (Classic): 3.0% @ 50, with a 9% employee contribution and 3-year average;
Candidates new to the PERS system, or who have had more than a six-month break from PERS (PEPRA), and upon completion of police academy: 2.7% @ 57, with a 13.75% employee contribution (subject to change in July) and 3-year average.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Dental / Vision premiums paid by the City of Scotts Valley. Medical premiums paid by the City as follows:

• City Contribution: $1182.93 for Employee Only, $2392.66 for Employee +1, $3099.82 for Employee +2.

LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 double indemnity policy; paid by the City of Scotts Valley.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY: Premiums paid by the City of Scotts Valley.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Fully provided by the City of Scotts Valley, including cleaning.

VACATION: Full-time employees are eligible for 80 hours of vacation per year up to 5 years of service; 120 hours from 5 to 10 years of service; 160 hours for 10 years of service; and 168 hours for 15 or more years of service.

HOLIDAYS: Full-time employees are required to work holidays; however, officers receive 6% of base salary in lieu of holidays off. In addition, employees who work a twelve (12) hour shift on a City-recognized holiday (other than a floating holiday) will receive double time for the first four hours of work on the holiday, in addition to regular pay for the rest of the day worked.

LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% @ 5 years. An additional 2.5% at the completion of 10 years. An additional 1% at 15 years.

SICK LEAVE: Unlimited sick leave accumulation at ninety-six hours per year. The City has a sick leave buy-back incentive program.

PRE-TAX DEDUCTIONS: The Flexible Spending Account allows employees to make pre-tax deductions for allowable medical expenses not covered by the medical plan. The Dependent Care Assistance Program allows employees to make pre-tax deductions for dependent care.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Effective January 1, 2025, the City will match up to $50.00 during the 1st and 2nd pay period of each month (up to a maximum of $100.00 per month) of an employee’s contribution.

BILINGUAL PAY: The City shall provide a monthly allowance of $200 for bilingual speaking skills, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police.

EDUCATION INCENTIVE: Upon completion of FTO, sworn personnel are eligible for the following monthly education incentive compensation: AA/AS: $150; BA/BS: $250; MA: $300.

OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE: Access to credit union, tuition reimbursement for job-related courses approved by the Chief of Police, employee membership in PORAC Union Representation, direct payroll…